Tanktopia

Over 10 years ago, Ben had an idea; to build a giant tank that would represent life in a Cornish reef and demonstrate the interactions between different species. Over a year ago the team put the wheels in motion and the project was fondly named ‘TankTopia’ from there, the hard work began.

Spaces were measured, quotes were received and funding applications were submitted. With The NLH being a small charity we were aware that it was going to be a big challenge from the outset. Some of these challenges included fundraising in the current cost of living crisis, added to the mix the ever increasing cost of materials, as a result pushing the end target further and further away. So it was a huge relief when our first funding application came back as successful.

As we began to get closer to our target amount we could begin to set dates in the diary. The first date was the 21^st November and it involved a skip! The team pulled together to clear out the area needed for TankTopia.

The next date in the diary was to close the visitor centre for the week beginning the 11th December to begin construction of the tank. It’s safe to say that during this week the team from Nautilus (our tank builders) realised truly how excited a small team could get over a tank! Within the week walls had been knocked down, a base had been laid, tank walls had been pieced together (including the acrylic front that weighs 160kgs!) and TankTopia had become a reality.

Fast forward to January and once the tank had settled it was time to fill it with water (8,000 litres worth!) to check that there were no leaks, thankfully there were none! Once the water had settled we could then begin to add our animals and with a huge thanks to the help of our fishermen and Blue Reef Aquarium, our tank is now replicating a Cornish reef and is home to mullets, starfish and of course a lobster!

A huge thank you to the Steel Charitable Trust, Garfield Weston Foundation, Cornwall Marine Network and the generous donations of patrons, friends of the hatchery and visitors for contributing towards the costs of TankTopia.

Our visitor centre is now back open for 2024, come and check out the finished effect! Cant wait? or not in Cornwall just yet? we filmed the process which you can view below…

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