Urban Pond Transformed into Make-Shift Aquarium in Brooklyn
From Leaky Hydrant to Artificial Pond
An urban pond where goldfish used to swim beneath a leaky New York City fire hydrant has been replaced by a new makeshift aquarium, days after the city unceremoniously paved over the old one due to safety concerns.
Residents Take Matters into Their Own Hands
Industrious Brooklynites have taken waterproof liner, bath tiles, concrete blocks, and gravel and fashioned a new urban pond in a tree bed next to the now repaired hydrant. On Friday afternoon, roughly 40 goldfish were darting around the new environs, which were built on Wednesday and feature fake, brightly colored plants, stones, and other aquarium decorations.
Visitors Flock to the New Aquarium
Pedro Zambrana, a 29-year-old visiting from Barcelona, was among the dozens of people stopping by to peer in and take photos. "This is so cool," he said, adding that a visit to the curiosity in Brooklyn’s Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood had been high on his itinerary for his week-long stay in the city.
Future Plans for the Aquarium
Devang Shah, one of the local residents who helps manage the pond, said volunteers soon hope to outfit the aquarium with a solar-powered filtration system to replace the current battery-powered one. They also need to acquire a heating system before winter sets in and have visions of setting up a livestream so their admirers worldwide can tune in.
The Evolution of the Bed-Stuy Aquarium
The so-called Bed-Stuy Aquarium is searchable on Google Maps and has its own Instagram and TikTok accounts, managed by Shah and other residents. However, the 44-year-old architect lamented that the aquarium had been easier to manage under the leaky hydrant, which provided a constant source of fresh water, so a filter system wasn’t really needed.
Conclusion
The transformation of a leaky fire hydrant into a makeshift aquarium is a testament to the resourcefulness and determination of the local community. As the aquarium continues to evolve, it’s clear that the residents of Brooklyn’s Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood are dedicated to providing a unique and fascinating attraction for visitors from all over the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Bed-Stuy Aquarium?
A: The Bed-Stuy Aquarium is a makeshift aquarium created by local residents in a tree bed in Brooklyn’s Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood.
Q: What happened to the original pond?
A: The original pond was filled in by the city due to safety concerns.
Q: What features does the new aquarium have?
A: The new aquarium features fake, brightly colored plants, stones, and other aquarium decorations.
Q: How many goldfish live in the aquarium?
A: There are roughly 40 goldfish living in the aquarium.
Q: How can I visit the Bed-Stuy Aquarium?
A: The Bed-Stuy Aquarium is searchable on Google Maps and has its own Instagram and TikTok accounts, managed by local residents.
