Inflow: Aquatic Animal Life Support Systems and Habitats

In this episode of Inflow, hosts Joe Arlotto and Dr. Jeff Keaffaber welcome Tori Sipos, the Facilities & Maintenance Manager at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. Tori shares her journey through the industry, moving from hands-on technician roles at the Georgia Aquarium to leading the broader facilities team at a premier zoo and garden. We explore the transition from "turning wrenches" on life support systems to managing the high-level logistics of an entire facility's infrastructure. Tori provides a unique look at the day-to-day responsibilities of a manager, from budgeting and administrative planning to ensuring the mechanical integrity of systems that support both animals and guests. Key topics discussed in this episode: The Path to Management: Tori's progression from an entry-level technician at the Georgia Aquarium to a leadership role at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. Life at the Zoo: The unique challenges of overseeing facilities and maintenance in a zoo environment and the importance of a dedicated, specialized team. The Evolution of the Role: Shifting focus from daily LSS maintenance to long-term project planning, facility coordination, and departmental leadership. Building a Team Culture: The importance of mentorship, open communication, and fostering a "team-first" mentality in a high-stakes environment. Advice for Aspiring Operators: Why "putting in the work" and being a reliable team player are the best ways to advance in the aquatic life support and facilities world. Whether you are a technician looking to move into management or simply fascinated by the infrastructure required to run a world-class zoo and aquarium, Tori Sipos offers invaluable insights into the "human" side of facilities engineering. (2:38) - Tori's Career Path (4:02) - Dive Ops and Exhibit Work (6:49) - Penguin System Breakdown (8:25) - Otter System and Maintenance (10:40) - Water Quality Challenges (11:34) - Grizzly Pool and Glass Media (16:09) - Sea Lion System Overview (17:16) - RMF Perlite Filter Explained (22:36) - Maintenance and Cost Tradeoffs (25:25) - Sea Lion Clarity Wins (28:29) - Saltwater Wetlands Design (33:38) - After Hours Monitoring (41:17) - Advice and Wrap Up Learn more about our sponsors: Dryden Aqua Integrated Aqua Systems Visit them at inflowlsspodcast.com/sponsors.

When you move from a small "jewel tank" to a multimillion-gallon habitat, the rules of life support change. In this episode of Inflow, hosts Joe Arlotto and Dr. Jeff Keaffaber dive into the world of megascale aquatic systems with industry veteran Steve Kaiser. Steve shares his extensive experience managing some of the largest aquarium systems in the world. The conversation explores the unique physics of massive water volumes, where the luxury of "dilution as a solution" meets the intense challenge of maintaining crystal-clear turbidity over long viewing distances. In this episode, we discuss: The Challenges of Scale: How managing massive systems like those at SeaWorld Abu Dhabi differs from standard aquarium operations. Water Quality & Clarity: Navigating the "path length" problem and how to keep water clear enough for guests to see through 50+ feet of depth. The Operator's Instinct: Why "spinning a wrench" and hands-on troubleshooting are still the most important skills, even in highly automated, high-tech facilities. Learning the Trade: Steve's perspective on why an LSS degree is a start, but true expertise is only built by operating systems on a daily basis. Troubleshooting Megasystems: Using voltmeters, backwashing filters, and knowing your system inside and out to prevent small issues from becoming multimillion-gallon problems. About Our Guest: Steve Kaiser is a renowned expert in the life support industry, recognized for his hands-on leadership and technical mastery in operating and scaling some of the most complex aquatic environments globally. Connect with Inflow: Website: inflowlsspodcast.com Sponsors: This episode is proudly sponsored by Cloward H2O and MAT LSS. Subscribe: Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help other LSS professionals find the show! Keywords: Life Support Systems, LSS, Steve Kaiser, Cloward H2O, MAT LSS, Large Scale Aquariums, Water Quality, Turbidity, Aquatic Engineering, Zoo Operations, AALSO, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, Multimillion Gallon Tanks.

