WWW.WAS.ORG • WORLD AQUACULTURE • MARCH 2016 51 the ability to conduct replicated research with small finfish and to ensure that water quality and water flow were identical for each tank in the system, regardless of physical position. Once system needs are defined, create a sketch of the system. Even a very rough sketch (Fig. 1) can help determine which components will be needed, their placement within the system, and the flow of water. Several iterations of the design may be needed before the overall layout of the planned rack system is finalized. Once the sketch has been refined, it can be used to quantify the components of the rack system. This will include larger items such as pumps, tanks and filters, and if sufficiently detailed, the schematic can be used to determine the type and number of each required plumbing fitting. For example, in assessing the water supply and return lines, 14 elbows are required (Fig. 2). Once the sketch is finalized, the dimension of the floor space required to house the rack system can be determined. Determining floor space requirements early in the process helps clarify the layout and size of various components, including the actual rack and holding tanks. The rack system was designed to stand against a wall and occupy a wall space 2.7 m long by 2.1 m high. We used two 1.2 m long by 2.1 m high shelving units for the racks, with plumbing adding an additional 15 cm of length to each shelving unit. A standard 1.2 m long shelving unit is commonly available from most commercial kitchen or restaurant supply companies and some retail outlets. Shelving units should be of a good quality and sufficiently strong to hold the weight of water. Sourcing Components After completing the sketch, identify and source suitable components to build the rack system. With sufficient thought to intended use and attention paid to the system sketch, generate a working list of the specific parts needed and the required number of each. As the intention with the rack system was to ensure functionality and keep costs low, we were creative in the selection of parts, including the animal holding tanks, for example. There (CONTINUED ON PAGE 52) TABLE 3. Some of the tools required to build a n aquatic rack system. Tool Uses Reciprocating Saw Cut openings in sump tanks, cut pipe support structure to length 1/2” Electric Drill Drilling holes in manifolds for air and water lines, animal holding tanks for bulkheads and inlet lines Tape Measure Measure pipes to length, mark hole locations, etc. FIGURE 1. Preliminary sketch of the DSU rack system. FIGURE 2. The final sketch of the rack system after several iterations. Note the supply lines in black leading from the sump tank to animal holding tanks, and the return lines in grey leading from the tanks to the in-sump filter. FIGURE 3. An individual tank with installed bulkhead fitting and PVC extension to drain into the effluent manifold. Before designing a rack system, first clearly identify and determine research/culture requirements and objectives. Factors such as animal size, duration of holding/growth period, desired water temperature and salinity directly affect the final system design. Time spent thinking through this stage will make subsequent steps much easier to accomplish.
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