Ridley Research Aquaria and Algae Culture Facilities

The Ridley Research Aquaria consist of 4 commercially available re-circulating filter systems. Each individual aquarium can be fully and independently adjusted for temperature, salinity and photoperiod. The aquaria are filled with artificial seawater made from Reverse Osmosis filtered tap water and a commercial sea salt. In line systems include UV sterilisation, trickle bio-tower and fluid sand filtration, protein skimming and ozonation. The aquaria are suitable as holding and experimental facilities for temperate and tropical marine organisms including non-native species.
The algal culture facilities allow for batch production of marine and freshwater microalgae under controlled environmental conditions. Microalgae are grown as larval feeds and for biotechnology and toxin research.

Schematic Diagram - TMC System 5200 Filtration Unit

TMC System 5200 Filtration Unit

Ridley Research Aquaria Ridley Research Aquaria
Views of the Ridley Research Aquaria
Ridley Research Aquaria Ridley Research Aquaria
Algal culture facilities
Barnacle culture

Specification

TMC System Marine Components

  • 750 litre pallet reservoir constructed of HDPE complete with support grid.
  • 100 micron bag filters.
  • Fluidised sand filter complete with 15 kilos of oolitic coral sand
  • Re-gassing/Trickling bio-tower complete with 70 litres of TMC Bio-rings
    random fill media (210m2/m3) and five side wall flow-deflector rings.
  • Protein Skimmer complete with venturi pump and internal and external foam
    cup wash kits.
  • TMC commercial UV steriliser P8-440w
  • Filtration circulation pump and aquarium supply pump – ½ hp self priming
    pump.

Other components

  • YSI 5200 recirculating system monitor with multi-probe (temperature, conductivity, pH, ORP, salinity and dissolved oxygen); control function with relays for temperature and ORP (ozone).
  • Ozone generator connected to protein skimmer for sterilisation and improved efficiency
  • Tricool roof chiller supplying cooler water/glycol mix to plate heat-exchangers to cool water from the circulation system.
  • Air pumps (60 L/min)
  • Day-length tracker lighting control; follows photoperiod at fully adjustable longitude and latitude locations.
  • RO water filtration supplying 100 gallons/day (20” 5 micron pre-filter, 20” carbon filter and 2x 100 gpd membrane filters)

Testing Capability

  • Max capacity for system: 5000 litres and 25-50 kg biomass
  • Fully adaptable table-top space for tanks (depth 2ft, length 2x 53” 2x 79” 2x 83”), total of 24 water supply taps.
  • Temperature range from 6-40 oC.
  • Fully adjustable salinity.

Recent Projects

Contact:
David Whitaker
School of Marine Science and technology
Ridley Building
Claremont Road
University of Newcastle University
Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU
Tel: +44 (0) 191 222 6659
Fax: +44 (0) 191 222 7891