The Georgia Aquarium holds 11 million gallons of water

The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta contains 11 million gallons of saltwater and freshwater combined. This figure has remained consistent since the aquarium opened in 2005. The 11 million gallons makes it one of the largest aquarium water systems in the world by volume.

To put this in perspective, 11 million gallons is roughly equivalent to 17 Olympic-sized swimming pools. The water fills multiple galleries throughout the building, each designed to house different species and ecosystems. The sheer volume of water requires constant filtration, temperature control, and chemical monitoring to keep the animals healthy.

Key Takeaways

  • The Georgia Aquarium contains 11 million gallons of water across all its galleries and exhibits.
  • The water system includes both saltwater and freshwater environments to match different animal habitats.
  • The largest single tank, the Ocean Voyager, holds 6.3 million gallons and is home to whale sharks and manta rays.
  • Maintaining 11 million gallons requires specialized filtration systems that run continuously throughout each day.

The Ocean Voyager tank is the largest single exhibit

Within the 11 million gallon total, the Ocean Voyager exhibit is the dominant structure. This single tank holds 6.3 million gallons of saltwater, making it responsible for more than half of the aquarium's total water volume. The Ocean Voyager is 203 feet long, 78 feet wide, and 30 feet deep—large enough to house whale sharks, manta rays, and thousands of other ocean fish.

The remaining 4.7 million gallons are distributed across the other galleries: the Tropical Diver, Georgia-Pacific Cold Water Quest, Beluga whales, sea otters, and smaller freshwater and saltwater exhibits. Each gallery maintains its own water chemistry and temperature because different animals require different conditions. A tropical fish needs warmer water than a cold-water penguin or beluga whale.

How the aquarium maintains 11 million gallons

Managing 11 million gallons of water is not a straightforward task. The aquarium uses a closed-loop filtration system that continuously cleans and recirculates the water. Filters remove waste, uneaten food, and other particles that would cloud the water or harm the animals. The system also maintains proper salinity levels in the saltwater tanks and monitors pH, oxygen, and temperature in every exhibit.

Staff members test water chemistry multiple times per day in critical exhibits like the Ocean Voyager. The aquarium also uses ultraviolet light and ozone treatment to kill bacteria and parasites without harming the animals. Pumps move water through the filtration system 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. A power outage or equipment failure can threaten the animals within hours, so the facility has backup generators and redundant systems for the most critical tanks.

Why aquarium size matters for animal welfare

The 11 million gallon capacity allows the Georgia Aquarium to house large animals like whale sharks and beluga whales that would suffer in smaller tanks. Whale sharks, the world's largest fish, can grow to 40 feet long. A tank with insufficient volume would stress the animal and shorten its lifespan. The Ocean Voyager's 6.3 million gallons gives these animals enough space to swim naturally and exhibit normal behavior.

Water volume also affects how quickly waste accumulates and how stable the environment remains. A larger body of water is more forgiving of small changes in temperature or chemistry because those changes happen more gradually. In a small tank, a single uneaten meal or a slight equipment malfunction can cause rapid water quality problems. The Georgia Aquarium's massive volume provides a buffer that protects the animals during routine maintenance or minor equipment issues.

Comparing the Georgia Aquarium to other large aquariums

The Georgia Aquarium's 11 million gallons held the record as the world's largest aquarium by volume when it opened in 2005. Other major aquariums have since been built with comparable or larger water volumes. The Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium in Japan holds approximately 7.5 million gallons, making it smaller than Georgia's. The Dubai Aquarium holds around 2.64 million gallons. The Monterey Bay Aquarium in California holds approximately 750,000 gallons.

Some newer facilities have surpassed the Georgia Aquarium in total volume, but the Georgia Aquarium remains one of the largest and most visited aquariums in the United States. The 11 million gallon figure is still accurate and represents a massive engineering achievement in water management and animal care.

The cost and complexity of maintaining that much water

Maintaining 11 million gallons requires significant resources. The aquarium uses thousands of gallons of fresh water daily to replace water lost to evaporation and to dilute saltwater tanks during maintenance. The facility consumes substantial electricity to power pumps, filtration systems, and climate control equipment. Specialized staff members—marine biologists, aquarium technicians, and water quality specialists—work full-time to monitor and maintain the system.

The aquarium also purchases specialized salt mixes for the saltwater exhibits and treats water with various chemicals to maintain proper conditions. Food costs are substantial because the aquarium must feed thousands of animals daily. The 11 million gallon system represents a major operational expense, which is why admission fees and membership programs are essential to the aquarium's budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to fill the Georgia Aquarium with water?

The initial fill cost is not publicly disclosed, but filling 11 million gallons would cost thousands of dollars depending on Atlanta's water rates. However, the aquarium does not drain and refill the entire system regularly. Instead, it uses a closed-loop filtration system that recirculates the same water continuously, replacing only the water lost to evaporation and maintenance.

Is the water in the Georgia Aquarium saltwater or freshwater?

The aquarium contains both. The Ocean Voyager and other ocean exhibits use saltwater, while the freshwater galleries house river and lake animals. The aquarium maintains separate water systems for saltwater and freshwater exhibits because the animals require different chemical compositions.

How often does the Georgia Aquarium change its water?

The aquarium does not perform complete water changes. Instead, it continuously filters and recirculates the water while replacing small amounts lost to evaporation and maintenance. This approach is more practical for 11 million gallons and is better for the animals because it maintains stable conditions.

Can I visit the Georgia Aquarium to see the 11 million gallons?

Yes, the Georgia Aquarium is open to the public in Atlanta. Visitors can walk through galleries and view the exhibits, including the massive Ocean Voyager tank. The aquarium's website lists current hours, admission information, and special exhibits.