RIPLEY'S BELIEVE IT OR 'NAUT'
In the lead-up to Toronto’s massive CMPX show, a group of mechanically minded visitors were given a rare opportunity to step behind the scenes of one of the city’s most iconic attractions; Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada. Led by Mark Skidmore, Manager of Facility Maintenance Operations, the exclusive tour revealed that beneath the aquarium’s captivating exhibits lies a vast and complex mechanical ecosystem that rivals the displays themselves.
Skidmore, who has been with the facility for nearly 14 years, guided attendees through the hidden infrastructure that keeps the aquarium running smoothly. What quickly became clear is that the public-facing experience is only a fraction of the story.
“The mechanical tour was as interesting as the Aquarium itself,” said Matt Mertz, who travelled from Virginia for the CMPX experience.
That sentiment was echoed by others on the tour, who were struck by the sheer scale and sophistication of the systems operating behind the scenes. Christopher Leung, visiting from Quebec, captured the essence of the experience succinctly: “It’s an iceberg model: The aquarium is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of what’s going on at the venue.” The “iceberg” analogy is fitting. While visitors typically see mesmerizing aquatic life and immersive exhibits, the facility’s backbone is a highly advanced Life Support System (LSS) that ensures optimal conditions for more than 20,000 animals across 450 species. The aquarium holds 5.7 million litres of water, continuously filtered, treated, and circulated by a network of 97 pumps. Ten of these pumps alone move more than 68,000 litres of water per minute.
One of the most impressive aspects highlighted during the tour is the aquarium’s sustainability efforts. Approximately 95% of the water used in the facility is recycled through a sophisticated treatment process involving sand filters, carbon filters, and ultraviolet sterilization. This not only conserves water but ensures a stable and healthy environment for marine life.
Behind the scenes, operations are monitored around the clock. With 1,600 alarms in place, staff can respond immediately to any irregularities, ensuring both animal safety and system reliability. The facility even includes an underground reservoir capable of holding enough conditioned water to replace all tank volumes in the event of an emergency.
Visitors were also intrigued by the physical infrastructure supporting operations. A specialized crane rail system allows for the safe internal transport of animals, while advanced HVAC systems manage humidity and combat corrosion caused by saltwater environments. Even the aquarium’s famous 96-metre underwater tunnel, North America’s longest, has its own dedicated air system, maintaining optimal air quality for visitors as they pass through the “Dangerous Lagoon.”
Lighting systems, temperature controls, and even electrical shielding, designed to prevent interference with sensitive species like sharks, demonstrate the level of precision engineering required to operate the facility.
For many attendees, the tour transformed their understanding of what an aquarium truly is. Far from being just a place of entertainment, Ripley’s Aquarium stands as a feat of engineering and operational excellence.
As CMPX approaches, experiences like this serve as a powerful reminder that behind every awe-inspiring public space lies an intricate world of systems, expertise, and innovation.
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