What does it take to design life support systems for some of the world's most ambitious aquariums? In this episode of INFLOW, hosts Joe Arlotto and Dr. Jeff Keaffaber sit down with Nurettin Ersu, founder of MAT LSS, to explore the engineering philosophies, innovative filtration technologies, and practical lessons that are shaping the next generation of aquatic life support systems.

Drawing from decades of experience designing and commissioning aquarium projects around the world, Nurretin discusses the evolution of aquarium filtration, advances in life support system (LSS) design, balancing water quality with operational efficiency, and the importance of creating systems that are both reliable and sustainable. The conversation also dives into engineering challenges, international collaboration, emerging technologies, and what today's designers and operators should consider when planning future aquatic facilities.

Whether you're an aquarium professional, life support operator, engineer, aquatic veterinarian, consultant, or student entering the field, this episode offers valuable insights into the science and engineering behind healthy aquatic environments.

In this episode, you'll learn about:

• Modern aquarium life support system (LSS) design
• Aquarium filtration innovations and engineering principles
• Water quality management and biological filtration
• Designing reliable, efficient aquatic systems
• Lessons learned from international aquarium projects
• The future of aquarium engineering and aquatic animal life support

(3:30) - Meet Nurettin and MAT Growth
(17:07) - Skid Systems and Client Support
(29:06) - Supply Chain Lead Times
(32:05) - Seaworld Mega Project Lessons
(40:12) - Training Operations And US Market

Subscribe to INFLOW for conversations with the leading experts in aquarium engineering, aquatic animal care, water treatment, and life support systems. New episodes feature industry leaders sharing practical knowledge, technical expertise, and real-world solutions for public aquariums, zoos, research facilities, and aquatic professionals worldwide.

What does it take to build a career that spans aquaculture, exhibit construction, life support systems, and executive leadership? In this episode of INFLOW, hosts Joe and Dr. Jeff sit down with Dane Tullock to explore a career shaped by curiosity, collaboration, and a passion for advancing the aquarium industry.

Dane shares how his journey from aquarist to aquarium executive gave him a unique perspective on life support systems (LSS), facility design, and the critical role aquarists play in successful projects. The conversation explores why owner involvement is essential during aquarium planning and construction, how husbandry and engineering teams can work together more effectively, and the lessons learned from decades of designing, building, and operating aquatic facilities.

Whether you're an aquarist, LSS operator, engineer, designer, or aquarium leader, this episode offers valuable insights into career development, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the future of public aquarium operations.

In this episode:

• Dane Tullock's career path from aquarist to executive leadership
• Why aquarists should have a seat at the design table
• Best practices for aquarium and life support system (LSS) design
• Bridging the gap between husbandry, engineering, and operations
• Lessons from aquaculture, exhibit construction, and public aquariums
• Advice for the next generation of aquarium professionals

(2:58) - Meet Dane
(10:33) - Grad School and Aquaculture
(13:14) - Virginia Aquarium Expansion
(17:41) - Ripley's Myrtle Beach Build
(27:03) - Sixth Sense and System Balance
(30:43) - Next Stop Gatlinburg
(35:34) - Leaving Ripley's Path
(38:48) - Burnout and REI Shift
(41:12) - Back to Ripley's Toronto
(44:14) - Transfer and Florida Return
(50:19) - Planning and Overtime Lessons
(55:01) - Renovations and Conservation Focus
(58:42) - Career Advice and Wrap-Up

INFLOW is the podcast for professionals working in aquarium life support systems, water quality, aquatic engineering, and public aquarium operations. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify for conversations with the industry's leading experts on LSS design, operations, maintenance, and innovation.

What if you could predict water quality problems before they happen?

In this episode of INFLOW, hosts Joe Arlotto and Dr. Jeff Keaffaber sit down with Paul Cooley, Aquatics Director at PC Aquatics and Senior Engineer with Ardurra, along with Chris Carr, Director of Life Support Systems at Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific, to explore a groundbreaking new tool for the aquatic animal life support industry: a comprehensive Life Support System (LSS) computer model.

Drawing on real-world data from Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific, Paul and Chris discuss how advanced modeling is being used to simulate and predict critical water quality parameters, including dissolved oxygen, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH, alkalinity, carbon dioxide, phosphorus, temperature, and more. The conversation explores how digital modeling can help operators troubleshoot system performance, optimize filtration processes, improve emergency preparedness, and even influence the design of future aquariums and aquatic facilities.

The group also examines how data-driven decision-making, predictive analytics, and emerging AI technologies could transform aquatic animal life support operations by helping facilities conserve water, save energy, improve sustainability, and provide healthier environments for animals.

Whether you're an LSS operator, aquarium engineer, aquatics professional, zoo professional, consultant, or student entering the field, this episode offers a fascinating look at the future of aquarium water quality management and the next generation of life support system design.

Topics covered include:

• Life support system (LSS) computer modeling
• Aquarium water quality prediction
• Dissolved oxygen (DO) management
• Nitrogen, carbon, and phosphorus cycles
• Aquarium design and engineering
• Life support troubleshooting
• Sea otter habitat water quality
• Predictive analytics for aquariums
• AI applications in aquatic animal life support
• Sustainable aquarium operations

(0:27) - What Innovation Means
(4:10) - AALSO Conference Meetup
(5:25) - Paul's Water Quality Model
(7:34) - Long Beach DO Case Study
(12:32) - Operator Simulation Tool
(15:03) - Troubleshooting DO Systemwide
(19:44) - Design and Sustainability Uses
(24:16) - Future Features and Data Needs
(27:06) - CO2 vs Turbidity Priorities
(29:56) - Animal Health Data Ideas
(32:55) - Long Beach Testing Roadmap
(37:40) - Iterating the Model Interface
(38:46) - Sponsor Break - Longhorn Organics
(42:53) - Chris Carr Otter DO Crisis
(45:35) - DO Mapping and Backwash Tradeoffs
(48:53) - Beyond DO Coliform Predictions
(50:45) - Data Call and Wrap Up

Subscribe to INFLOW for conversations with the leaders, engineers, scientists, and operators shaping the future of aquatic animal life support systems.

Stay connected at https://inflowlsspodcast.com