What happens when the worlds of facility management and life support systems (LSS) collide? In this special episode of Inflow, hosts Joe Arlotto and Dr. Jeff Keaffaber take the show on the road to the Aquarium and Zoo Facilities Association (AZFA) conference to explore the critical infrastructure that keeps aquatic habitats thriving.

While LSS operators often focus on water chemistry and filtration, the AZFA community handles the "bricks and mortar", from roofing and HVAC to the structural integrity of massive exhibits. Joe and Jeff sit down with a panel of experts to discuss the unique challenges of maintaining animal environments, the importance of inter-organizational collaboration, and the evolving science of exhibit aesthetics.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The Role of the AZFA: Understanding how the Aquarium and Zoo Facilities Association supports the professionals who build and maintain the physical world of zoos and aquariums.

• Collaboration Across Disciplines: Why facility managers, curators, and LSS operators must speak the same language to ensure animal welfare and operational efficiency.

• The "Healthy Water" Aesthetic: A deep dive into the debate over surface algae vs. crystal-clear water, and how to educate guests on what a natural, healthy aquatic environment actually looks like.

• Exhibit Maintenance Challenges: Real-world stories from the field, including managing polar bear and sea lion habitats, and the impact of light and shade on exhibit growth.

• Continuing Education: Insights from the AZFA symposium on how professional development and networking drive innovation in the industry.

Featured Guests: A special thanks to our guests from the AZFA community: Holly Dempsey, John Kanzia, Robert Satchell, John Hale, and Shannon Cunningham.

(1:39) - What Is AZFA

(4:58) - Why Attend AZFA

(10:59) - Design Assist and Four Pillars

(14:06) - End Users in Design

(17:57) - A Day in the Lab

(24:00) - Controls and Sustainability

(33:18) - Hogle Zoo LSS Tour

(39:21) - Thanks and Wrap Up

Connect with Inflow:

• Website: inflowlsspodcast.com

• Sponsors: This episode is proudly sponsored by Aquatic Equipment and Design (AED) and Dryden Aqua.

• Subscribe: Catch every episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app.

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 Todd Devlin-Perry, President of AALSO and Life Support Manager at Mystic Aquarium, for a deep dive into modern aquarium operations, workforce development, and the future of aquatic life support systems (LSS).

Todd shares his journey from plumbing and pool construction to managing 2.4 million gallons of synthetic seawater at one of the country's leading aquariums. The conversation explores large-scale LSS design, backwash recovery systems, ozone disinfection, SCADA automation, and the hidden infrastructure required to support marine mammals and aquatic habitats.

The episode also highlights AALSO's critical role in education, certification, and professional networking, including how conferences, workshops, and hands-on training are shaping the next generation of LSS operators.

Listeners will learn:

• How Mystic Aquarium manages complex closed-loop life support systems

• Why backwash recovery and water reuse are essential in modern aquariums

• The intersection of engineering, biology, and animal welfare

• How AALSO certification and conferences advance LSS careers

• Practical advice for entering the aquatic life support industry

Whether you're an aquarist, LSS technician, engineer, or zoo and aquarium professional, this episode delivers real-world insight into the systems—and people—that keep aquatic life thriving.