Our day at Seaworld (gigas clam)

[Jimnorris]

Today JimD and I went to Seaworld to drop off my gigas clam. I really do not know if I can express the day I had in words! All the employees of Seaworld treated us like we were king Tut! The behind the screen tour we received was way behond anything I could of dreamed of! From lighting, salt (which they make themselves), food, frag tanks (yes TANKS FULL), and ect. has taken me to a new level in reefkeeping. My gigas is now the show piece of the tank right next to the coral tank. After putting him into the tank as people (customers) gather around and watch was and experience I will never forget! Once he was settle in I stood back and watch crowds of people stare at him in awe. I just smile from ear to ear! I hope JimD jumps in to help me tell about the day! I think the knowledge we picked up today would be and interesting topic for a meeting. In about 3 weeks JimD and I are going back to video everything we did today and of course pick up some of the most AWESOME sps corals I have ever seen! I will also be donating a large squamosa clam to Seaworld to go along with the gigas. There is SO much I have learned today I can type for hours but I will stop here for now. It was just an AWESOME day!
Jim

[Chris]

Don't stop Jim! I want more! :lol:

Were you able to take any pictures today?

I had heard they had a few large frag tanks but we didn't get to see them last time. Guess I'll have to make a Sea World trip soon to see the new attraction. 8)

[JimD]

Jims one hundred percent correct, to try and put into words the adventure we experienced today would be nearly impossible. We were treated like V.I.P. as soon as we arrived, Mark (the associate supervisor) was in awe of the fact that this clam was going to be on exhibit. The behind the "behind" the sceen was infreekincredible! Mark showed us everything, from the top of the cylinder tank when you first walk in, to the amazing surge device used on the 300,000 gallon fish tank, that really blew me away, surge divice, hmm,,, my next DIY project? I have to say, putting that clam in the display tank was very exciting, the tank had a shelf that was perfect for it, after we placed it in the tank, I went and checked it out from a viewers prospective, all I could say was YES! perfect! The clam was the total focal point of the tank. Even though its not my clam, I felt a sense of pride when I heard this little kid say WOW! mommy, look at that big clam!
Unfortunatly, we didnt get any pics this time, we were both so overwhelmed that we forgot the cameras in the truck, but I assure you, when we go back, thats gonna be priority.
The prop tanks were unbelievable, using Carlson surge divises all the frags were growing at an accellerated rate and looked incredible.
Its a great feeling to know that thousands of people are going to gain knowledge because of something I was a part of.
Thanks to Jim Norris, the staff at Seaworld and my insatiable lust for reefing!
JimD

[RedDragon]

sounds great, keep us posted, must have felt hard letting him go Jim :cry:

[fishtankrob]

I know that i and my family thanks your for letting the rest of us in on you generosity. we go to sea world all the time and i will be telling my kids that i know of the guy that donated that clam. Thanks again for your willingness to share with everyone else.

rob

[captexas]

Outstanding story from both Jims. For that kind of donation, you deserved to be treated like a King! Can't wait till you can go back and get pics for the rest of us. As Chris mentioned, we tried to talk our tour leader to take some of us up to check out the frag tanks and research areas. Sounds like you got the real behind the scenes tour that we all wanted to go on!

Anyways, great work again Jim. I bet all the other aquarists at the other Sea World parks are going to be jealous! :-D

[SuperXdude]

i'll be heading to sea world with family this saturday.

I'll make sure I grab some pics of it.


SuperXdude