Inflow: Aquatic Animal Life Support Systems and Habitats

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 sit down with John Christiansen, Senior Project Architect at EHDD Architecture, to explore how thoughtful design and engineering come together to create world-class aquariums and aquatic facilities. With decades of experience designing some of the most recognized and sustainable public aquariums, zoos, and research centers, John shares insights into how architecture, life support systems (LSS), and animal welfare are interconnected. The conversation highlights the importance of collaboration between architects, engineers, and operators, as well as the evolving expectations around sustainability, visitor engagement, and water system design. Listeners will learn: How EHDD approaches aquarium design and master planning The relationship between architectural vision and LSS functionality Strategies for designing energy-efficient, sustainable aquatic environments What makes a facility both beautiful and biologically sound From conceptual design to operational reality, this discussion reveals how architecture can elevate the science of life support and create spaces that inspire both visitors and professionals alike. Stay connected with INFLOW at: https://inflowlsspodcast.com/

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 sit down with Sam Courtland, founder of Integrated Aqua Systems (IAS), to explore his journey from aquaculture operations to engineering advanced aquatic systems used in research, zoos, and public aquariums. Sam shares how his early experiences working on shrimp farms and recirculating aquaculture systems shaped his vision for modular design, water management, and innovation in the aquatic life support industry. The conversation dives into how IAS evolved to serve both scientific and zoological applications, bridging the gap between aquaculture efficiency and high-end exhibit design. Together we cover: How aquaculture principles influenced modern LSS engineering The process of designing and manufacturing modular filtration systems Insights into sustainability, scaling, and system integration Why continual reinvention and collaboration drive the future of aquatic system design From humble beginnings to a leading role in the industry, this episode highlights how passion, problem-solving, and purpose can redefine what's possible in aquatic life support and system engineering. Stay connected with INFLOW 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 talk with Rob Cloward and Allen Clawson of Cloward H2O, one of the world's leading aquatic engineering firms. From natural hot springs and wave-generating surf parks to large-scale aquariums and zoos, Cloward H2O has been at the forefront of designing innovative water systems that blend recreation, sustainability, and animal care. Rob and Allen share insights into: The evolution of aquatic engineering across pools, fountains, waterparks, and life support systems Behind-the-scenes of projects like Deep Dive Dubai and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi The balance between water quality, guest experience, and animal health The challenges of scaling designs for attractions visited by millions worldwide (3:43) - Rob and Allen's LSS Background (7:04) - Cloward Deep Dive (12:45) - Hot Springs (20:25) - Modelings (27:19) - Similarities and Differences with LSS (30:51) - Turnover of Sheer Water Volumes (33:00) - Tampa Zoo (34:37) - System Redundancies (38:09) - Coordination with Operators   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 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 INFLOW Facility Spotlight, hosts Joe Arlotto and Dr. Jeff Keaffaber talk with Keith Hacke, Director of Facilities at the Philadelphia Zoo. From building Long Beach and Georgia Aquarium to managing 170+ years of infrastructure at America's oldest zoo, Keith shares insights on life support system design, sustainability, and the challenges of modernizing historic facilities while supporting animal care. (2:58) - Keith's LSS Backstory (7:25) - Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific (15:05) - Georgia Aquarium and Facilities Management (22:22) - UV Lamps (24:54) - HEPA Filtration (29:58) - Philadelphia Zoo and Facilities Management   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

In this episode of INFLOW: Aquatic Animal and Life Support Systems and Habitats, hosts Joe Arlotto and Dr. Jeff Keaffaber welcome special guest Chris Warner of Aquatic Environmental Systems. Chris shares his remarkable story—from growing up across continents to becoming a commercial diver and eventually a pioneer in aquarium life support systems. Discover how a diving accident unexpectedly launched Chris into the world of public aquariums, leading him to build and manage Australia's earliest systems using little more than ingenuity and necessity. Chris recounts the gritty early days of running a small aquarium in Sydney Harbor—battling raw sewage inflows, engineering semi-closed systems with sand spears, and building some of the first protein skimmers and foam fractionators in the industry. This episode dives deep into Chris's approach to filtration design, ozone use, and the importance of bubble size, plus how his experience helped shape systems at institutions like Sea World Australia, Ocean Park Hong Kong, and Singapore's S.E.A. Aquarium. It's a fascinating conversation on problem-solving, learning from nature, and the evolution of aquatic systems through practical innovation. Don't miss this inspiring and technical conversation with one of the field's most experienced voices. 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/

We're excited introduce our new Facility Spotlight series! Hosts Joe Arlotto and Dr. Jeff Keaffaber go in-depth on the Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk, Connecticut, with a behind-the-scenes conversation featuring Erik Holmberg, Associate Director of Life Support. Erik shares his hands-on journey from general maintenance to LSS leadership, detailing his role in system upgrades, daily operations, emergency responses, and long-term infrastructure improvements. From retrofitting 30-year-old systems to pioneering backwash recovery and ozone contact upgrades, Erik walks us through what it really takes to keep complex aquatic habitats running smoothly with a small but mighty team. We've got helpful insights for operators, facility managers, and designers—from choosing media and managing turnover rates to advocating for capital projects. If you're passionate about aquatic animal health, system reliability, or making the most of limited resources, this is a must-listen. (2:13) - Erik's LSS Background (7:39) - Maritime Aquarium Background (9:57) - Backwash Recovery and Water Reprocessing (14:10) - Staff and Problem Solving (22:33) - Making the Case for Upgrades (29:00) - Filters (39:57) - AALSO 🔧 Sponsored by Aquatic Equipment and Design, and Ardurra. 🌐 Stay connected at inflowlsspodcast.com.

