Hi All! Recently we were very graciously hosted by some of the technical staff at the V&A Waterfront Aquarium. We were given a 'behind the scenes' look at what goes on in providing, maintaining and developing this world-class tourist destination. Richard Grinstead and Jeff Schneider, maintenance technicians, were our hosts.
Richard started by giving us a brief outline of the major exhibits and a few statistics before we embarked on the tour. He made it clear that in order to go behind the scenes, we first had to appreciate the exhibits from the public's perspective. He showed us some of the simple and intuitive systems they have employed to create crashing waves in some of the tidal and reef exhibits.
Our initial walk behind some of the displays was surprising and we found a labyrinth of pipes and cables supplying air and water, the air supply being one of the most critical factors in keeping the fish exhibits alive. Richard pointed out that each tank has its own cleaning tools and system in order to prevent cross-contamination. Some of the cleaning tools are as rudimentary as a toothbrush. There were thoughts amongst some of the group that you might be put on 'toothbrush duty' in the shark tank as a form of punishment. We were not able to confirm these thoughts however!
Richard and Jeff took us to the main plant room, which was full of filters, pumps and some dosing chemicals. The plant room is fitted with a simple annunciator panel and is connected to a dial-up alarm system for after-hours events. The water quality and temperature is monitored and measured on a daily basis and corrections made accordingly. The water quality does not change rapidly and there is not a high level of automation or online analysis.
This was quite a surprise to most in attendance. Not least because most of them were automation specialists. We were taken to the kitchen and showed some of the food preparation as well as the brine shrimp growth tanks for the filter feeders. We went on to the roof and looked in from the top of the kelp forest tank. This is one of the larger exhibits and has a continuous wave action. Richard showed us the mechanism that achieves this and mentioned some of the problems when they start the unit and create the wrong type or direction of wave.
We were also able to look in on the predator tank and were really able to appreciate the size and menace of the resident 'raggies'. Richard and Jeff showed us the quarantine section where infected or diseased fish are kept and treated before release back into the exhibits. They also have a recognised sea-horse breeding programme and this was also housed within this section. We were shown one of the exhibits, which is linked to the tide in Table Bay. This is done to produce the natural growth over the tidal rocks and pools within the exhibit.
Our tour was finished off by the seals that were being fed as we arrived. They have obviously picked up, or have been taught, some amusing tricks by the staff who also look like they enjoy this bit of fun. We were left with a special insight to the operations of the aquarium and many of us visiting again as a member of the public will view the exhibits with a greater appreciation of the efforts going on behind the scenes. We left thanking Richard and Jeff for their efforts and wish them all the very best for the future and hope that this very special SA icon can survive and flourish. Should you wish to see more on the aquarium, please visit their site at www.aquarium.co.za
Derwyn Oxley, Cape Town SAIMC
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