Fiberglass Tanks in Zoos and Aquariums: Benefits to Animals and Practical Considerations

Fiberglass tanks are a popular choice in zoos and aquariums for housing a wide range of species, from freshwater fish to large reptiles and marine mammals. Fiberglass (reinforced polyester or fiberglass-reinforced plastic, GRP) offers a combination of durability, corrosion resistance, workability, and aesthetic versatility that can support animal welfare, exhibit enrichment, and operational efficiency. This article explores the benefits to animals, key design and maintenance considerations, and where to find reliable external resources for implementation and best practices. AZA environmental enrichment and exhibit design considerations; World Association of Zoos and Aquariums welfare resources; National Aquarium exhibit design insights.

Why choose fiberglass tanks for animal welfare

• Lightweight yet durable: Fiberglass tanks are strong and relatively lighter than traditional materials like concrete, making installation, relocation, and maintenance more manageable without compromising structural integrity.
• Corrosion resistance: Saltwater and chlorinated environments can corrode metal supports and coatings. Fiberglass resists salt and chemical exposure, reducing the risk of material degradation that could compromise safety or water quality.
• Seamless, easy-to-clean surfaces: Fiberglass tanks typically have smooth, non-porous surfaces that resist biofilm buildup and are easier to sanitize, supporting better water quality and reduced pathogen load.
• Customization and ergonomics: Fiberglass can be molded into complex shapes, rounded edges, and integrated viewing windows, enabling naturalistic habitats that reduce stress and encourage natural behaviors.
• Insulation and thermal management: Laminated fiberglass systems can offer good insulation properties when designed appropriately, aiding stable temperature regimes that are critical for many species.
• Maintenance efficiency: Quick-to-install modules, repairability, and the ability to replace panels or sections without a full rebuild can minimize downtime and stress for housed animals. External Resources: AZA Environmental enrichment and exhibit design considerations; WAZA welfare resources; National Aquarium exhibit design insights.

Species-specific welfare considerations and tank design

• Aquatic species (fish, invertebrates, marine mammals):
  • Water quality and filtration integration: Fiberglass tanks should be paired with robust filtration (mechanical, biological, and chemical) and compatible coatings to withstand cleaning agents.
  • Surface area and enrichment: Ensure adequate surface area for gas exchange and add enrichment features (submerged structures, crevices, live plants or decor) to stimulate exploration and reduce stress.
  • Temperature and salinity control: Proper insulation and compatible gaskets/finishes to minimize leaks and thermal fluctuations are essential for sensitive species.
• Amphibians and reptiles:
  • Humidity and humidity control: Fiberglass panels should be sealed and paired with vapor barriers in enclosures to maintain appropriate humidity.
  • Substrate compatibility: Non-porous interiors help minimize pathogen persistence; consider integrated basking platforms and UV exposure where appropriate.
• Mammals and large reptiles:
  • Structural safety: Rounded corners and reinforced viewing windows to prevent injury during interactions or accidental contact.
  • Social and space considerations: Design tank dimensions to accommodate species-specific social structures and movement patterns. External resources: Smithsonian National Zoo exhibit design and welfare resources; Reef Builders / Aquarium Design Journal on materials and coatings; Animal Welfare Institute standards for exhibit design.

Materials and coatings: safety, durability, and hygiene

• Scrub resistance and impact resilience: Tanks should withstand routine husbandry cleaning, substrate abrasion, and potential accidental impacts from animals or staff. External resources: NFPA/UL safety and material compatibility guidelines; ASTM standards for fiber-reinforced composites in aquatic environments; ZAGS / aquatic exhibit maintenance resources.
• Gel coats and laminates: Gel coats must be rated for aquatic life contact and cleaned with approved, wildlife-safe cleaners. UV resistance and abrasion resistance are important for longevity.
• Coatings compatibility: Ensure coatings do not leach harmful substances into water; work with manufacturers to select aquarium-safe epoxies and sealants when necessary.
• Hygiene and biosecurity: Smooth surfaces reduce microbial harborage; design considerations should minimize crevices and joints where biofilm can accumulate.

Construction, installation, and retrofit considerations

• Modular vs. monolithic designs: Modular fiberglass panels allow phased installations, easier expansions, and reduced downtime. Monolithic tanks can minimize joints but require careful handling during transport.
• Remodeling and retrofitting: When upgrading existing exhibits, assess substrate, filtration integration, and electrical/HVAC tie-ins. Fiberglass panels can be cut and shaped to fit existing footprints with proper fabrication.
• Structural integration: Coordinate with structural engineers for load calculations, support frames, and anchoring to ensure stability and safety for large tanks.
• Compliance and permits: Ensure compliance with local building codes, safety regulations, and animal welfare standards. External resources: Regional facility design guidelines (example bodies); IARC safety/compliance resources; Aquariums International Design Forum case studies.

Maintenance, cleaning, and lifecycle considerations

• Routine cleaning protocols: Use non-abrasive, animal-safe cleaners; avoid harsh solvents that could degrade fiberglass gels. Establish a cleaning schedule aligned with species needs.
• Leak prevention and inspection: Regular inspections for seams, joints, and fasteners; promptly address any signs of delamination or cracking.
• Monitoring system integration: Tie into water quality monitoring for pH, ammonia, nitrates, salinity, temperature, and oxygen. Fiberglass tanks should accommodate probes and sensors without compromising integrity.
• Lifecycle planning: Plan for mid-life refurbishments or panel replacements; fiberglass can be repaired in situ in many cases, reducing the need for complete tank replacement. External resources: Practical aquarist maintenance references; Water quality monitoring best practices; IAAAM health and hygiene guidelines.

Enrichment and behavioral considerations

• Environmental enrichment: Fiberglass tanks enable complex interior architectures—caves, ledges, coral-like structures, and artificial reefs—that promote natural behaviors, exploration, foraging, and hiding. Enrichment reduces stress and improves welfare outcomes.
• Visibility and public engagement: Clear, aesthetically pleasing tanks provide better viewing for guests, supporting educational outcomes and visitor experiences, which can bolster conservation messaging. External resources: AZA Enrichment Resources; Enrichment.org resources; Oceanographic Institute case studies.

Environmental sustainability and safety

• Life-cycle impact: Fiberglass tanks can have lower initial embodied energy than concrete or steel and may be repairable, reducing waste. Evaluate supplier certifications and end-of-life disposal options.
• Safety for animals and staff: Non-toxic resins, proper ventilation during fabrication, and certified installers reduce occupational and welfare risks.
• Emergency preparedness: Design tanks with accessible shutoffs, contingency plans for water quality excursions, and clear isolation protocols for disease management. External resources: U.S. Green Building Council guidance; EPA guidance on fiberglass materials and resins; MSDS resources from suppliers.

Fiberglass tanks can offer meaningful welfare benefits for a wide range of zoo and aquarium species when designed, installed, and maintained with animal welfare and environmental safety as the central criteria. The key to success lies in choosing appropriate materials and coatings, ensuring robust water quality management, designing with species-specific needs in mind, and committing to ongoing maintenance and enrichment. By integrating best practices from accredited institutions and industry standards, facilities can create engaging exhibits that support animal welfare, educated public engagement, and sustainable operations.