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Browsing by Author "Harmon, T. S."

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    An Overview of Design Considerations for Small Recirculating Fish Culture Systems
    Harmon, T. S. (Commercial Fish and Shellfish Technologies Program, Virginia Tech, 2001-06-01)
    Aquatic system engineering is an important factor when designing a new fish holding system or renovating an existing system. Indoor recirculating aquatic systems may be used for various operations, some of which may include: the quarantine of new animals, isolation for ill fish, aquaculture, research, or as educational displays. Professional engineers generally design large or high-density systems using a massbalance approach. However, smaller systems are typically designed or renovated by their immediate owners, which may include aquaculturalists, aquarists, biologists, zoologists, or professors. In many instances trial and error is used to size the equipment, which can get very expensive and take up valuable time. Undersized or oversized equipment wastes electricity and possibly reduces the life of the equipment. These limitations can be avoided by using the practical guidelines given here and taking into consideration a few simple design factors. Proper design of these systems can be accomplished by much quicker methods than a full-scale mass-balance approach and will typically work for low-density systems.
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    The Role of "Aquaponics" in Recirculating Aquaculture Systems
    Harmon, T. S. (Commercial Fish and Shellfish Technologies Program, Virginia Tech, 2005-06-01)
    Recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) are designed to recondition "used" fish water so that it can be recycled back into the fish-rearing tank(s). These systems have become popular because of the ability to control water parameters, their high-density rearing capabilities, and their potential for water conservation. Because of the accumulation of nutrients in these systems, they offer an underutilized resource for persons willing to transform an existing RAS into one that integrates plants. A secondary crop of plants can add to the system's profit, with little overhead cost. The reduction of certain nutrients by the plants can also benefit the system by reducing or eliminating expensive filtration components. These integrated systems have gained recognition by researchers and commercial users alike, and have stimulated the interest of many because of their resource-efficient and "eco-friendly" status.