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.

In this episode of Inflow, hosts Joe Arlotto and Dr. Jeff Keaffaber sit down with Veronica Thompson, Manager of Water Quality and Life Support at the Houston Zoo. Veronica takes us through her fascinating career "arc," from her beginnings as a biologist studying algae under a microscope to managing some of the most sophisticated aquatic systems in the country.

We dive deep into the operational realities of transitioning from world-class aquariums like Mystic Aquarium and The Florida Aquarium to the unique, multi-taxa challenges of a major zoo. Veronica shares how she tackled the commissioning of the Houston Zoo's "Ferrari" of life support systems—the Galapagos expansion—while animals were already in the habitat.

Key topics discussed in this episode:

• The Learning Curve: How a background in phycology and marine sciences translates to wiring pumps and diagnosing complex hydraulic failures.

• Regional Challenges: From utilizing "heat tape" to survive Connecticut winters to barging in 300,000 gallons of pristine seawater from the middle of the Gulf of Mexico.

• Zoo vs. Aquarium LSS: Managing "moats," animal runoff, and the unique stormwater management requirements of a 100-year-old facility.

• The "Sand-Filter-Less" System: A technical breakdown of using hex drum filters and Defender (perlite) filters to maintain 35+ feet of visibility in a sea lion habitat.

• The Ozone "Bug" Turned Feature: How an unintended air entrainment issue led to a revolutionary way to keep perlite filters clean using ozonated water.

• Advice for the Next Generation: Why curiosity, a lack of ego, and listening to animal keepers are the most important tools in an LSS operator's belt.

Whether you are interested in the granular details of perlite filtration or the high-level strategy of managing discharge permits and stormwater watersheds, this episode offers a masterclass in adaptive aquatic engineering.

(1:52) - From Marine Studies to LSS

(4:34) - Nature vs Closed Systems

(6:45) - Texas State Aquarium

(8:01) - Tackling Algae Problems

(9:50) - Mystic Aquarium Winter Lessons

(14:11) - Florida Aquarium and Coral Work

(15:56) - Barging Seawater Explained

(18:40) - Coral Systems and Multi Species

(21:40) - Why Houston Zoo Needed Her

(24:44) - Finishing the Handover

(27:31) - Moats and Legacy Filtration

(31:12) - Outdoor Debris Challenges

(33:37) - Stormwater and Wetlands

(38:50) - Sea Lion LSS Breakdown

(40:05) - Defender Perlite Filters

(44:35) - Ozone Backflush Breakthrough

(48:16) - Advice for New LSS Techs

Learn more about our sponsors:

• Asahi/America

• Aquatic Equipment and Design (AED) Visit them at inflowlsspodcast.com/sponsors.

Connect with Inflow:

• Website: inflowlsspodcast.com

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.

Is life support systems (LSS) a science, a trade, or an art? According to industry veteran Ray Davis, it's a delicate balance of all three; driven by curiosity and critical thinking. In this episode of Inflow, hosts Joe Arlotto and Dr. Jeff Keaffaber sit down with Ray to discuss the "human element" of aquatic habitat management.

With a career that spans design, engineering, and hands-on operations, Ray shares why the most successful exhibits aren't just built with the best hardware, but through deep collaboration between LSS operators and animal care teams. From applying the scientific method to troubleshooting complex systems to the importance of "patience with the passion" of curators, this conversation explores what it really takes to keep animals thriving and water healthy.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The "Jack of All Trades" Mindset: Why versatility is the greatest asset for an LSS professional in a small, specialized community.

• Collaboration Over Conflict: Strategies for bridging the gap between technical operators and passionate animal care staff to reach a common goal.

• The Scientific Method in LSS: How to use critical thinking and risk assessment to solve "unsolvable" water quality and mechanical problems.

• Training the Next Generation: Ray's perspective on finding "gifted people" in unexpected places and teaching them the components of life support.

• AALSO Symposium Preview: The value of face-to-face education and building relationships with vendors and peers at the upcoming conference in Kansas City.

Connect with Inflow:

• Website: inflowlsspodcast.com

• Sponsors: This episode is proudly sponsored by TJP Engineering and Telchine Energy Technologies.

• Subscribe: Catch every episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app to stay at the forefront of aquatic life support innovation.

Keywords: Life Support Systems, LSS, Ray Davis, Aquatic Animal Care, TJP Engineering, Telchine Energy Technologies, Water Quality, Exhibit Design, Zoo Operations, AALSO, Critical Thinking, Scientific Method.

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.

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.