JimLap:The aquarium does not do the check outs, the shop does, and you have to provide all of your own gear, which I do not have a problem with, but it seems the issue of contamination of the tank(s) would be an issue.
That is really surprising to me. For reasons mentioned above, I was unable to meet the scheduling requirements at the Aquarium of the Pacific out here in Long Beach. However, I did get to meet the team and learn a lot about what they do. One of the main points explained to me was that all gear was provided, and that none was to be brought in or used outside. Nothing like invasive species destroying your multi-million dollar tanks!