Page 13 - Salesianum - Distinguished Gentleman - Summer 2020

of larger biology-related lessons and also as a beautiful focal point in the Abessinio Science Center.
“I have been so excited about bringing this tank to Salesianum, especially since our Aquatic & Marine Biology students will
gain hands-on experience with maintaining this tank, and play
an important role in selecting the organisms we incorporate into
the reef,” Dr. Anthony says. “Our students’ creativity, determination and curiosity are the reason for
this incredible addition to our school. This experience has been
one of the highlights of my teaching career here at Salesianum, and I am so proud of what our gentlemen have accomplished.”
The tank’s maturation will be a slow and steady, year-long process with
a focus on achieving a balanced, healthy environment for the coral to grow and thrive. This preparation
process includes adding sand and rock aragonite substrates, using reverse-osmosis filtered water in conjunction with a unique reef-salt mix while slowly introducing live fish. The tank is truly state-of-the- art and features the very latest in filtration, lighting and management software that duplicates sun and moon cycles.
“At Armco, we’re all about educating ourselves and our clients about the responsibilities associated with aquatic life in captivity,” says Rich Armani, owner of Armco Aquatics. “To partner with an educational institution like Salesianum, and hopefully inspire even one person to be an aquarist or simply think about the ocean in a new way, it’s all worth it. It’s a rarity to have such a high- level and modern tank in a high school; we’re thrilled to have helped make this happen.”
Armco Aquatics Owner Rich Armani and Dr. Jennifer Anthony
SALESIANUM. WHERE MODERN MEN BEGIN. 11
TIMELINE
• August 7, 2019: Aquarium is delivered and set up
• August 16, 2019: First inhabitants, Francis and Louie,
are introduced
• September 6, 2019: Invertebrates join the tank (cleaner shrimp, serpent sea stars, hermit crabs and snails)
• September 17, 2019: Coral arrive (leather, mushroom and brain coral; star and button polyps)
• October 16, 2019: Large fish are introduced (clownfish, tang, triggerfish, angelfish and butterflyfish)
• September 2020: Full coral-reef growth achieved