Sea Life Melbourne – Ocean Invaders Exhibit

Project Overview

In 2019, RedFin was commissioned to develop an exciting and innovative extension to the renowned Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium. The Ocean Invaders exhibit, a landmark project valued at 1 million USD, successfully opened in December 2019. Occupying an area of 300 m², the exhibit showcases a diverse range of aquatic life through cutting-edge design and immersive visitor experiences.

Concept Development

From the initial stages, RedFin collaborated closely with Sea Life Melbourne’s design and curatorial teams to conceptualize an engaging and educational exhibit that would captivate visitors and promote awareness of marine biodiversity. The vision was to create a multi-functional space combining public display, research, and interactive learning.

Key elements included designing aquariums that would allow visitors to experience marine life from unique perspectives such as crawling inside a double-cylinder tank and integrating digital media to enhance storytelling through live aquatic habitats.

Technical Design

RedFin’s in-house team of aquaculture specialists and marine engineers developed detailed technical drawings and system schematics to meet the ambitious design goals. The project required:

  • Design and specification of 60 specialized aquariums tailored for various functions including public displays, back-of-house filtration and quarantine tanks, and an educational laboratory.

  • Innovative tank designs such as a double-cylinder tank allowing visitors to physically enter the aquarium space, enhancing immersion.

  • A patented dual-flow tumbler aquarium with an adjustable water floor, complemented by a specialized rear screen that enabled video projection directly onto the aquarium backdrop, creating dynamic visual storytelling opportunities.

  • Life Support Systems (LSS) engineered to maintain optimal water quality, temperature, and filtration parameters for diverse marine species.

Each element was engineered to strict Australian and international aquarium safety and sustainability standards, ensuring reliability and longevity.

Manufacturing

All aquariums and supporting structures were fabricated by RedFin’s trusted manufacturing partners under rigorous quality control measures. Advanced materials and manufacturing techniques were employed to ensure crystal-clear viewing panels, robust structural integrity, and leak-proof seals.

Special features, such as the double-cylinder tanks and projection-compatible rear screens, required custom fabrication and innovative engineering solutions. Life support equipment, including pumps, UV sterilizers, and bio-filtration units, were precision-integrated into custom-built skids designed to maximize efficiency and minimize footprint.

Shipping & Carnage

The entire exhibit, including 60 tanks and extensive life support equipment, was carefully packed and shipped from the manufacturing facilities to Melbourne. Due to the fragile nature of large acrylic panels and complex filtration units, RedFin coordinated specialized transport and handling logistics to minimize risk.

Upon arrival, each crate was inspected and unpacked in sequence to maintain project timelines. RedFin’s logistics team collaborated with local contractors and the aquarium management team to ensure smooth site access and minimal disruption.

Installation

Installation took place on-site over several weeks, involving a multidisciplinary team of aquarists, engineers, and installation specialists. RedFin managed all aspects of tank placement, plumbing, electrical connections, and integration with Sea Life Melbourne’s existing infrastructure.

Key challenges included:

  • Precise alignment and secure mounting of the double-cylinder tank to allow safe visitor access.

  • Calibration of the dual-flow tumbler aquariums to ensure consistent water movement and visual clarity.

  • Installation and testing of the rear projection screens to synchronize with aquarium lighting and water flow.

Throughout installation, RedFin maintained a strong focus on health and safety, environmental standards, and minimization of impact on daily aquarium operations.

Project Highlights

  • Project Value: USD 1,000,000

  • Exhibit Area: 300 m²

  • Aquariums Designed: 60 specialist tanks

  • Unique Features: Double-cylinder visitor tank, dual-flow tumbler with video projection backdrop

  • Opening Date: December 2019