An automated aquatic rack system for rearing marine invertebrates

摘要

– Overview of the rack system, individual tanks, drain trough, and water pump. Rack system to the left and associated feeding system to the right. Part of the external chiller can be seen on the floor in the bottom, far left corner. Detail of the wall restraints that prevent tipping. Detail of the foot pad to prevent sliding and to distribute weight (see Additional file  A). Row of 3-l tanks showing the manifold and valves that supply water to these tanks. Some culture tubes are seen inside these tanks, which are held down by the curved plastic mesh. Empty 3-l tank with lid. Detail of the overflow drain and larval baffle. Detail of the plastic plugs used to cap unused holes in the lid. Drain trough that receives the tanks’ overflow drain tubes. Detail of the PVC covers for the drain troughs (see Additional file  B-C). Another view of the curved plastic restraining screen. Sump. Main water pump. This pump is secured to the bottom PVC deck with four bolts and rubber shock mounts. bl, ballast; ch, chiller; crt, cartridge filters; ct, culture tubes; dr, overflow drain; fs, feeding system; iv, water pump intake valve; la, labels; lb, larval baffles; ld, tank lid; lf, leveling feet; mg, magnet; mn, manifold; ot, overflow tray; pd, foot pad; pl, plugs; re, reservoirs; rg, plastic ridges; rs, rack restraint; sc, plastic restraining screen; sl, sensor side loop; sm, sump; tc, trough covers; tk, tanks; tr, drain trough; tv, tank valve; uv, UV lamp; wc, Walchem 900 controller; wp, water pump