Success in aquatic animal care isn't just about water chemistry—it's about the "bricks and mortar" that hold everything together. In this episode of Inflow, hosts Joe Arlotto and Dr. Jeff Keaffaber sit down with industry veteran Steve File, a long-standing leader and former board member of AALSO. With decades of experience in facility operations and life support systems (LSS), Steve shares his perspective on why the LSS field is broadening to include everything from HVAC and electrical systems to complex concrete and rockwork fabrication. This conversation is a masterclass in bridging the gap between design, construction, and long-term operational success. In this episode, we discuss: The Evolution of LSS: How the role of the life support operator has expanded from water quality to total facility infrastructure management. Strategic Facility Planning: Steve's insights on "building for longevity" and why getting the structural details right, like rebar placement and concrete cover, is critical for animal health. The "Operator as Educator": Why LSS professionals must take the lead on job sites to ensure contractors understand the unique requirements of aquatic habitats. Career Growth & Education: Steve's advice for the next generation of operators, including the value of cross-training in trades like HVAC and plumbing. The AALSO Community: A look ahead at the upcoming symposium in Kansas City and the importance of establishing face-to-face relationships with vendors and peers. About Our Guest: Steve File is a highly respected figure in the aquatic animal industry, known for his leadership within the AALSO board and his deep expertise in the operational and structural side of zoo and aquarium facilities. (2:17) - Steve's Early Life and Military (4:52) - Water Skiing Show Stories 0 (9:50) - First Aquarium Breakthrough (14:24) - Startup Gremlins and Troubleshooting (18:51) - Hiring and Building the Ops Team (23:06) - Designing Gatlinburg Upgrades (26:07) - Choosing Filtration Direction (30:07) - Concrete Lessons Learned (32:58) - Aquatic Self Healing Mixes (38:57) - Coatings Versus Bare Concrete (42:44) - Training Crews Pour Controls (46:50) - Consulting and Startup Work (51:39) - Final Thanks and Wrap Up Connect with Inflow: Website: inflowlsspodcast.com Sponsors: This episode is brought to you by Ardura and MDM Pumps. Subscribe: Follow us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify to stay updated on the science of aquatic life support. Keywords: Life Support Systems, LSS, Aquatic Habitats, Facility Management, AALSO, Zoo Infrastructure, Aquarium Design, Animal Welfare, Water Quality, Concrete Fabrication, HVAC for Aquariums.

In this episode of INFLOW: Aquatic Animal Life Support Systems and Habitats, hosts Joe Arlotto and Dr. Jeff Keaffaber are joined by Andy Aiken, Director of Life Support Programs at the National Aquarium in Baltimore, for a practical, operations-first conversation on designing and running aquarium life support systems (LSS) that truly work in the real world. Andy shares decades of hands-on experience managing complex aquatic systems and explains why successful LSS design must start with the operator's perspective. The discussion covers critical topics including denitrification strategies, ozone application, water quality management, redundancy, and long-term system reliability, with a strong focus on lessons learned from daily operations—not just drawings and specifications. Listeners will learn: Why operator input is essential in LSS design and decision-making Practical approaches to denitrification and nutrient control How ozone is used safely and effectively in large aquarium systems Common gaps between design intent and operational reality How systems thinking improves animal welfare and facility performance (2:31) Meet Andy Aiken (5:59) Music detour (9:22) Breaking into the National Aquarium (10:14) Denitrification 101 (15:57) Reactor design deep dive (22:50) Operational strategy & decision checklist (26:09) Ditching Chlorine (31:40) The "Aiken Sump" Explained (38:27) Consulting Roles & the Power of Operator-Led Design Review (44:35) Final Advice for New LSS Pros + Closing Thanks Whether you're an LSS operator, engineer, designer, aquarist, or facility leader, this episode delivers actionable insight into building and maintaining life support systems that are resilient, maintainable, and animal-centered.

