AquaClear Experiment in Mariculture

[Subsea]

I like algae filtration. I used it in reef tanks since day 1, some 48 years ago. After slowing down from oilfield days as a subsea engineer, I spent some time working at municipal waste water treatment plant using activated sludge to achieve complete treatment of humane waste. This activated sludge plant of 2 acres replaced a 100 acre oxidation pond where bacteria in the “facultative zone” scavaged oxygen from nitrate molecules and released nitrogen gas to the athmosphere. In a separated area, a 1 acre algae pond was operated as a pilot program to test algae filtration using water hyacinth collected from local waterways. The hyacinth filtration worked wonderfully but grant money went to technology.

As plant manager during construction, I had much time to learn details, but I found myself drawn to this quiet pond. It was gorgeous with turtles, frogs, snakes and big fish that grew from larvae when hyacinths were brought in. Considering an input of straight sewage, at a controlled rate, using photosynthesis and gas exchange, Nature turned sewage into a sparkling healthy diverse ecosystem.

Enough of my ramble. My goal with this upgrade to AquaClear 110 is to produce an ultra high energy algae filter. For nutrient export, I will shoot for Grape Caulerpa as I find it very tasty for human cuisine. I chill in cold ice water then lime & soy to taste. A big favorite is three dish cheviche which features a spicy vegetable marinade dish with a fish protein marinade with either red ogo or green grapes for a nice colorful garnish with crunch. I am getting too many party request so I need a sustainable source.

Voila! This is Mars Hydra and first full day on. I was very cautious with heat gain and monitored during day hours. I got the 300W.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00XC3LBI2/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01__o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[jsker]

Very cool

 

[Subsea]

Very cool

It was a whim but it bugged me to give up my 30G mud/macro refugium after 25 years for a cryptic refugium. I have been very pleased with cryptic refugium for controlling DOC and feeding tank “reef snow” but I miss the nutrient export of the macro refugium. I also feel that the algae in the macro refugium has not only a dampening of pH during reverse light cycle but I feel that the flow of DOC is a two way street between coral in display and algae in the refugium. With two med/large Yellow Tangs macro in display is eaten quickly. After watching BRS TV Video series on algae filtration as primary nutrient control I saw a $1000 dollar light deliver 1800 PAR and cause pH in refugium to rise to 8,9. My light cost $59.

So now, I push the envelope with this powerful mini grow light at 118W for 2Qt HOB refugium. Heat is not an issue with this cool light fixture. Lower metal case of light fixture and acrylic cover have equalized in temperatureat at 77.1 degrees. The hottest temperature of this fixture is at the top at 83.9 degrees.

 

[lapin]

It was a whim but it bugged me to give up my 30G mud/macro refugium after 25 years for a cryptic refugium. I have been very pleased with cryptic refugium for controlling DOC and feeding tank “reef snow” but I miss the nutrient export of the macro refugium. I also feel that the algae in the macro refugium has not only a dampening of pH during reverse light cycle but I feel that the flow of DOC is a two way street between coral in display and algae in the refugium. With two med/large Yellow Tangs macro in display is eaten quickly. After watching BRS TV Video series on algae filtration as primary nutrient control I saw a $1000 dollar light deliver 1800 PAR and cause pH in refugium to rise to 8,9. My light cost $59.
So now, I push the envelope with this powerful mini grow light at 118W for 2Qt HOB refugium. Heat is not an issue with this cool light fixture. Lower metal case of light fixture and acrylic cover have equalized in temperature at 77.1 degrees. The hottest temperature of this fixture is at the top at 83.9 degrees.

So you chunked the TV and went with a 110. Im impressed. I guess I need to pop in for some chow.

Very cool

Funny

 

[Subsea]

Most of the bits of red macro got sun burned. It accomplished seeding with pods. The green macro is not Green Grapes. It is Caulerpa Peltata, I am not sure that picture will show it, but the amphipods are bigger than baby mollies.

 

[Dondante]

hyacinth was introduced to our Delta. It grows everywhere. It chokes out some of our lakes and creeks .It certainly grows fast and extremely Hardy.

 

[Subsea]

For certain, I like the red spillover as a perfect accent for Red Tree Sponge.

The differrent seaweeds that were scalded are recovering. Pods are everywhere. Who said pods like low flow? Pods like food.