The seawater is natural, collected from Dock Head at the top of Southampton Water, stored in two 30,000 gallon underground tanks and circulated constantly to the holding tanks in the aquarium room and hatchery. Freshwater, brackish and closed systems can be arranged. The water is not filtered and microscopic algae, fed to the bivalve molluscs, circulates around the system, maintaining other filterfeeders such as seasquirts, larvae from which have settled out from the natural seawater. Clarity is achieved by settlement in the storage tanks and air bubbling plus a healthy bacterial population takes care of the build up of ammonia. Temperature in the aquarium room and tanks ranges from 12 - 20oC, following seasonal changes, there is air conditioning to provide heating or cooling.
Lighting is on a time switch, adjusted to follow seasonal patterns.
These details have been recorded weekly since we opened in 1995 and are available for reference. Most of the environmental conditions can be adjusted provided other users work is not compromised. What the aquarium has to offer The aquarium and boat staff try to meet all requirements for live and fresh marine material and the facilities in which to work with it. The system is flexible and adaptable. Tank space - temporary accommodation instantly, or more suitable housing given a little notice.