Stollery Children's Hospital - Fish Tank Campaign

[tgrover]

Yes, AI actually has 5 tanks throughout the Stollery. Primarily fresh water.
We want to build a premium reef tank, similar to what they have built for Telus. Also similar to tanks MA builds for private homes.

Both Ron at AI, Josh and Harvey at Marine Aquaria are helping with the project so far.

[DiverDude]

This is a great idea; a tank like that would be relaxing and keep their attention for quite some time.

As expensive and challenging as building and stocking a tank like this is, it's really the easy and inexpensive part. Operating and maintaining it is the real kicker. The hospital will need long term commitment from someone they can finger for all aspect of the tanks' care. Electrical, water, salt, food, etc. all need to be accounted for as well.

From the hospital's perspective, this could only be considered if all those factors were suitable accounted for -and that's going to be difficult.

I hope this pans out but don't be discouraged if it doesn't. Bureaucracy is almost as powerful as the ocean itself.

[howdy20012002]

I really like the idea as we all know how amazing and relaxing tanks can be.
however, I don't know how practical it will be.
I am not trying to speak for the other stores in the city, but that is a huge investment in time and money for a fishstore to commit to if you are looking at it as a donation.
that is a lot of man hours to maintain a 600 gallon tank.
I would look at supporting it with some free fish or corals..but wouldn't consider taking this on personally as a store sponsor.
once again, a great idea if it comes to reality.
but a huge commitment on all sides.

[Leah]

Originally Posted by DiverDude

This is a great idea; a tank like that would be relaxing and keep their attention for quite some time.

As expensive and challenging as building and stocking a tank like this is, it's really the easy and inexpensive part. Operating and maintaining it is the real kicker. The hospital will need long term commitment from someone they can finger for all aspect of the tanks' care. Electrical, water, salt, food, etc. all need to be accounted for as well.

From the hospital's perspective, this could only be considered if all those factors were suitable accounted for -and that's going to be difficult.

I hope this pans out but don't be discouraged if it doesn't. Bureaucracy is almost as powerful as the ocean itself.

Thinking the same here. As wonderful of an idea as I think it is... it is just not practical and as some one stated the money could be used for new/or better equipment.

I wish you all the best with this.

[intarsiabox]

Maybe an RSM250 would be a more practical sell to the Stollery? All in one, easier to maintain, smaller footprint,etc

[Aquattro]

As someone that spends way too much time in the Pediatric ICU, I know that 50k worth of equipment is a much greater donation than a reef tank. That equipment kept my daughter alive last month, which is much more important that spending it on a tank. Yes, a tank is nice and kids like looking at it for a few minutes, but the suggested RSM might be a better alternative. Just my opinion as a parent of a kid that spends too many days in the hospital.

[fishoholic]

Originally Posted by intarsiabox

Has the U of A hospital actually given approval to have a 600g tank built in the Stollery wing? I only ask because there is no Stollery or UofA Hospital logo on your website and usually there is for fundraisers approved by the hospital. Also the Sick Kids and Alberta Kids links on the site don't go to anything related to a fish tank sponsorship. I have seen others with their hearts in the right place set up fund raisers for hospitals and museums for items they were sure they could use only to be told that they couldn't except the donation and I want to make sure this isn't the same case before I do any type of donating. Thanks.

+1

600g seems like a huge undertaking for the U of A to be supportive of. I think having a tank for the children to enjoy is a great idea, but 600g is a lot of work and a big expense to maintain year after year. Honestly a 30g to max of 180g would be more realistic, and even then I'm not sure where a 180g would fit never mind a 600g in the hospital. I will try to call the hospital in the morning to see if I can get any further information about this project.