ALGAL
PASTE DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM
QUESTION:
I have a refrigerator with a tub inside to which I will add diluted
algal
paste on a
daily basis. I have 8 rotifer tubs, to each of which I
need to add
approximately 2 litres of this diluted algae over 4 feedings
per day.
I am thinking of a timed peristaltic pump to pump the diluted
algae, but
need some form of metering system to assure equal distribution
to each tub.
I am imagining some form of solenoid valved distribution
system.
Any ideas for a cost effective solution would be much appreciated,
as well as
perhaps equipment suppliers for these items.
Michael
(no email address available)
***************
comments 1:
Why 8 tubs of rotifers? It is far more
economical to have 1 or 2. You have the same labor per day per tub,
independent of the tank size, if you want to look at the rotifers and know
what is happening.
You are using so little feed, they must be fairly
small systems, which makes them even less economical.
I have gone to a single large primary system of 9
tons with all the controls, filters, pure O2, etc. in continuous operation
with L type. It has been running steady for about 6 months with enough
production to bypass Artemia. It has been averaging about 5 to 6
kg/day (1 to 2 billion) wet wt of production on a yeast based diet --
just enrich and feed. The labour cost on this large system is a little
more than my 1 ton systems. The low point of one day at only 500
million rotifers and a high point of 4 billion.
The economies of scale in rotifer production are
huge. I can produce rotifers for the cost of Artemia nauplii. I
now have a fair number of customers who just buy rotifers when they need
them and add some algae. Even zebra fish researchers can keep them
alive for a week.
These customers have figured out that it is cheaper
to buy when their fish spawn and save the labour and feed cost all the time
you keep the cultures going but don't have larvae. We can ship 100 million
per box via Fed. Ex. for commercial scale hatcheries or just 10 to 20
million in smaller boxes for researchers.
Dallas E. Weaver, Ph.D.
Scientific Hatcheries
5542 Engineer Dr.
Huntington Beach, Ca 92649, USA
714-890-0138
Fax 714-890-3778
e-mail: deweaver@surfcity.net
http://www.ScientificHatcheries.com
***************
comments 2:
8 channel peristaltic pumps are available
through any of the large scientific/lab supply houses such as Cole-Parmer.
Howard W. Newman
Desert Lake Technologies, LLC
e-mail: hwenwman@desertlake.com