Tanganyika and Malawi Aquariums

The Tanganyika and Malawi aquariums at the Hodonín Zoo are a project involving the creation of artificial rocks and naturalistic aquarium decorations in two large freshwater tanks. The new exhibit was created in a pavilion built on the site of a previous structure, which was damaged by a tornado that swept through Hodonín in June 2021. Skalisty’s scope of work included the construction and shaping of 150 m² of artificial rocks and the creation of a realistic environment inspired by Lake Tanganyika and Lake Malawi.

The two aquariums have a combined capacity of 160,000 liters of water and are among the largest freshwater exhibits of their kind in the Czech Republic. Each tank represents a distinct environment of one of Africa’s Great Lakes. Ultimately, the exhibit will be home to approximately 2,000 fish representing 35 species, including endemic species that occur exclusively in these unique ecosystems in the wild.

In the Tanganyika aquarium, we created dark artificial rocks resembling igneous rocks. Their distinctive, irregular texture, deep crevices, ledges, and hiding spots recreate the rocky character of the lake’s habitats and provide a natural backdrop for the fish. We designed the composition as an elaborate spatial structure that allows the animals to occupy different levels of the tank, establish territories, and make use of sheltered areas.

For the Malawi aquarium, we built light-colored artificial rocks inspired by sandstone. The lighter color scheme, layered textures, and naturalistically modeled edges create a distinctive landscape and highlight the colors of the cichlids characteristic of this lake. Artificial rocks in aquariums serve more than just a decorative purpose. They provide shelters, define territorial boundaries, and offer spaces where fish can exhibit their natural behaviors. The design was tailored to meet both the requirements of fish breeding and the need for adequate visibility of the exhibit for visitors.

Building 150 m² of rock formations in such large tanks required combining naturalistic modeling with the technical requirements of public aquariums. We adapted the formations to the structure of the aquariums, large-format glass panels, technical installations, and the water circulation and purification system. The design also took into account service access, durability, animal safety, surface resistance to constant contact with water, and the ability to maintain the proper biological and chemical parameters of the environment.

To construct the decorations, we used specialized mineral mortars designed for creating artificial rocks in aquariums. The light-colored ESTonetex Extreme base allowed us to achieve the sandy and sandstone hues of the Malawi composition, while the gray ESTonetex SR/MR base served as the starting point for the darker, volcanic forms of the Tanganyika composition. We combined both mixtures with the mineral additive EST-26, which increases strength, helps stabilize pH, and creates a surface that allows for gradual colonization by living organisms. As a result, the decorations can integrate even more naturally into the biological environment of the tanks over time.

Each formation was hand-sculpted, which is why both aquariums feature a unique arrangement of rocks, textures, and colors. After creating the basic rock forms, the surfaces were refined through a multi-stage coloring process that highlighted the layered structure of the light-colored sandstone and the depth of the dark forms resembling igneous rocks. During the final stage of setting up the tanks, we also prepared smaller rock elements to complement the composition and create a seamless transition between the large formations and the aquarium floor.

The installation inside the new pavilion also required planning the transportation and sequence of delivering heavy materials to the exhibition level. Mortar deliveries were organized according to the construction methods and color schemes of both tanks, and their movement was coordinated with the ceiling’s load capacity and access for transport equipment. This preparation allowed for rock modeling to proceed without disrupting other work on the aquariums and technical installations.

The project was carried out in collaboration with AKVARIA CZ s.r.o., a company specializing in aquarium solutions. The general contractor for the pavilion was 3V&H s.r.o. from Uherský Brod, and the architectural design was prepared by the MY3 architekti studio in Brno. The investor for the project was the City of Hodonín, which operates the zoo.

The project at Hodonín Zoo demonstrates how artificial rocks, aquarium decorations, and themed tanks can combine a naturalistic aesthetic with breeding, educational, and technical functions. The new Tanganyika and Malawi aquariums allow for the presentation of Africa’s unique ecosystems and the observation of fish behavior in a space inspired by their natural habitat.