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In this article
- The short version
- What decides the price of a custom aquarium
- Glass vs acrylic at a glance
- Freshwater vs saltwater at a glance
- What running a custom aquarium costs
- How long a build takes
- Warranty
- What to ask for in a quotation
- Ways to keep the budget in check
- Frequently asked questions
- Get a price for your own space
Custom freshwater aquariums from Water Wonders start from AED 15,000, and saltwater aquariums from AED 20,000. Residential and commercial projects are priced on the same basis. Beyond the starting figure, the price depends on a handful of decisions, and this guide explains each so you can budget before you speak to anyone.
We do not publish a price table by litre, because a number taken from a table is usually wrong for the project in front of you. A 500-litre tank in a straight rectangle and a 500-litre curved divider are different builds. What we can do is show you what moves the price, what the running costs look like, and what to ask for in a quotation.
The short version
- Freshwater custom aquariums: from AED 15,000.
- Saltwater custom aquariums: from AED 20,000.
- Build time: roughly 20 to 120 days, depending on size and material.
- Maintenance: priced per visit, from AED 300.
- Emergency call-out: from AED 400, with our team available 24/7.
What decides the price of a custom aquarium
Size and shape
Larger tanks need more material, stronger supports, bigger filtration and more labour to move and install. Shape matters as much as volume: curved panels, cylinders and room dividers cost more to fabricate than a plain rectangle, and a built-in wall tank needs work on the wall behind it.
Glass or acrylic
The material changes the cost, the weight and what is possible. Glass is scratch-resistant and suits smaller, flat tanks. Acrylic is much lighter, can be formed into curves and large seamless panels, and its fine scratches can be polished out. For large or custom shapes acrylic is often the better value once supports and installation are counted. We compare them in detail on our custom aquarium page.
Freshwater or saltwater
Saltwater systems need more equipment and attention, which is why they start higher. At Water Wonders, our saltwater aquariums are designed around fish, with aquascaping and artificial coral rather than live coral reefs. If you are still deciding between the two, read saltwater vs freshwater aquariums for Dubai homes.
Life support and cooling
Filtration, sump, pumps, UV and controls keep the water safe, and they are sized to the volume and the fish. In the UAE a chiller is part of most designs, because tank temperature is hard to hold through summer without one. Better equipment costs more, and it is where saving money usually costs more later.
Cabinet, finish and lighting
The cabinet or surround is often a significant item in a high-end interior. Panelling, stone, lacquer, lighting and hidden doors can be as important to the look as the tank itself, and they are priced separately from the tank.
Access and installation
Getting a large tank into a room can require lifting equipment, planning with building management and work out of hours. Upper floors, tight corridors and finished interiors raise the cost of installation. Checking the floor is also part of the job, since a large tank is very heavy.
Glass vs acrylic at a glance
| Factor | Glass | Acrylic |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Smaller, flat tanks | Large, curved or custom tanks |
| Weight | Heavy | About half that of glass |
| Scratches | Very resistant | More easily marked, but polishable |
| Shapes | Mostly flat | Curves, cylinders, seamless panels |
| Price effect | Often cheaper for small flat tanks | Often better value for large or custom builds |
Freshwater vs saltwater at a glance
| Factor | Freshwater | Saltwater |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | From AED 15,000 | From AED 20,000 |
| Equipment | Standard filtration | More specialised equipment |
| Care level | Easier | More demanding |
| Look | Planted, natural scapes | Vivid marine fish |
What running a custom aquarium costs
The build is only part of the cost. Over time you will pay for electricity (pumps, lighting and cooling), fish food and treatments, water, and servicing.
- Maintenance visits are priced per visit, not as a monthly fee, and start from AED 300.
- Standard plan: cleaning inside and out, water checks, filtration cleaning, fish health, and inspection of equipment, sealant and waterproofing, lighting and temperature.
- Premium plan: everything in Standard, plus medication and food, equipment replacement where needed and replacement of fish losses.
- Emergencies: our team is available 24/7, with call-outs from AED 400.
See our maintenance page for details.
How long a build takes
Most builds take between 20 and 120 days. Size and material are the main reasons for the range, and decisions made late in the process are the main reason for delay.
Warranty
All our products carry a warranty. We use quality materials and supervise manufacturing ourselves, and the length of the warranty depends on the product and what is agreed in your quotation.
What to ask for in a quotation
- Dimensions, shape and material of the tank.
- Filtration, sump, UV and cooling, listed separately.
- Cabinet or surround and lighting.
- Delivery, installation and any lifting.
- Cycling, stocking and aquascaping.
- Handover, training and warranty terms.
- A maintenance plan and call-out price.
Ways to keep the budget in check
- Choose a size that fits the room instead of the largest the space allows.
- Pick a standard shape and spend on the finish that you see.
- Start with a modest stocking list and add fish over time.
- Do not economise on filtration, cooling or structure.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum cost of a custom aquarium in Dubai?
Our custom freshwater aquariums start from AED 15,000, and saltwater aquariums from AED 20,000.
Is a commercial aquarium priced differently?
No. We price residential and commercial projects on the same basis, so size, material and specification decide the figure.
How much does aquarium maintenance cost?
Maintenance is priced per visit and starts from AED 300. Premium plans and larger systems cost more.
How long does it take to build a custom aquarium?
Roughly 20 to 120 days, depending on the size and the material.
Do you also stock the fish and design the aquascape?
Yes. We design the layout and interior around your preferences and the fish you want, and prepare a safe habitat for them. For ideas about species, see 7 best aquarium fish for Dubai homes.
Is there a warranty?
Yes. Its length depends on the product and the terms agreed.
Get a price for your own space
The quickest way to a real number is to tell us the room, the size you have in mind and whether you prefer freshwater or saltwater. Request a quotation, or read about our company and in-house workshop.