Services Offered
1. Custom Aquarium Design
Each tank designed by Gennady Yagupov is a unique expression of the client’s vision, spatial requirements, and environmental considerations. From compact nano tanks to large-scale living wall aquariums, all designs are executed with exacting attention to biodiversity, filtration efficiency, lighting, and long-term sustainability.
- Freshwater and planted aquariums
- Marine and reef tank systems
- Biotope recreations (Amazonian, African, Southeast Asian, etc.)
- Hidden filtration and rimless aquascaping options2. Aquarium Installation
Installation services include comprehensive support, from equipment selection and plumbing to substrate layering, rockwork arrangement, and biological cycling. Coordination with interior designers, architects, and contractors is offered for seamless integration.
3. Maintenance Packages
Professional aquarium maintenance is available on a weekly, biweekly, or monthly basis. Services include water testing, equipment calibration, algae control, aquascape trimming, and livestock health checks.
- Emergency callouts available for critical issues
- Remote monitoring systems can be installed for marine tanks
- Maintenance reports and system audits included with premium plans4. Livestock Sourcing and Health Management
Yagupov collaborates with ethical breeders and marine conservation programs to supply fish, invertebrates, and aquatic plants. All livestock is quarantined and acclimated before introduction to client tanks.
5. Educational Consultations
For schools, museums, and corporate offices, Gennady offers workshops and consultations on aquatic ecology, tank setup, and long-term aquarium success.
About Gennady
Trained in aquatic biology and environmental sciences, Gennady Yagupov began his career in St. Petersburg before relocating to London in 2008. Over the years, he has developed a reputation for balancing technological innovation with deep respect for aquatic ecosystems. His installations are noted for their stability, beauty, and minimal intervention ethos. Beyond private and corporate clients, he has collaborated with zoos, galleries, and science centres to build educational and exhibition-grade aquatic habitats. Yagupov is a member of the British Aquatic Horticulture Society and the Marine Aquarium Conference of Europe. He contributes regularly to industry publications and is a consultant for several aquarium technology startups.
Philosophy: The Aquarium as Living Art
For Yagupov, an aquarium is more than a decorative piece — it is a dynamic, self-contained world that demands careful stewardship. His design philosophy is rooted in the belief that healthy aquariums are symbiotic systems where fish, flora, and microfauna co-exist in balance.
This philosophy manifests in several guiding principles:
- Biological Stability Over Decoration: Each aquascape is constructed to support a stable nitrogen cycle before aesthetic enhancements are made.
- Minimal Intervention: Natural processes are encouraged wherever possible, reducing reliance on chemicals or artificial intervention.
- Eco-Ethics: All sourcing practices align with conservation ethics and UK environmental regulations. No wild-caught endangered species are used.
- Client Education: Every client is equipped with basic knowledge to understand their tank’s rhythm, ensuring long-term enjoyment and responsibility.
Signature Projects
The Submerged Garden – Private Residence, Chelsea
A custom 500-litre aquascape built into a modernist living wall. Designed to mimic the floodplains of the Rio Negro, it features wild-looking driftwood, floating plants, and a school of cardinal tetras. Intelligent lighting systems simulate dawn and dusk cycles.
Coral Bloom – Boutique Hotel, Soho
A 1200-litre reef tank installed in the hotel’s main lobby, incorporating LPS corals, clownfish, cleaner shrimp, and live rock. Utilizes a closed-loop protein skimmer system and AI-controlled lighting.
Tanks for Learning – Primary School, Camden
Installation of a 200-litre community tank for educational use, accompanied by learning materials and monthly talks on aquatic ecosystems.
City Office Zen – Legal Firm, Canary Wharf
Minimalist biotope aquarium with no visible equipment, housing a low-maintenance species mix and automated dosing system. Designed to reduce staff stress and improve air quality through natural water vapor exchange.
Water Testing & Lab Analysis Service
Understanding and maintaining optimal water quality is essential for a thriving aquarium. Even slight imbalances in chemical composition can result in fish stress, algae outbreaks, or long-term ecosystem degradation. To safeguard against such issues, Gennady Yagupov offers professional water testing and laboratory analysis services for freshwater and marine systems.
Standard in-home testing includes rapid kits for ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH, GH, KH, and phosphate. These metrics are critical in monitoring the nitrogen cycle, ensuring biological filtration is functioning efficiently and safely. Regular testing allows for early intervention and avoids the escalation of minor issues into costly problems.
