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Bed-Stuy Sidewalk Aquarium Returns in Glass Tank During Heatwave

Animal welfare groups warn current temperatures could prove fatal for the dozen goldfish housed in a shallow tree-pit display.

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Overview

  • The new above-ground glass tank holds about a dozen goldfish in a tree pit next to the original Tompkins Avenue and Hancock Street site.
  • Veterinarian Benjamin Rosenbloom and Lights Out Coalition founder Kathy Nizzari caution that mid-90s temperatures risk depleting oxygen and causing painful fish deaths.
  • Co-founder Je-Quan Irving says city agencies approved the above-ground installation and he plans to maintain it with added plants and lighting.
  • Last year’s hydrant-fed aquarium was raided by the FDNY and cemented over, and co-founder Hajj Malik Lovick is now serving a 12-year sentence for attempted murder.
  • Local residents and a new “Aquarium Deli Food” have embraced the installation as a community attraction and educational feature for children.