Grand Junction, CO, USA — RPT provided R-Cast acrylic for the aquatic entryway at the new Scheels location in Billings, Montana. This is the fourth such custom aquarium construction project to be completed by Reynolds Polymer for Scheels.
The new, 222,000 square foot facility in Billings includes a 16,000 gallon, 43-foot long saltwater aquarium. The aquarium project, which was completed in collaboration with ICM out of Grand Junction, CO, involved a total of 25,000 pounds of R-Cast material. When filled with water, the structure tips the scales at a monumental 120,000 pounds.
The tank’s double-arch design is supported by three transparent columns. Though the columns are constructed from acrylic that is only 2.5” thick, they are still 17 times stronger than glass and four times stronger than concrete. Inside the aquarium, elaborate rockwork and theming replicate the natural habitat of over 650 species of coral reef. Scores of colorful fish complete the exotic ambience of the display. At seven-feet wide, and 13-feet tall, the aquarium must be cleaned by an underwater diver, which is often to the delight of curious shoppers.