An ozone generator manufactures ozone by passing electricity through dry air. The ozone is pumped to a contact chamber. Because high concentrations of ozone are dangerous to all living things, water is passed through the contact chamber where it reacts with the ozone rather than adding the ozone to exhibits. As the water moves in one direction through a series of baffles the ozone is pumped in the opposite direction, setting up a counter-current exchange system which allows for maximum concentration differences between organics and ozone. After five minutes, any ozone remaining in the chamber is vented to the outside through an ozone destruction unit where it is converted back to O 2 .
Ozone can be dangerous to humans.
In the event that a leak occurs in the pump room, a leak detector and automatic shut-off have been incorporated into the system. The shut-off operates independently of the main computer in the pump room. If for any reason the computer malfunctions, the shut-off system would still be operational. Virtually all aquariums in this country, as well as many European and Japanese facilities use ozone for water purification.