These formulations can be produced in sizes allowing both mass culture of the coral under controlled conditions and a module that can easily be installed in a reef aquarium with its attached coral. When Gumbo Limbo opened in 1984, I wanted a working honey bee display with an opening access outside so visitors could visually see the queen, workers, and drones behind glass. The hive is stocked with an Italian queen and two thousand workers and drones. They are shipped by parcel-post from a bee wholesaler and upon arrival are placed in the hive. The local post office is only too happy to have them picked-up as soon as possible.
Honeybees normally nest in dark cavities with small entrance holes such as a hollow tree.
Viewing bees on their combs in an observation hive is virtually the only way to observe normal behavior. Many activities occur at a given time, such as comb building, fanning, nursing brood, house cleaning, food exchange, egg laying, and grooming to name a few. The round and wagtail dances are performed by foraging bees to excite a few who will follow her instructions to a particular food source. Visual charts and a slide program explaining the life cycle of the honeybee are displayed next to the hive for all visitors to enjoy. We maintain two very large hives in our hammock with the aid of Jack Rollins, a local bee enthusiast.