In this episode of INFLOW: Aquatic Animal Life Support Systems and Habitats, hosts Joe Arlotto and Dr. Jeff Keaffaber welcome Trevor Erdmann, Vice President of AALSO and Senior Aquarist at the Hatfield Marine Science Center, for an in-depth conversation on the evolving role of aquarists as life support system (LSS) operators. Trevor shares how modern aquarists are increasingly responsible for water quality, filtration, system troubleshooting, and operational decision-making, blurring the lines between husbandry and engineering. The discussion explores the importance of education, hands-on training, and professional certification, and how organizations like AALSO are helping shape consistent standards across the industry. Listeners will learn: Why aquarists play a critical role in day-to-day LSS operations How education and certification pathways support safer, more reliable systems The skills today's aquarists need beyond animal care How improved training directly impacts animal welfare and system performance What the future holds for LSS workforce development Whether you're an aquarist, LSS operator, engineer, or aquatic facility leader, this episode offers valuable insight into how training, certification, and cross-disciplinary collaboration are shaping the future of life support systems. Stay connected at https://inflowlsspodcast.com/ (00:00) Introduction and Sponsors (01:06) Role of an Aquarist (04:12) Trevor's Background (09:57) Building the Living Planet Aquarium (15:11) Custom Skid Systems and Water Quality (24:14) Involvement with AALSO (27:46) Dual Certification Tracks: LSS and Water Quality (31:37) Hands-On Training and Equipment Maintenance (33:53) Student Success and Career Placement (39:33) Role of Education and Training Committee (47:14) Advice for Aspiring Professionals (50:36) Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of INFLOW: Aquatic Animal Life Support Systems and Habitats, hosts Joe Arlotto and Dr. Jeff Keaffaber are joined by Joe Choromanski, President of Serviette, for a wide-ranging conversation on what it takes to design, operate, and scale aquarium life support systems (LSS) across multiple facilities. Drawing on decades of experience in public aquariums, Joe shares lessons learned from overseeing large, complex aquatic systems, comparing artificial and natural seawater, and adapting LSS designs to different climates, budgets, and operational realities. The discussion explores how early design decisions affect long-term reliability, animal welfare, and operating costs. Listeners will learn: Key principles for designing LSS at scale across multiple aquariums Operational differences between artificial and natural seawater systems How to balance innovation, standardization, and site-specific needs Common challenges in multi-facility aquarium operations—and how to avoid them Why experience-driven design leads to more resilient aquatic systems Whether you're an LSS engineer, aquarium operator, facility leader, or designer, this episode delivers practical insights into building durable, scalable, and biologically sound life support systems that stand the test of time.

In this episode of INFLOW: Aquatic Animal Life Support Systems and Habitats, hosts Joe Arlotto and Dr. Jeff Keaffaber sit down with Mike Bajek, Senior Director of Life Support Systems at the Singapore Oceanarium, to explore what it takes to design, manage, and scale one of the largest and most advanced aquarium facilities in the world. Mike shares his journey from Pittsburgh to Singapore and offers a behind-the-scenes look at the engineering, innovation, and leadership required to support massive aquatic habitats housing diverse marine life. The conversation dives into the complexity of high-volume filtration systems, redundancy planning, water quality control, and the intersection of sustainability and technology in modern oceanariums. In this episode, you'll learn: What it takes to operate multi-million-gallon LSS systems at scale How the Singapore Oceanarium approaches water quality, reliability, and efficiency The role of design thinking and collaboration in large-scale aquarium projects Why leadership and long-term planning are critical in complex aquatic environments Emerging trends shaping the future of aquarium engineering and life support systems Whether you're an LSS operator, engineer, designer, or aquatic facilities professional, this episode delivers valuable insights into the challenges and rewards of running life support systems on a global scale. Stay connected with INFLOW at: https://inflowlsspodcast.com/

In this Facility Spotlight episode of INFLOW: Aquatic Animal Life Support Systems and Habitats, hosts Joe Arlotto and Dr. Jeff Keaffaber talk with Wes Schmidt, Senior Life Support Systems Technician at the Minnesota Zoo. Wes takes listeners behind the scenes of one of the most diverse and technically challenging facilities in the Midwest, where maintaining healthy aquatic environments means balancing complex life support systems (LSS), mechanical infrastructure, and Minnesota's extreme seasonal conditions. The conversation dives into: How the Minnesota Zoo manages 2 million+ gallons of water across multiple exhibits The engineering behind filtration, heating, and water circulation systems Unique challenges of operating marine and freshwater systems in cold climates The collaboration between animal care teams, engineers, and LSS operators Strategies for energy efficiency, reliability, and preventive maintenance Whether you're an LSS professional, engineer, or zoo operations enthusiast, this episode offers rare insight into the innovation, teamwork, and precision that keep aquatic life thriving year-round at the Minnesota Zoo.

