Greater Cleveland Aquarium works toward January 19 ribbon cutting

CLEVELAND - Construction crews at the new Greater Cleveland Aquarium are busy installing the shark tank and the acrylic walls that will allow visitors to walk through the 500,000 gallon tank surrounded by 15 sharks.

Marinescape, based in New Zealand, is beginning the third and final phase of construction that will end in the Jan. 19 ribbon cutting. The aquarium will be the 24th for Marinescape, but the first in the United States.

Following the installation and sealing of the acrylic tank walls, water will be added and the system checked for leaks.

The sharks and other sea creatures are currently in Key West, Florida waiting for the aquarium's opening.

Where does one find one million gallons of sea water? Hundreds of boxes of Instant Ocean, with directions that state to "just add water."

Another feature at the aquarium will allow certified divers the option of swimming with the 15 sharks.

The Greater Cleveland Aquarium will have preview days for annual members on Jan. 19 and Jan. 20. It opens to the public on Jan. 21, 2012.