The discussion centers on why water does not flood out of holes in an aquarium despite being below the water level. It explains that the upper part of the tank is airtight and maintained at slightly lower than atmospheric pressure, preventing water from flowing out. This phenomenon is similar to how liquid manometers work, where the pressure of air plus the pressure from the liquid height balances with external air pressure. The conversation also touches on practical applications, like using this concept in educational settings to illustrate pressure principles. Overall, the mechanics of pressure differences are crucial to understanding why water remains contained in such setups.