QUESTION:
I am currently trying to design an automatic algal feeding system for my broodstock (adult) oysters. Certain considerations include the following: flow rates of up to 33,336 ml/day or 556 ml/min; EVEN flow rates between 2-8 tanks; pump shut off if food reservoir container runs dry; maximum head pressure-9.5 ft; reliable operation in a seawater environment; and restricted budget for entire project (pump, tubing, PVC plumbing, etc. for under $1500). Can it be done?
I would appreciate any and all thoughts/comments, as my expertise lies in larval culture not system design.
Someone has suggested to me the use of a peristaltic pump. I have
investigated these pumps and found one the could handle the flow rate that I need for $475. Does anyone have any good/BAD experiences with these pumps?
Kimberly Simmons <ksimmons@vims.edu>
COMMENTS 1:
A tube or peristaltic pump would be my choice for feeding broodstock. I use a series of 2nd hand dialysis pumps to supply feed to my condition unit. The main problem with these pumps is wear and tear on the tubing. I have found that the Masterflex Norprene 06404 series gives excellent service. Parent company for Masterflex is Cole-Palmer International, Illinois 60714, USA. I feed out some 1000 L per day with 2 pumps.
Peter Redfearn
Usenet: aqpr@frc.niwa.cri.nz Post: NIWA Research Centre
Telephone: +64 4 388 8596 Greta Point
FAX: +64 4 388 9931 PO BOX 14901, Kilbirnie
Wellington, New Zealand
COMMENTS 2:
My specialty is automation of algal production and zooplankton production. I work at LSU with what we call the HISTAR system. It is a completely automated production system that produces ~ 1 to 2 kg per day of wet paste algae in a room ~30 ft x 40 ft. We also feed suspended algae directly to a rotifer production system.
It's hard to say exactly what you need without seeing the system, but it sounds like all you need is a sump pump (automatically shuts off at a certain water level) and a constant head device to deliver the same flow to each tank. As far as automation goes, what else do you need? Timer operation? Intermittent operation? Operation based on algal density? Etc. etc. etc.? If all your doing is filling up a container in the morning and then slowly feeding, then all you need is the sump pump (Rule 8000's are good pumps for use in salt water). Peristaltic pumps are a real pain to use. They require rubber hosing that wears out quickly and you end up with salt water in the pump housing (not good).
Mike Christensen
Research Associate
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Louisiana State University, USA
e-mail: <mchris@unix1.sncc.lsu.edu>
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