To create saltwater, water from the tap was mixed with Instant Ocean. Once it was allowed to sit in the tide pool for a week, some basic chemical tests were performed to determine that it was a suitable place for saltwater creatures to live. The pH level had to be a certain value, and it was tested daily. More salt or more water was added as needed, until the pH was at the ideal level. It was decided that a lobster would be ideal.
Lobsters are hardy and easy to care for.
Fred the lobster was put in the tide pool and watched closely over the next few days. He seemed healthy, and spent most of his time furiously building a cave with some rocks we had placed around the bottom of the tide pool. When fish scrapes were thrown in the tide pool, he would devour them. Now, a month later, Fred has proven that all the tide pool needs is mor sea animals. Other inhabitants will be gathered for the tide pool from scuba divers.