Joe Arlotto and Dr. Jeff Keaffaber dive deep into the world of aquatic life support systems (LSS) with special guest David LaBonne, a pioneering microbiologist and former Director of Facilities at the National Aquarium in Baltimore.

David shares his remarkable journey from microbiology and immunodiagnostics to redefining how public aquariums approach water chemistry, ozone disinfection, and microbiome management. From early challenges with coliform counts and ozone tower inefficiencies to introducing data-driven filtration protocols and backwash recovery, David has shaped the modern aquatic systems landscape.

💡 In this episode, we cover:

(4:42) - David's LSS Journey

(8:19) - David's View of the Microbiome

(13:48) - Being a Volunteer Diver

(18:17) - A Lab Person's Point of View of LSS

(25:56) - Evolution of Ozone

(38:55) - Problem Solving

INFLOW is the podcast where aquatic engineers, biologists, and life support experts share knowledge, solve problems, and explore the evolving science of water-based habitats.

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share if you want more cutting-edge insights from leaders in the aquatic world.

#AquariumLifeSupport #OzoneDisinfection #WaterChemistry #AquaticMicrobiology #ZooAndAquarium #AquacultureEngineering #ColiformCounts #Biofilms #SandFilters #PublicAquariums #INFLOWPodcast

Stay connected at https://inflowlsspodcast.com/

We're excited introduce our new Facility Spotlight series! Hosts Joe Arlotto and Dr. Jeff Keaffaber go in-depth on the Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk, Connecticut, with a behind-the-scenes conversation featuring Erik Holmberg, Associate Director of Life Support.

Erik shares his hands-on journey from general maintenance to LSS leadership, detailing his role in system upgrades, daily operations, emergency responses, and long-term infrastructure improvements. From retrofitting 30-year-old systems to pioneering backwash recovery and ozone contact upgrades, Erik walks us through what it really takes to keep complex aquatic habitats running smoothly with a small but mighty team.

We've got helpful insights for operators, facility managers, and designers—from choosing media and managing turnover rates to advocating for capital projects. If you're passionate about aquatic animal health, system reliability, or making the most of limited resources, this is a must-listen.

(2:13) - Erik's LSS Background

(7:39) - Maritime Aquarium Background

(9:57) - Backwash Recovery and Water Reprocessing

(14:10) - Staff and Problem Solving

(22:33) - Making the Case for Upgrades

(29:00) - Filters

(39:57) - AALSO

🔧 Sponsored by Aquatic Equipment and Design, and Ardurra.
🌐 Stay connected at inflowlsspodcast.com.

In this episode, hosts Joe and Dr. Jeff sit down with Holly and Beau Dempsey, the dynamic duo behind Longhorn Organics, a specialty LSS construction firm transforming how aquariums and aquatic exhibits are built.

🎙️ We dive deep into what sets LSS construction apart from traditional mechanical contracting, the critical role of contractor-owner communication, and how specialty contractors bridge the gap between general construction and highly technical biological filtration systems.

We cover:

How can we maintain healthy habitats for our aquatic animals? Veteranarian Dr. Brian Joseph joins us for a in-depth discussion on animal health. Together we cover:

In this episode of INFLOW, we explore the importance of pumps in LSS as we welcome Ben Ashe of MDM Pumps. Together we discuss: