A thread I came across

[Lance]

WOW What a cool set-up. And some of those clams are amazing.

[untamed]

I wonder how they safely control the salinity of that outdoor tank when it rains? Maybe it just doesn't rain enough to cause dilution. Maybe it just rains enough to keep it about right with evaporation...hmmm...

Did you notice the huge surge tank above the reef display?

[Delphinus]

Interesting, I didn't realize Delbeek left Waikiki this year to go work at the new Steinhart Aquarium. Man, I think I'm totally going there after it opens later this month!!

... I think the rainwater/evaporation isn't a problem for the Waikiki outdoor aquarium because the turnover from natural seawater is probably large enough to compensate. (Their source water is a well which brings in pristine seawater from underground.)

And that surge tank is the granddaddy of them all. Bruce Carlson's legacy (hence the term "Carlson surge").

I've never been to the Waikiki aquarium but I'm totally going if I ever make it to Oahu.

[banditpowdercoat]

WHats the point of a surge tank????

[untamed]

Originally Posted by banditpowdercoat

WHats the point of a surge tank????

Water is slowly pumped up to a holding tank which is above the main display. When the holding tank hits a certain volume, it rapidly dumps it's contents into the display. This creates a large wave (or surge) and simulates ocean conditions. It is another way to create random flow, as well as a nice way to suspend stuff that may have settled somewhere.

[karazy]

that place is amazing, i went this summer

i gots pics to prove it

[slakker]

I was there in April and that was a cool place... I like how their sun corals were displayed too. The I waited 5 minutes just to watch the surge go, but quite honestly, it was pretty disapointing... it just kinda flowed...