In this episode of INFLOW: Aquatic Animal Life Support Systems and Habitats, hosts Joe Arlotto and Dr. Jeff Keaffaber welcome Nick Kaiser, Director of Facilities at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago. With over two decades of experience—from operator to engineer to director—Nick shares his unique perspective on bridging life support operations, engineering design, and sustainability at one of the nation's most iconic aquariums. The conversation dives into Shedd's ongoing 95-year-old infrastructure renovation, exploring the challenges of modernizing systems without interrupting animal care or guest experiences. Nick discusses how real-time data, automation, and collaboration between engineers and operators are shaping the future of aquatic facility management and energy efficiency. Listeners will discover: How Shedd balances innovation with historic architecture The role of data and analytics in optimizing LSS performance Strategies for energy conservation, redundancy, and reliability How teamwork between operators and engineers drives progress From hands-on valve work to leading large-scale modernization, Nick's story is a testament to the evolution of aquatic life support as both a science and an art. Stay connected with us at: https://inflowlsspodcast.com

In this episode of INFLOW: Aquatic Animal Life Support Systems and Habitats, hosts Joe Arlotto and Dr. Jeff Keaffaber are joined by Rob Turnbull, ozone specialist with Telchine Energy Technologies, to explore the critical role of ozone in aquatic life support systems (LSS). Rob breaks down how ozone works as a powerful disinfectant, its impact on water clarity and pathogen control, and why it's essential for maintaining healthy environments in aquariums, zoos, and aquaculture systems. The conversation covers system design, integration with protein skimmers and pumps, and the engineering challenges of scaling ozone safely and effectively. Listeners will learn: The science of ozone generation and application in water treatment Key differences between ozone and other disinfection methods How ozone improves animal health, sustainability, and water quality Design considerations for integrating ozone into life support systems Whether you're an LSS operator, engineer, or aquatic professional, this deep dive into ozone will give you practical insights into designing and maintaining clean, efficient, and reliable aquatic habitats.

In this episode of INFLOW: Aquatic Animal Life Support Systems and Habitats, hosts Joe Arlotto and Dr. Jeff Keaffaber sit down with Amy Stone, an experienced aquatic systems designer whose career bridges aquaculture, aquaponics, and life support system (LSS) design. Amy shares her journey from raising fish to leading Aquatic Equipment & Design. The conversation also pays tribute to the late Stewart McDaniel, honoring his impact and legacy in the aquatic life support community. Amy discusses what she learned from Stewart, how those lessons continue to shape her work, and why mentorship is critical for the next generation of professionals. Listeners will gain insights into: The design and engineering of aquatic filtration and skid systems The crossover between aquaculture, aquaponics, and zoological LSS Sustainability practices and efficiency in system design The value of mentorship and community in advancing the field (1:14) - Remembering Stewart McDaniel (5:11) - Amy's LSS Background (9:21) - The Journey of Aquatic Equipment and Design (17:35) - Multi-Species Habitats (22:57) - Aquaponics Stay connected at: https://inflowlsspodcast.com/

In this episode of INFLOW: Aquatic Animal Life Support Systems and Habitats, hosts Joe Arlotto and Dr. Jeff Keaffaber sit down with Austin Calpin, Curator of Life Support and Water Quality at the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium. Austin shares his unique journey from high school aquarium science programs to leading one of the newest, most advanced facilities in the U.S. We explore: Austin's career path through major aquariums and construction projects Behind-the-scenes innovations in life support system (LSS) design The Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium's cutting-edge use of drum filters, ozone strategies, and automation How sustainability and efficiency are reshaping aquatic habitats Preparing for the future of LSS education and certification Stay connected at: https://inflowlsspodcast.com

Joe Arlotto and Dr. Jeff Keaffaber dive deep into the world of aquatic life support systems (LSS) with special guest David LaBonne, a pioneering microbiologist and former Director of Facilities at the National Aquarium in Baltimore. David shares his remarkable journey from microbiology and immunodiagnostics to redefining how public aquariums approach water chemistry, ozone disinfection, and microbiome management. From early challenges with coliform counts and ozone tower inefficiencies to introducing data-driven filtration protocols and backwash recovery, David has shaped the modern aquatic systems landscape. 💡 In this episode, we cover: (4:42) - David's LSS Journey (8:19) - David's View of the Microbiome (13:48) - Being a Volunteer Diver (18:17) - A Lab Person's Point of View of LSS (25:56) - Evolution of Ozone (38:55) - Problem Solving INFLOW is the podcast where aquatic engineers, biologists, and life support experts share knowledge, solve problems, and explore the evolving science of water-based habitats. 🔔 Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and share if you want more cutting-edge insights from leaders in the aquatic world. #AquariumLifeSupport #OzoneDisinfection #WaterChemistry #AquaticMicrobiology #ZooAndAquarium #AquacultureEngineering #ColiformCounts #Biofilms #SandFilters #PublicAquariums #INFLOWPodcast Stay connected at https://inflowlsspodcast.com/