Water Quality Monitoring Maintains Healthy Shark Exhibit
The YSI 5200A is a continuous multiparameter water quality monitoring instrument that can either be used as a stand-alone or in conjunction with other instruments. The Newport Aquarium is a world-class facility with a 385,000 gallon Surrounded by Sharks Exhibit! who wanted insight into the water quality parameters in the exhibit.
The facility houses 4 unique shark rays - Sweet Pea, Scooter, Sunshine, and Spike.
The name Shark Ray, (Rhina ancylostoma), alludes to its appearance. The front section is broad like a ray with prehistoric ridges along the head, while the back section resembles a shark with dual dorsal fins.
Like sharks and rays, they have a skeleton made of cartilage. A Shark Ray’s mouth is equipped with very strong jaws that are covered in small rounded teeth. The strong jaw and teeth are extremely effective in crushing the hard shells of animals such as crabs and lobsters, their favorite foods.
The water quality data is being used to keep a good data log of what is going on in the system and to use it as an educational tool for the public who comes behind the scenes to view the exhibit.
See how they're using the 5200A continuous water quality instrument to monitor for several parameters including temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, ORP, conductivity, and salinity.
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