A new system for control of temperature and salinity for experimental and production tank culture

Abstract The culture and study of anadromous finfish often requires a water supply system that can provide water at a variety of temperatures and salinities. A controlled temperature and salinity water system was designed for the Aquaculture Facility at the University of Maryland, Horn Point Environmental Laboratories. The temperature and salinity system enables the aquaculture staff to blend large quantities of fresh or brackish water. Pneumatically controlled systems feed water into head tanks, mixes the water to a desired temperature and salinity, and fills experimental and production units by gravity. This system has an output maximum of 532 litre min −1 and the ability to be adjusted to a desired temperature (±0·02°C) and salinity (±0·04 ppt).