Let me start by saying I had VERY HIGH expectations of this aquarium. I was slightly disappointed in the experience and give it just an OK rating. The quantity and quality of fish is great but the exhibitions themselves were kind of cheesy and the staff seemed more geared to entertaining kids (which is i'm sure a large portion of the crowd). Many of the larger aquariums seemed murky or cloudy. Again, i'm sure it is very difficult to keep the water sparkling clear. The group I was with only had tickets to the aquarium so I can't speak for the other attractions at the complex. We also got there after 4:00PM so all of the interactive events had finished for the day and that definitely probably had an impact on the experience.
The fish seem very well cared for and for that I am glad. I personally do not have a problem with animals in captivity as long as they are well cared for and these animals all seem to be thriving...so far. I do like the way the place is designed....kind of like an IKEA store where you just follow the signs and they lead you from one exhibit to the next until finally you wind up in the gift shop and the exit.
I appreciate the effort and the money that went into this project and I think it has a place in Scottsdale. I just wanted to be more impressed than I was.