Memorial University – Semi Open Multi-Tank

Memorial University – Semi Open Multi-Tank

Institution:	Ocean Sciences Centre Memorial University of Newfoundland
Location:	St. John’s, Newfoundland & Labrador, CANADA
Contact:	Dr. Annie Mercier
Habitat:	Saltwater
Type of rearing unit:	SEMI-OPEN MULTI-TANK ARCTIC REARING SYSTEM
Unit description:	25 removable self-cleaning polycarbonate tanks (9L operating volume), with lids; No biofilter; Quiet drive saltwater resistant pump Water temperature ranges from 30°C to 4°C (20°C ambient temperature); Completely isolated system; Up to 400% water make-up per day; Water chilled with a water or air –cooled chiller with a titanium heat exchanger (specify choice before ordering) Includes a titanium water heater, 1000 W to reach 25-30°C Degassing column (air intake included) for CO2 removing; The high-strength fibreglass and plastic stands are seawater and mold resistant and NSA-approved for direct contact with food; Electronic controller and monitoring system: 1 Enviro-monitron with 1 temperature probe, 1 flow detector, 1 peristaltic pump for the control of percentage of water make-up per day, 1 Astral photoperiod light control (LEDs); One pressurised counter-current oxygen saturator; 1 Security package: 1 pressure relief valve, electrical components (pump starter, temperature controller) are housed in NEMA-4 boxes;
Mandate:	Conception, Fabrication

Memorial University – Semi Open Multi-Tank

The researcher wishes to operate the Multi-tank system under semi-open conditions as plankton carried by natural sea water is required to feed the marine invertebrates housed within the unit.  This water will be introduced in the system as a constant make-up flow.  Consequently, no solid filtration, biofiltration or chemical treatments will be required in this unit as these may remove the plankton.   The water exchange rate (up to 200% v/v water change per day) will be adjusted to maintain rearing conditions optimal.

This system will then consist of the fish holding portion of a standard arctic system, plus the necessary equipment required to pump and chill the water. The water chilling control precision is ±0.3°C. Furthermore, the standard control & monitoring system will be included, along with the fixtures above the shelves for photoperiod control (one photoperiod for the whole unit).

The system should accommodate up 24 x 9.4 Liter tanks.  In option this system can accommodate up to 64 x 1.5 Liter tanks or 48 x 2.8 Liter tanks.  The current unit comes with 24 x 9.4 L tanks.

Each shelf has a row of LEDs.  The Habitat Module has an opaque insulation (isolates from room lighting).