Project Description:
The new Pacific Seas Aquarium at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in Tacoma, Washington is 35,000 square-foot aquarium that took $51.6 million and four years to design and construct. The result is spectacular; the aquarium is now home to hammerhead sharks, sea turtles, eagle rays, sheephead fish, a giant Pacific octopus and many more marine species. The 280,000-gallon exhibit Baja Bay features a viewing window extending upwards into a 10 foot arch, creating a semi-tunnel which allows visitors to view sharks and rays swimming overhead. The 100,000-gallon Northwest Waters habitat features marine species that are local to Puget Sound. The Tidal Touch Zone allows visitors to interact with creatures such as sea urchins, crabs and sea cucumbers.
Point Defiance Aquarium is a landmark project for IAS, which uses HEX™ microscreen drum filters as the primary mechanical filtration for the entire exhibit. The significant advantages of drum filtration compared to traditional sand filtration are put on full display at PDZA. The crystal clear water, low energy requirement and efficient backwash water use is a testament to the technology being used. HEX™ drum filters were selected as the base of design for the project due to their anti-corrosive materials of construction ideal for saltwater, operational efficiency and quality engineering to provide industrial filter performance for the long term.
