Orlando Science Center

**Coach** · 02-23-2014, 03:36 PM

As was discussed in the meeting last night, we would like to help the Orlando Science Center either improve their present "predator" display or give them a total new display. Their present "predator" display has one lion fish in it. The tank is about 100 gallons. So to actually improve on the aquarium we would have to make the tank considerably larger. Most everyone agrees that this is not the best option. The second option is to change the aquarium over to learning lesson aquarium. Put in a pair of clowns with an anemone, maybe a fish and shrimp symbiotic situation, some fish that adapt by hiding in the rock, and put in some softies. The tank needs to have low maintenance needs as the Science Center was not designed to easily maintain an aquarium.

One comment last night was that if we have too many people involved, we will have too many ideas. I agreed. So as promised, I am posting this to see who is interested in giving ideas, helping to plan it out, or helping to actually make it happen. Simply reply with the appropriate response. Thank you.

**like-fish** · 02-24-2014, 10:38 AM

What are the dimensions of the current 100 gallon tank and what is installed on it for lighting and filtration? THese are the big issues!

-flowrate (return pump size)
-lighting
-protein skimming
-sump size
-circulation (powerheads?)
-amount of liverock

A well designed tank with minimal bio-load will be very easy to maintain with water-changes and moderate feeding. If the final design is solid and well executed it should run successfully for a long time and represent the club well.

I suggest a design of the finished project be put together and discussed and analyzed for flaws before any work is done or equipment is obtained. Do it once, do it correctly.

I have the time to help with this project if the need is there.

**Coach** · 02-24-2014, 11:55 AM

The present system has one PC light, unsure of skimmer, sump with about 20 gallons, trickle filter system with bio-balls, no liverock that I remember. The dimensions of the present tank I will have to give when I get home. It needs a major over haul. I agree to do it once and think it through completely.

I am sure we will be able to use you--there will be a need.

**lusenut2** · 02-24-2014, 12:17 PM

Sounds good to me. I will help anyway I can.

**techbiker** · 02-24-2014, 12:28 PM

I can Always Donate Live feed every Week, as long as this gets advertise somewhere around the tank, if possible

**smpolyp** · 02-25-2014, 07:08 AM

I'm up for helping and donating.

**like-fish** · 02-26-2014, 11:35 AM

It sounds as though we need to clarify what we have to work with.

A road trip sounds in order to check it out: take pictures, take measurements of tank and filtration space. Identify electrical outlets (how many and distance from tank). Obtain specs on existing equipment to include how old they are.

has the club set a $$ amount on what we willing to spend to make this happen?

Again, this is a great opportunity to get the ORCA name out more into the community and possibly recruit future members.

Will the club be able to place a sigh saying we installed it? Would be cool if we could have club name and website displayed!

**Coach** · 03-15-2014, 05:39 PM

IMG_7314 by dashhills, on Flickr

This is the view as you enter the OSC. This will be changing soon, since they are going to extend the 2nd level.

**Coach** · 03-15-2014, 05:41 PM

IMG_7312 by dashhills, on Flickr

This is the area--the tank is under the palm.

**Coach** · 03-15-2014, 05:45 PM

IMG_7311 by dashhills, on Flickr

View from behind the 7,500 gallon "reef". Actually a large tank with reef fish.

**Coach** · 03-15-2014, 05:47 PM

IMG_7302 by dashhills, on Flickr

This is the front of the tank.

**Coach** · 03-15-2014, 05:47 PM

IMG_7301 by dashhills, on Flickr

A backed out view of the tank.

**Coach** · 03-15-2014, 05:49 PM

IMG_7300 by dashhills, on Flickr

This is the back of the tank. Yes, those are electrical cords on the ground. Electricity was not thought of for this area.