The world behind the aquarium tanks

Inside The Story: The world behind the aquarium tanks

(KUTV) It is home to 2,500 animals from 450 different species, and it
houses around 600,000 gallons of water. The Loveland Living Planet Aquarium in Draper took us on a serious behind the scenes tour of the work needed to keep it "living."

When you go behind the water tanks it feels like another world. "This is the main shark filter room," said Evan Jamison the man behind the massive fish aquariums.

It's Jamison's job to make sure all 80 pumps are in working order and that the water is healthy for the fish and crystal clear for the visitors. "We have to make sure the water clarity is up to standards that the public can enjoy the exhibits," said Jamison.

But it's not like you just go out and buy these products at the local pool store. Jamison and his team had to get very creative. "Here we have our main pumps they are refurbished units from an old Sea World from Ohio, so we got some used equipment for a pretty good deal," said Jamison. "Kind of designing and scratch building a lot of the equipment, we were able to save quite a bit of money that way."

The largest aquariums include the shark tank which is 300,000 gallons, the penguin pool is 70,000 gallons and the Amazon Giants tank holds 36,000 gallons of water.

In order to keep them clean the entire facility uses about 3,000 pounds of salt every couple of weeks.

"I don't really ever stop working," said Jamison.

It may be an underwater adventure for visitors, but a huge job for the man who works behind the tanks.

"Every day is a challenge," says Jamison.

The Loveland Living Planet Aquarium is the fourth largest aquarium in the nation. It's located off the freeway at near 114th south and I-15.

By: Dan Rascon

(Copyright 2014 Sinclair Broadcasting Group.)