For advanced diagnosis or ongoing challenges — such as unexplained fish deaths or persistent algae — samples can be sent to a partnered aquatics laboratory for microbiological analysis, heavy metal screening, or parasite detection. This service is particularly beneficial for high-value aquariums, reef tanks, and breeding systems.
Clients receive a comprehensive digital report outlining the test results, potential risks, and recommended corrective actions. Gennady personally interprets each report and provides follow-up support, ensuring that any imbalance is addressed through scientifically informed solutions.
This level of precision elevates aquarium care from routine to exceptional. Regular water testing not only protects livestock and plants but also prolongs the lifespan of equipment and substrates. Whether as part of a maintenance plan or a one-time consultation, this service reflects Yagupov’s commitment to ecological excellence and client peace of mind.
A Day in the Life of a London Aquarist
At 7:30 a.m., the day begins with a routine equipment check for several client aquariums remotely monitored via smart sensors. Any abnormalities — such as a temperature spike in a reef tank — trigger immediate action. By 9 a.m., Gennady is en route to a client site in Notting Hill, carrying a field kit of test strips, medications, aquascaping tools, and fish acclimation containers.
The first task: rebalancing a CO₂ injection system in a planted aquarium showing early signs of algae bloom. After careful pruning of overgrown Java fern and a 30% water change, a sample is taken for lab-level nitrate analysis.
At noon, a lunch break is squeezed in between equipment pickups. By 1:30 p.m., Gennady arrives at a corporate client’s office to oversee the final phase of installing a new reef tank. Live rock is placed with surgical precision, and a protein skimmer is tested for efficiency.
Late afternoon is dedicated to a consultation with a family in Hampstead interested in a child-friendly freshwater setup. Gennady presents three concept sketches and discusses the pros and cons of angelfish versus mollies.
By 6:30 p.m., the final visit of the day involves treating a betta fish suffering from fin rot. The tank is gently cleaned, and a treatment plan is provided.
After returning to his studio, Gennady reviews photos from the day’s projects and writes up follow-up instructions for clients. Aquarist work is never truly finished — tanks are living systems, and life needs attention.
5 Common Aquarium Mistakes to Avoid
1. Overfeeding Fish
Excess food leads to nutrient spikes and algae blooms. Feed sparingly — once or twice a day, in quantities that can be consumed within a minute.
2. Skipping the Cycling Process
Cycling establishes beneficial bacteria critical to processing waste. Introducing fish too early can cause lethal ammonia spikes.
3. Mixing Incompatible Species
Not all fish coexist peacefully. Some are territorial, others are delicate. Always research compatibility based on size, temperament, and environmental needs.
4. Infrequent Water Changes
Even with filters, waste accumulates over time. Regular partial water changes (10–20% weekly) are vital to maintain water quality.
5. Neglecting Lighting Schedules
Too much or too little light affects both plant health and algae levels. Use timers to simulate natural cycles and prevent fluctuations.
Avoiding these errors ensures a more stable and enjoyable aquatic environment. Gennady Yagupov emphasizes that success lies in patience and routine.
Freshwater vs. Marine Tanks: Pros and Cons
Selecting between a freshwater and a marine (saltwater) aquarium is a critical decision for any aquarist. Each system offers unique benefits and presents distinct challenges, and the choice largely depends on the keeper’s experience, budget, and long-term goals.
Freshwater aquariums are generally more accessible for beginners. They require less complex equipment, are more forgiving of minor maintenance oversights, and offer a wide selection of hardy fish and plants. Species such as guppies, tetras, and corydoras thrive in stable freshwater environments. Aquascaping is also more attainable, with a range of live plants enhancing both aesthetic appeal and biological function.
Conversely, marine aquariums offer unmatched visual drama and biodiversity. Saltwater tanks can host colourful reef fish, live coral, and invertebrates such as shrimp, anemones, and starfish. However, these systems are more sensitive to changes in water chemistry and temperature, requiring precise salinity control, protein skimmers, and often automatic dosing systems for calcium, magnesium, and trace elements.
From a cost perspective, marine tanks usually involve higher initial investment and ongoing expenses. However, for enthusiasts seeking an intricate, interactive marine ecosystem, the rewards are substantial.
