CES Myrtle Beach Gives Planet Jellies an Upgrade

Ripley’s Aquarium at Broadway at the Beach has been one of the most popular attractions since its debut in 1997. At 5,000 square feet, Planet Jellies is the largest of nine exhibits. Planet Jellies features interactive displays, a new concession area, and a soft play area for kids.

In October, CES Myrtle Beach was presented with an opportunity to upgrade the jellyfish exhibit with new lighting, and they took the job instantly.

“The Lighting Rep with Carolina Architectural Lighting and Design, Jay Dantzler, was contacted by the aquarium for his opinion on who to use,” said Outside Sales Representative Richard “Boo” Smith. “Jay sent the aquarium to our store based on the relationship we had built with his company and our proximity to the aquarium.”

Though upgrading the lighting in the jellyfish exhibit cost about $6,000 in LED fixtures and controls, it was a quick installation process.

“It took about a month to receive the 10 fixtures they needed to showcase the jellyfish,” said Smith.

As soon as the lights were received, the aquarium’s maintenance director, Joe Bastone, installed the lighting, and Smith and Dantzler stopped in to train employees on how to use the keypad program to change the light colors.

“There weren’t many challenges that we faced. The trickiest part was training the aquarium employees on how to operate the system.”

But with challenges come rewards.

“The most rewarding part of the entire project was knowing we are lighting up Planet Jellies, the top attraction in South Carolina,” said Smith. “It is also super cool seeing billboards for the exhibit knowing we provided the lighting.”