An Aquarium Wall

For many people, the word "aquarium" brings to mind teak-effect cabinets, fluorescent gravel and plastic weed. When incorporated into a stud
partition or a load-bearing wall, however, an aquarium can add interest and beauty to a modern interior, without a hint of Dralon sofa or patterned carpet.

A good-sized tank might be 1.2m high and 2m long. Since the tank will be viewed from both sides, though, it should be deeper, from front to back, than a traditional aquarium ; 500mm is generally the minimum depth. Supported within a steel frame, a stud partition wall can be built around it.

A choice must be made between cold or tropical freshwater environments or the more complicated saltwater, marine set-up. Additionally, a "nature aquarium" arrangement, involving heavy planting and fewer, smaller fish, may be an appealing choice for those keen on gardening. This will require a specialised carbon- dioxide addition system to cater for the needs of the plants. Whichever system you choose, maintenance is vital both for appearance and for the health of the fish in the tank. It may be worth entering into a maintenance contract if you don't think you will have either the time or the inclination to keep this up.

What it costs: [pound]7,500, excluding building cost of stud partition

Shopping list: 1.2m x 2m x 50cm glass aquarium in steel frame, installation of tropical freshwater environment and life support system, [pound]7,500 20 adult goldfish, [pound]100 45 adult Malawi cichlids, [pound]1,750 Carbon-dioxide addition system, [pound]1,000 Maintenance visit, from [pound]50

Extras: a shoal of 150 neon tetra, [pound]300 A shoal of 12-14 discus fish, [pound]780 Marine tank
with a computer-controlled life support system, from [pound]15,000, plus fish Marine fish, from [pound]10 to [pound]250 each