World's Largest Aquarium Set to Open

I am big on the sea and life in it. In fact I sometimes wonder if in a different life I didn't live as a sailor. The ocean calls to me and there are times that I must answer that call. But instead of telling you about that or reciting The Rime of The Ancient Mariner I'll tell you a little bit more about the Georgia Aquarium.

ATLANTA - The whale sharks are kings of the 6-million-gallon tank, their presence palpable even before they emerge from the murky darkness like massive star cruisers in a science fiction film.

But once visitors to the new Georgia Aquarium have seen Ralph and Norton — the only whale sharks on display outside of Asia — they will still have at least 99,998 more fish to go.

When the aquarium opens Nov. 23, it will become the world's largest by virtually all major standards of the industry. It was bankrolled almost exclusively by a $200 million gift from Home Depot Inc. co-founder Bernie Marcus.

"It's going to be the most unique aquarium in the world," said Marcus, 76. "I don't want to say the best. (Status as) the best will come after people view it and decide."