Recirculation aquaculture system - in the making

These pictures show my recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS). The design of the RAS started  in June 2012. At the time the pictures were taken which was in January 2013, only one RAS was completely assembled for testing. When my supervisor, Marc visited me in January 2013, we tested the system together. He consulted me on what to improve and later approved that another seven RASs could be built according to the same design. The RAS consists of 1) 80 liters of  fish tank, 2) 34 liters of solid waste separator (hydrocyclone), 3) 14 liters of nitrification unit, 4) Two 14 liters of algae tank, 5) a sump, and the water flow according to the sequence of compartments mentioned. The cost of making eight RASs were about RM 15,000 which is equal to not more than EUR 4,000. Since I got help from many technicians to build this system, I save a lot for labour cost.

Flow of water (clock wise) - Fish tank (top left)--> solid waste separator or hydrocyclone (red basin)--> nitrification unit--> algae tank--> sump

Fish tank

Solid waste separator

Inside of solid waste separator. The solid waste separator works using a hydrocyclone concept. Solid waste coming into this basin flow in circular movement. Heavier particles will settle down and clearer water will move to its outlet. It is made of commercial plastic basin.

With my supervisor, Marc