How big is the whale shark tank in an aquarium?

When you visit a world-famous aquarium, the most eye-catching thing is often the massive whale shark tank. Whale sharks are the largest fish in existence, with adults reaching over 12 meters in length. To allow them to swim freely in an artificial environment, aquariums must construct massive aquatic spaces.

For example, the Georgia Aquarium in the United States boasts a whale shark tank measuring 24,000 cubic meters, more than 10 times the size of a standard Olympic swimming pool. The whale shark tank at Chimelong Ocean Kingdom in Zhuhai, China, has a volume of 62,000 cubic meters, accommodating several whale sharks and other large fish. These huge aquariums provide whale sharks with a range close to their natural habitat.

What material is the whale shark tank constructed of? The answer is a large acrylic aquarium. Compared to glass, acrylic is lighter and more impact-resistant, while also boasting a light transmittance of over 92%, providing a nearly "borderless" viewing experience. To withstand the immense pressure of tens of thousands of tons of seawater, the acrylic boards in the whale shark tank are typically 30 to 60 centimeters thick. They are formed into a continuous curved surface through hot bending and seamless splicing technology, making the audience feel as if they are in the underwater world.

The large scale of the whale shark tank is not only a landmark of the aquarium but also a representative achievement of acrylic engineering technology. It is this material that enables visitors to safely and clearly observe the massive whale sharks and schools of fish.

With technological advancements, large acrylic aquariums will push boundaries, delivering even more breathtaking marine displays. At Shanghai Lanhu Aquarium Engineering Co., Ltd., we will continue to strive to create safe and spectacular aquariums, allowing more people to experience the magnificent beauty of the ocean up close.