Fresno's proposed aquarium one step closer to happening

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- When you hear the word aquarium, the first thing that probably comes to mind is a tank. But you likely did not think of one that is not used to store aquatic animals.

Tuesday crews made progress on the Fresno Aquarium by installing a 35,000-gallon fire protection water tank on the concrete slab poured earlier this spring.

"This fire protection water tank is going to hold water and it will actually power the fire hydrant and sprinklers for the building. So if there is a fire the fire department will be able to put it out using this water," said Tom Lang, Fresno Aquarium.

Lang, the aquarium's executive director, said they are now one step closer to bringing the marine exhibit to the Central Valley.

"We've actually done five major steps so far to get the Fresno Aquarium here. We graded the property last year, we cleaned it up before that, and then we built the slab earlier this spring, now we're putting up the fire tank."

The tank was built in about 60 days by Pat Biggs' company Central Valley Tank. He said it is rewarding that the aquarium chose a local contractor to help with construction.

"It's been a long time; today is a celebration day to have something on the property so we're proud to be part of that."

This summer workers will install the water main and fire hydrant for the new tank. Until then, the campaign to raise money for the Fresno Aquarium continues.

Currently, $450,000 is needed to meet the $730,000 goal.