Mall of America Underwater World & the Rainforest Cafe

pogodzib · 10-15-2007, 09:47 AM

I took the kids to Underwater World and the Rainforest Cafe at the Mall of America yesterday. The Rainforest Cafe was cool, but the reef and saltwater fish (excluding the sharks) at the Underwater World was very disappointing. And yes, I do mean VERY disappointed in the reef tank (yes, essentially only 1 tank) their. Their reef tank was small for public aquarium (125 gal) and contained mainly a large cabbage leather and a couple small LPS corals that were in rough shape. Virtually all of our tanks blows their tank away. They did essentially have a second tank, but it was probably around 50 gal and contained mainly aiptasia and LR. As far as the reef fish kept in their large fish display, the fish were about the same size as the ones you can purcahse at Olde Towne. Yes, larger than the typical store, but definitely not full grown adult fish. The kids did love being able to pet the sharks at Underwater World and being able to bring back a sticker that says "I touched a shark" to show to all of their friends at school. We actually had to go back through the Underwater World a second time again later in the day so that they could pet the sharks and stingrays again.

As for the Rainforest Cafe, they had some great displays containing saltwater fish. The tanks are large and contain large fish. If any of you are going up to the Mall of America, I'd recommend eating (or take least taking a walk through) the Rainforest Cafe. BTW - I believe the person that maintains the tanks at the Rainforest Cafe is a member of TCMAS.

Sndwave80 · 10-16-2007, 06:48 AM

Brian,

That’s too bad that you did not have a really time there. I have been there once and yeah their coral display is lacking. But I thought the main tank looked OK and I really liked the starfish tank. The Shark and Ray petting tank was cool too. These guys are the ones that came down and picked up my Naso Tang and Tomato Clown that out grew my tank. I did talk to the manager of the aquarium and he told me that they have no budget from the company who he works for to put together a nice coral tank. He also said its like pulling teeth to get new bulbs for the 125 gal with all the corals and those are just fluorescents. He did mention that they were trying to raise money on the side to purchase a tank and new lighting system for it. I am waiting to hear back from them but I was promised a behind the screen tour of the facility as I donated my fish to them. But I wanted to see if they would be willing to take a few/ all of us on this tour. The manager (Matt) said he would have to see what he could do as there may liability issues bring too many people on this tour. So I keep you all posted.

pogodzib · 10-16-2007, 09:22 AM

I wouldn't say that I didn't have a good time or enjoy it, because I did. Anytime you get to walk under and through a large aquarium it is cool, but the reef tank was very lacking and the size of the saltwater fish was surprisingly small. I can see why they came and got your fish. They are probably amongst the larger of the fish there. They don't a starfish tank there anymore. Now, most of their starfish are in with the octopus.

Sndwave80 · 10-16-2007, 08:07 PM

It has been a while since I last was up here (prior to my deployment). That is too bad they have taken down the starfish tank.

hansmatt · 10-17-2007, 09:08 AM

Certainly a different cateogory of experiences (and expenses) but the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago is spectacular. Their reef/coral section is pretty good, but a series of smaller tanks (mostly 90's I think), but their fish tanks and the shark tanks are incredible. Go early in the morning, as it gets busy, and get a citypass (good for other attractions too) to take the bite out of the admission fee. They have a great whale/dolphin show, petting tanks, and more freshwater than I've ever seen from every zone of the world. The dolphin/whale show/tank is a disappearing horizon tank...you look out across the lake through huge windows above the tank. WOW!

pogodzib · 10-18-2007, 09:24 AM

It's been a long time since I went to the Shedd Aquarium. I don't recall them having a Dolphin/Whale show. I've been to the dolphin show at the Brookfield Zoos in Chicago and they have a really good show. A place that has a nice coral and fish displays is Omahas Henry Doorly Zoo if any of you ever head out that direction. http://www.omahazoo.com/exhibits/ind...s/aquarium.htm

dvfaas · 10-18-2007, 10:49 PM

I went to the Shedd two times in a three year time span. The first time I thought the reef tanks looked cool. The second time the tanks had a lot of algae and some of the corals looked pretty bad. I hope they have someone there taking better care of the tanks on a regular schedule as I would not want to drive four hours again to see what looks like my tank after a algae break out.
I will try to contact the guy from Madison and find out when we can see and purchase some corals from him.

Dave