It may sound simple enough, but guests get lots of food for thought as the process is explained in detail, followed by instructions for removing chlorine and organic waste from water. Just when this group thought they had learned the ins and outs of the Aquarium's operating system, the tour moved up to the operation center on the mezzanine level. Here, an interactive computer monitors 1,582 different sensors and each visitor is invited to touch the screen and check the latest filter flow rate for the Nickajack Lake exhibit. Visitors can also survey the temperature of the water inside the Volga River exhibit or check water levels, lighting, and even heat and airflow to 70 different zones inside the Aquarium. Loaded up with their newfound knowledge, the tour then heads up to the food prep area.
Guests laugh, too, as the sample menu is read.
More smiles spread among the youngest visitors as they entered the back door overlooking the Gulf of Mexico exhibit. And the smell of saltwater is strong as visitors witness stingrays, green sea turtles and bonnethead sharks swim only a few feet below. After the tour, the Cummings family picked up their complimentary commemorative Aquarium book and left with their new understanding of how the Aquarium works. Children must be at least 10 years old and accompanied by an adult. The Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga is the largest freshwater aquarium in the world.