California State University – Tide Simulator
California State University – Tide Simulator
| Institution: |  |
| Location: |
Dr. Tyler Evans, United States
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| Contact: | Dr. Tyler Evans |
| Equipment: | TIDE CHAMBERS |
| This instrument allows the adjustment of all the characteristics of natural tides: low water, high water, the duration of flood or ebb, and more. With its wide range of water temperature (2-30°C ± 0.3°C), it is designed to accommodate burrowing and non-burrowing animals. Up to 10 cm (4″) of sediments can be added. |
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| Habitats: | Fresh water, Seawater ; |
| Temperature: | 2-30°C ± 0.3°C; |
| Description: | California State University – Tide Simulator
|
| Water recirculation level: | 99.7% (1 water exchange/5 to 6 days); |
| Work done: |
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California State University – Tide Simulator
An aquarium is divided into two sections:
- The intertidal chamber is located at the front and hosts intertidal organisms.
- The rear section stores excess water at low tides. The water level probe sits, undisturbed, within a separate portion of the intertidal chamber.
It is design to operate in closed circuit operation, but the level of water renewal is adjustable (5-
100% v/v per day).
An oversized water REcycling with bio-filtration (REBF) system (industrial grade) maintains the water quality levelled for long-term tests. The process comprises nitrification through a preactivated biofilter, filtration to 20 5m through a cartridge, micro-filtration with activated carbon and neutralization of acidity through a porous calcium substrate. An aeration stone is inserted into the lid for extra ventilation (if required).
Insulated (1” expanded foam covered with ABS), the aquarium comes with a quiet water chilling/heating system for wide range of water temperature (2-30 ° C ± 0.3 °C).
Legs are adjustable for leveling the unit.
The unit rests on a corrosion and mould resistant fiberglass and plastic stand. The only metal parts (edges) are covered with plastic coating. Inert and easy to clean the stand is NSA-approved for direct contact with food and
does not leach any chemical, thanks to the unique Microban® protection an antibacterial & mould resistant built-in agent.
The user can simulate a tide whose characteristics can change according to time. The tides (low water, range of tide, duration of flood or ebb, high water) are simulated through micro-pumps, whose operation (the magnitude, duration and rates) are programmable and variable;
The simulated tidal flow describes a sine curve, as in real life. Maximum ebb of 32 cm (± 5 mm) is generally obtained.
User can adjust the tidal range;
Designed for marine closed circuit operation, with full control over water temperature;
As many as five water exchanges of recycled water output can be obtained per hour in each aquarium, to create a gentle current as required by some species.
California State University – Tide Simulator: Flow circulation
The water flow through the unit is divided into two circuits. The first one can handle physically and biologically the water and the second allow creating the desired water level in the experimental area.
First Circuit
From the tank, the water is pumped through the canister (cartridge filter / carbon & coral filter / biofilter) and return to aquarium.
Second Circuit
A 24 VDC reversible peristaltic pump transfer water from the experimental area to the back section for create a lower tide and from the back area to the experimental section for create a high tide.
A pinch valve allows the quantity of fresh make-up water to be precisely regulated. This valve is controlled by the Enviro-monitron. The valve is capable of introducing up to 300% of the total volume of the system per day. The effluent leaves the system through the system overflow located near the aquarium.
