It is uniquely suitable for some particular research niches. Mesocosms define the compromise between observational study of a natural ecosystem and experimental study of an artificially isolated system component. The Aquatron maintains two mesocosms, the pool and tower tanks. The tanks, mounted on neoprene blocks, are partially acoustically uncoupled from their surroundings. The tank, designed for studies on planktonic systems, is also suited for other types of oceanographic, limnological and technological projects.
Access is gained by a spiralling staircase around the tank from top to bottom.
Overhead lamps provide sufficient illumination to drive primary production experiments. The array consists of four 1000 watt phosphor-coated metal halide lamps plus two 400 watt mercury vapour lamps. Three 24 hour timers are connected to paired lamps to provide day-night light regimes. The pool tank is a large diameter indoor facility designed for work with large marine animals and also used for instrument development and calibration. Twenty two underwater viewing windows, each approximately 1 metre square, are located around the perimeter of the tank and provide viewing at all depths.