Living Color Enterprises, a worldwide leader in the custom aquarium industry, announces the launch of the Discovery Collection, a line of museum-quality, pre-designed aquariums that are as simple to purchase and incorporate into any waiting room design as a piece of fine furniture. Studies have proven aquariums to be effective in lessening the fear and anxiety of dental patients. One study conducted by Drs. Alan Beck and Aaron Katcher evaluated patients due to undergo dental surgery at the University of Pennsylvania in 1996. In this study, patients were divided into three groups that allowed researchers to compare the effectiveness of viewing a tropical fish tank before dental surgery versus looking at a nice picture or being hypnotized. The study revealed that the patients who focused their attention on the aquarium were as relaxed as the group that underwent hypnosis. Both of these groups were significantly more relaxed than the group of patients who looked at a picture before undergoing dental surgery.
“Aquariums, sometimes referred to as ‘living art,’ are very engaging and tranquil, which make them ideal for a dental office where patient stress and anxiety can run high,” says Scott Nash, president of Living Color.
Customers can have the option of selecting a fabricated saltwater reef, endemic to those found in tropical waters worldwide, or a freshwater structure. Aquariums in the Discovery Collection have been made to fit traditional or contemporary handcrafted cabinet styles that can be stained or painted to complement the décor of any office.
The two distinctive designs currently offered in the Discovery Collection include the Atlantis and the Poseidon, both of which are rectangular in shape. The Atlantis holds 270 gallons of water in a tank that measures 6’ x 2’ x 3’. The Poseidon holds 180 gallons of water in its 4’ x 2’ x 3’ tank. The coordinating cabinetry is just over seven feet. Living Color will introduce a cylindrical model to the Discovery Collection this summer.
Living Color artists replicate the look of various saltwater and freshwater environments using synthetic coral, which is ecologically safe for the environment and is often preferred over living organisms due to its minimal maintenance. Living Color creates reefs that are not only decorative but also functional in that they conceal the life support infrastructure.
The fabricated reef choices available in the Discovery Collection include: Caribbean, Red Sea, Indo-Pacific and River Rock, reflective of the earth’s various water environments. Customers liken the look of the Caribbean reef to the orange-colored reefs seen off the coasts of Barbados, Jamaica and St. Lucia. The Red Sea reef features various shades of blue with streaks of red. The Indo-Pacific structure reflects the exotic turquoise color native to reefs in that region, and the River Rock reef selection depicts the look of the Columbia River, widely considered to be the most beautiful river in North America.
Living Color aquariums are made using acrylic, known for its clarity and strength. The company has always used acrylic instead of glass to build its custom aquariums because acrylic is not affected by any treatments to the aquarium’s water. In addition, acrylic is easily molded into all shapes, including cylindrical, rectangular, angular and bow-front, enabling Living Color artisans to be innovative in their designs.
Aquariums in the Discovery Collection are made to fit stylish cabinets, designed by in-house craftsmen to contain the aquarium life-support system. The wood cabinet options include traditional and contemporary designs. Customers can choose from a selection of stains available in satin or semi-gloss finishes to best match the décor in their home or office. The stain options include: mahogany, maple and walnut, among others.
Aquarium designs in the Discovery Collection retail for $12,400 and up, depending on the options selected.
Since 1988, Living Color Enterprises, headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., has been duplicating a natural “living reef” ecosystem with custom museum-quality coral reef sculptures and themed archeological replicas. Each architectural aquarium system is handcrafted by a team of marine biologists, artists, designers and fabricators. Living Color aquariums can be seen in museums, resorts, theme parks, restaurants and private residences worldwide.
For more information about the Discovery Collection, please call 1.800.878.9511 or visit www.livingcolor.com.