My zoo update

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
Here are some "after" pictures to compare my last post (previous page), when I posted two shots of the ray pool during construction. These are close to the same angles, but taken this week. Also rather blurry shots of the arapaima pool now full and running. I also tossed on a pair of pictures showing the progress of the turtle pool (which will have two podocnemis spp)

The process is almost complete. I just ran a full panel on the two main water exhibits. The ray pool will start getting fish this afternoon and tomorrow. The arapaima pool looks like end of this week. They aren't fully cycled yet. To counter act it, I'm doing small backwashes as needed. I'm trading less than 100% H2O Q for holding tank size. Right now, it's better to get them up in to normal size environments.

I'm pushing to have the first groups of public start walking the exhibit in about July. We'll see. Having it as an open flight aviary really conflicts with the new regulations that fall into place when Bird Flu hits the US. Right now adding birds is a hot topic, and it still on the barganing table.

EDIT: The first pic and the last pic are of the same area, just loaded them wrong.

TE Stingray done.jpg

TE Stingray view done.jpg

TE Arapaima pool full.jpg

TE Arapaima hut and inverts.jpg

TE Turtle construction.jpg

TE Turtle done.jpg
 
There is an amazon exhibit like that at the Toledo zoo. It is nice and it used to have like freeroam reptiles and I think there used to be a sloth in there but the fish exhibit part of it is kinda dissapointing. All there is in there is a couple redtail cats a couple turtles and a ton of red devils. Although I havent been there this year yet so it might be changed. Yours is looking very nice. Can't wait to see the finished pictures.

Chad
 
I just acclimated 12 silver dollar and 5 banded leporinus into the stingray pool. They're hold up in a floating mesh cage for the rest of the day so they get time to feel out there new place without getting pulled over the waterfall into the turtle pool.

Chad - I used to know a bunch of people over at Toledo, but I haven't been on site there in several years.
 
That is so AWESOME! Makes me wanna build a treehouse and live like Tarzan in there. (Hey that's not a bad idea:idea: )
 
Your exhibit is looking incredible. You've worked hard, and it's nice to see it all finally coming together. I'll have to try and visit to see it in person.
 
Wish we had an exhibit like that in the philippines. Always envied you guys for having such nice public aquariums. Most of the monster fishes here are privately owned so you have to know the guy who owns the fish to be able to see it.

good luck with the project
 
VERY sad news: We lost the arapaima yesterday afternoon. Three days prior to him making it to the exhibit. It's been a battle with management the entire way on the care of these monsters. I did hat I could. It's pretty sad. A lot of the keepers are pretty ticked right now. I think that's kind of the last straw for me. I'm only staying here long enough to get this exhibit running, then I'll be moving on.

The two keepers who are going to take over in my place while they search for a new aquarist are getting to go on a feild trip today. I'm taking them over to Underwater Adventure (www.sharky.tv) this afternoon to see LSS, daily care etc..... That way when the boss here gets something wrong in his head, they'll be able to say "That's not right".

I'm going to be spending the morning moving up the collection of motoros as well as look at putting the 2 arowana and pacu (1 black, 6 red and 2 hybirds that were sold as black) up in the arapaima pool.....can I still call it the arapaima pool? Guess I'll start calling it the arowana pool now. :(


Thanks for the support guys.
 
that sucks but you still whip ass for doin this exibit
 
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