In this episode, hosts Joe and Dr. Jeff sit down with Holly and Beau Dempsey, the dynamic duo behind Longhorn Organics, a specialty LSS construction firm transforming how aquariums and aquatic exhibits are built. 🎙️ We dive deep into what sets LSS construction apart from traditional mechanical contracting, the critical role of contractor-owner communication, and how specialty contractors bridge the gap between general construction and highly technical biological filtration systems. We cover: (3:03) - Holly & Beau Background (10:04) - Working with Owners and Contractors (15:36) - Bid Process (19:06) - RFI Process (27:33) - Educating Throughout Process (31:53) - Operation & Maintenance Manuals (38:11) - Trade Shows   Stay connected with INFLOW at inflowlsspodcast.com   Episode Sponsors: MDM Pumps and TJP Engineering

In this episode we take a quick look back on the early days of LSS with Terri Johnson, President and CEO at TJP. Terri shares stories from her early days at ENARTEC and then we focus our discussion on how Terri meets the needs of her clients and the LSS innovations that pique her interests. We discuss: (2:34) - Terri's LSS Origin Story (8:58) - SeaWorld Texas and Removing Ammonia From Systems (13:57) - Background on TJP Engineering (15:25) - Introducing Innovative Ideas (22:28) - Reducing Reliance on Sand Filters and Saving Water & Energy (26:56) - Footprint Needed for LSS vs. Habitat Size (29:58) - Wetlands Systems (38:02) - Cold Water Denitrification   Stay connected with INFLOW at inflowlsspodcast.com

How can we maintain healthy habitats for our aquatic animals? Veteranarian Dr. Brian Joseph joins us for a in-depth discussion on animal health. Together we cover: (3:42) - Dr. Joseph's Background (8:45) - Collaborating with LSS Operators (10:40) - Salinity For Marine Mammal Health (17:28) - Nitrates and Denitrification (23:40) - System Monitoring (27:33) - Vibration Mitigation (32:20) - Current Projects (36:18) - Advice   Have a question you want answered on the show? Click here to leave us a question or comment: https://inflowlsspodcast.com/contact

Our focus this episode is all on sustainability and what that means in the LSS world. We are joined by Mark Fisher, Vice President of Facilities Planning and Sustainability at the Cincinnati Zoo, who shares how focusing on sustainability transformed American's second oldest zoo. Together we discuss:    (4:40) - Mark Fisher's Background (8:51) - LSS Staff Duties (13:10) - Bringing Sustainability to the Cincinnati Zoo (23:35) - Staff Buy-In (33:11) - Elephant Trek (42:18) - AZFA & AALSO   Have a question you want answered on the show? Click here to leave us a question or comment: https://inflowlsspodcast.com/contact

In this episode of INFLOW, we look at LSS from an international perspective as we welcome special guest Mike De Maine. Mike shares stories from projects in South Africa, Darbin, Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Together we discuss:   (5:03) - Mike's LSS Story (10:14) - Finding International LSS Jobs (11:24) - Transitioning from Academics to LSS Operations (15:46) - De-Nitrification in Dubai (18:54) - SWAD Design (26:14) - Europe/Asia vs. US Operators & Design (34:12) - Glass vs. Sand Media (40:43) - Recap   We want to hear from you! Send in your questions or leave a voice message here: https://inflowlsspodcast.com/contact

In this episode of INFLOW, we explore the importance of pumps in LSS as we welcome Ben Ashe of MDM Pumps. Together we discuss: (3:00) - Ben's LSS Background (9:45) - Saltwater and Corrosive Chemicals (12:50) -  Pump Basics (16:30) - Choosing a Pump for an Application (18:45) - Variable Drive Componments (22:00) - VFD's Issues (25:00) - How VFD Works (28:00) - Pump Curve (31:00) - Head issues (34:00) - Online Tool for Pump Choice (36:00) - Preventative Maintenance (39:00) - Pump Rebuilds (40:00) - Interaction with Customers (43:00) - Saudi Arabia   Stay connected with INFLOW at inflowlsspodcast.com.

In our first episode since AALSO 2025, we welcome Roger Phillips as our guest for this episode. We discuss Roger's time as Director of Applied Research at the Monterey Bay Aquarium and go in-depth on their facility. We cover: (4:10) - Roger's Start in LSS (13:40) - Treating Water Coming In (21:46) - Unique Relationship with Operators (33:55) - Off-site Holding Facility   Stay connected with INFLOW at inflowlsspodcast.com.

As we continue our look at the history of LSS, we now turn to the importance of controls and automation. We are joined by Jim Ring, President of RCK Controls, and we discuss Jim's start at Sea World, discovering standards that still apply today and how we've made our systems smarter over time. We cover:   3:02 - Jim's Start in LSS 11:48 - Pumping Less Water for Better Quality 21:51 - First Time Controlling a System 30:48 - Building a Controls Staff 37:18 - Heat Stress and Energy 40:40 - History of RCK Controls   Stay connected with INFLOW at inflowlsspodcast.com.