Aquariums: questions and Band 8 answers

Yes, quite a few times actually. The most memorable one was in London during a weekend break with my family a couple of years ago. I was completely mesmerised by the massive glass tunnel where you could watch sharks and stingrays gliding directly above your head.

Not very often, to be honest. It's not the sort of place you drop into every month, mainly because tickets can be rather pricey. I suppose I only end up visiting when I'm travelling or if friends with young children come over to stay.

I'd say it's the peaceful atmosphere. The dim lighting combined with the soft hum of the water filters makes the whole experience surprisingly relaxing. I especially love sitting by the giant tanks and just observing the colourful coral reefs and schools of tropical fish.

I did, actually. My parents bought me a small tank with a couple of goldfish when I was about eight. Looking back, it was a great way to learn a bit of responsibility, though cleaning out the filter at the weekend was always a bit of a chore.

Definitely. I've seen travel documentaries featuring huge oceanariums in East Asia that have entire ecosystems recreated indoors, including whale sharks. If I ever take a holiday over that way, visiting one of those world-class facilities would definitely be high on my itinerary.