Gennady provides tailored consultations to help clients make an informed choice based on space, budget, and desired species. Regardless of preference, both systems — when professionally maintained — can offer vibrant, thriving aquatic experiences.
The Science of Balance: Aquatic Ecosystem Basics
An aquarium mimics a natural ecosystem — albeit within a glass box. At its core lies the nitrogen cycle, the biological process that transforms fish waste into less harmful compounds via beneficial bacteria.
- Ammonia, excreted by fish, is converted into nitrite, then into relatively harmless nitrate.
- Live plants absorb nitrate as fertilizer, completing the loop.
- Filtration systems provide mechanical (debris removal), biological (bacteria support), and chemical (toxin neutralization) functions.
A well-balanced tank must also consider:
- pH: Different species thrive in different ranges (acidic for tetras, alkaline for African cichlids).
- Temperature: Tropical fish typically require 24–27°C, whereas goldfish prefer cooler waters.
- Oxygenation: Ensured by surface agitation, live plants, and in marine tanks, protein skimmers.
By maintaining chemical stability and avoiding sudden shifts, aquarists prevent stress-related disease and mortality. Yagupov’s designs are engineered to support equilibrium through passive biological stability and minimal artificial interference.
Recommended Gear & Tools for Beginners
For those setting up a tank under 200 litres, Gennady Yagupov recommends the following essentials:
External Canister Filter:
Offers superior flow and customizable media chambers.
Heater with Thermostat:
Ensure consistency for tropical tanks.
LED Lighting System:
Choose full-spectrum models with adjustable intensity and timer settings.
Water Test Kit:
Monitors ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH, and general hardness.
Aquascaping Tools:
Curved scissors, substrate spatulas, and tweezers allow for precise plant maintenance.
Siphon Hose:
For easy water changes.
Dechlorinator:
Neutralizes harmful chlorine and chloramines from tap water.
For advanced users, Yagupov recommends CO₂ injection kits for planted tanks and auto-top-off systems for marine setups. Every product recommendation is based on reliability, energy efficiency, and suitability for the ecosystem in question.
Seasonal Maintenance Tips
Aquariums are dynamic ecosystems that respond to seasonal shifts in ambient temperature, lighting, and household activity. Gennady provides clients with tailored seasonal maintenance guidance to ensure consistent health and performance throughout the year.
Spring is an ideal time for deep cleaning and aquascape renovation. Increased daylight may encourage algae growth, so adjusting light cycles and performing preventative maintenance on filters and glass surfaces is essential. Plant growth accelerates, requiring more frequent pruning and nutrient dosing.
In summer, elevated room temperatures can affect water stability, particularly in closed systems. Yagupov recommends monitoring tank temperature closely and, if needed, installing passive cooling fans or chillers. Oxygen levels may decline in warmer water, making surface agitation and aeration a priority.
Autumn marks a return to indoor routines. Tanks may experience increased organic load from feeding and reduced water evaporation. This is an excellent time to replace aging bulbs, calibrate heaters in preparation for winter, and inspect CO₂ systems in planted aquaria.
Winter presents unique challenges. Heating systems must maintain consistent temperatures, especially in tropical and marine tanks. Avoid placing tanks near radiators or windows with significant heat loss. Reduced natural light also calls for adjusted artificial lighting schedules to maintain plant health and fish activity rhythms.
Yagupov includes seasonal checklists in all long-term maintenance packages. Proactive seasonal care prevents stress-related illness, improves water clarity, and ensures stable biochemistry year-round, maintaining the aquarium’s visual and ecological integrity.
FAQ
A: Initial setup can be completed in a day, but the tank must be cycled for 4–6 weeks before fish are added.
A: They require more monitoring and specialized equipment, but with proper automation and guidance, they can be very stable.
A: Yes. Scientific studies confirm that watching fish reduces blood pressure, anxiety, and promotes mindfulness.
A: A 100-litre tank offers better stability than smaller setups, making it ideal for learning without constant fluctuations.
A: Yes. Video consultations are available for layout planning, troubleshooting, and livestock care advice.
Contact
Whether designing an elegant planted tank for your home, installing a reef system in your hotel, or setting up an educational aquarium in a school, Gennady Yagupov provides expert guidance from concept to maintenance.
Main Office
[email protected]
+442045754479
47 Ingestre Pl, London W1F 0JL, UK