The Georgia Aquarium is huge. In fact, it's the largest aquarium in the world. To put it in perspective, let's talk numbers. The aquarium houses more than 100,000 animals from about 500 different species. More than 8 million gallons of water fill the 60 fish habitats. And, 12,000 feet of viewing windows let visitors see it all.

If you're still having difficulty picturing how big it is, try this. Imagine the size of a football field. Now imagine nine football fields. Big, right? Almost nine football fields could fit inside the Georgia Aquarium.

So how did they do it? How did they build habitats for all those animals? Where did they get all the fish? What does it take to feed all the animals and keep them healthy? And how do they keep all the tanks clean? Let's find out.

Thank You! HowStuffWorks Express would like to thank the staff of the Georgia Aquarium for their assistance with this article. Special thanks to assistant veterinarian Megan Blasier, senior biologist Gina Fisher, senior life support operator Eric Hall, water chemist Anne Prusak, public relations director David Santucci, biologist Erika Stuebing and laboratory technician Jennifer Talarski.