Middletown Environmental Planner James Sipperly feeds fish in a newly installed saltwater reef tank at the Land Use Department at City all. Not only does the countertop aquarium draw in staff in need of a “mental break,” those waiting for documents and services no longer complain about the wait.

MIDDLETOWN — Recent visitors to Middletown City Hall are finding themselves drawn toward a second-floor office, lured by a mysterious purple-blue glow.

The light emanates from a saltwater reef tank filled with exotic fish, other creatures and vegetation. This newly installed six-gallon aquarium at the Land Use Department has since become a veritable attraction for those of all ages.

Every element of the tank is alive, Middletown Environmental Planner James Sipperly said.

Not only do the mushrooms, snails, coral, baby star and other fish draw in workers in need of a “mental break,” those waiting for services no longer complain about the wait, he said.

A saltwater reef tank is seen in the Middletown Land Use Department. When children stop by with their parents, they can use a chair to take in the calming and fascinating display up close, staff said.

A saltwater reef tank is seen in the Middletown Land Use Department. When children stop by with their parents, they can use a chair to take in the calming and fascinating display up close, staff said.

A saltwater reef tank is seen in the Middletown Land Use Department. When children stop by with their parents, they can use a chair to take in the calming and fascinating display up close, staff said.

A saltwater reef tank is seen in the Middletown Land Use Department. When children stop by with their parents, they can use a chair to take in the calming and fascinating display up close, staff said.

Middletown Environmental Planner James Sipperly feeds fish in a newly installed saltwater reef tank at the Land Use Department. Not only does the tabletop aquarium draw in City Hall staff in need of a “mental break,” those waiting for documents and services no longer complain about the wait, he said.

One day, someone came up with an idea to bring a fishbowl into the office to place on the counter for the public. The idea was to give citizens something to watch while waiting to get plans, maps or other records, Sipperly explained.

It never materialized, Sipperly said. However, as people discussed the idea more, he thought bigger might be better.

“A fish in a fishbowl, like a beta fish, isn’t really going to do too much,” he said. So why not a whole tank?

Now, members of the public will wander in — not necessarily to conduct business, but rather, to gaze at the microcosm of marine life, Sipperly said. When they have questions, “we educate them about the vegetation and the corals and live anemone.”

“It gives them the opportunity to pass the time looking at the display,” Land Use Director Marek Kozikowski said. “It’s also a great conversation starter as people admire the fish, and talk about the fish they have now or used to. We’ve heard some good stories.”

Both men paid for the aquarium themselves, at a cost of about $800, Sipperly said. No city funds were used for the project, besides electricity to run the pump.

Stephen Cocco, owner of Aquascapes in Portland, who installed the tank, is offering his maintenance services pro bono. His clients include Mohegan Sun, Sipperly said.

Cocco stops by once a month to inspect the tank and change out a third of the water.

When children stop by City Hall with their parents, Kozikowski said, staff are more than pleased to offer a chair so they can get an up-close look.

Inevitably, kids are delighted to see the two clown fish and two Royal Blue Tang, which they instantly identify as Nemo and Dory from the Disney movie.

“It’s the cutest thing,” Sipperly said. “People are so grateful that we allowed their kids to come in. They love it.”

Now, staff in other departments want the same for their offices, he added. In fact, Sipperly said, three of those who checked out the setup took Cocco’s business card and have had similar aquariums installed in their own homes.

Some municipal workers that stop by end up lingering a bit, saying, “I needed this. Can I stay here and de-stress a little bit? — including the mayor and chief of staff,” Sipperly explained.

“We tell other staff if they need a mental break for a few minutes to come down and stare at the tank for a while,” Kozikowski said.

Land use workers put food into the tank at the same time every day. “We train them. We put our hand over it, and they actually almost jump out of the water a little bit knowing they’re going to get fed. City employees know 3 o’clock is feeding time,” Sipperly said with a laugh.

Many stop by for five or 10 minutes to enjoy the experience.

The tank has an “added benefit,” Sipperly said. Sometimes it takes staff a while to find records people are seeking, and folks can get impatient at how long it takes. Now, Sipperly said, they don’t mind the wait one bit.

As soon as the first few flakes fall down the tank, the shrimp-in-residence scurries out from its hiding place, tentacles all aflutter, eager to be first.

The office is usually a quiet one, so the new sounds of the filter and pump and people being able to watch marine life “playing in the water” is a welcome change, Kozikowski added.

“Everything has a nice movement,” Sipperly said. “There’s tons of color, you can see the current, everything is waving and the fish are swimming. It’s very, very soothing.”

“We’re hoping to provide this little public service benefit for staff and the public. It makes the office feel friendlier and inviting,” Kozikowski said. “It’s been great for morale.”

His department handles regulatory matters, so “any chance we can make it more fun and brighter in the office, we do,” Kozikowski said.

The Land Use department is located on the second floor of City Hall, at 245 deKoven Drive.

Cassandra Day is an award-winning multimedia journalist and resident of the North End of Middletown who has been reporting nearly every facet of the city for over two decades.