Research

A day at the Aquarium laboratory

When the Aquarium closes its doors, it's night time for the creatures that call it home. The lights go down to maintain the fixed photoperiod - or amount of light set to differentiate night and day. Silence fills the air and many of the animals use this time to rest. Many of them, however, are their most active during darkness.

The sun comes up for everyone at the Aquarium at 8:00 in the morning. That includes the people from the Department of Biology, whose work day looks something like this:

8.00 am Sunrise at the Aquarium
The tank specialists begin their work day: cleaning the tanks, checking the equipment and installations, and feeding some of the marine animals.

9.00-11.00 am The entire team
Enter the lab technicians, quarantine specialists and area supervisor to carry out their daily routine: seeing to administrative tasks, identifying needs regarding food supplies and technical materials, taking water samples, performing analyses and checking animals in quarantine tanks. They also do any follow-up work for research projects.

12.00 noon Feeding time
At noon two scuba divers from the team enter the oceanarium to carry out cleaning and maintenance duties. They also use this time to feed all of the animals in this fantastic tank, including the sharks. This is one of the most exciting and spectacular moments for visitors.

2.00 pm Lunch break
Time for the humans to replenish their energy and share their thoughts.

3.00-5.00 pm Getting ready for tomorrow
All of the equipment is checked and materials prepared for the next day.

7.00-9.00 pm Closing time (hours vary)
The Aquarium lights go down, night time comes for the fish and the cycle starts all over again.

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