Page 5 - Aqua Culture Preview

Page 12

Copyright Wet Paper Publications 2010

P

ROJECT

1.4 M

AKING

A

LIGHT

CUPBOARD

Background

Micro algae are plants. They require light, water and carbon

dioxide (CO

2

) to carry out photosynthesis and growth.

The best conditions for growth vary slightly between species.

Tropical species for example like a slightly higher temperature

than those found in cooler waters.

A ‘light cupboard’ is the easiest way to monitor and control the

conditions while the algae grow.

It has the advantage that you can control the type of light, the

amount of light, the temperature, the air supply and any vermin

that may take a liking to your cultures.

The most simple and in expensive cabinets are made from

existing cupboards - laboratory cupboards are fine.

• Daylight fluorescent tubes areused to supply thewavelengths

that the algae need.

• They are much cheaper than ‘grow’ tubes and do the job

well. A timer is needed on the lights.

• These micro algae like a photoperiod of 12:12 ie 12 hours

light: 12 hours dark if grown in small containers up to about

three litres.

• For bigger containers the light period is extended to 16 hours

so the photoperiod is 16:8.

• Temperature should be kept in the range of 20 -24

o

C.

Materials

• Cupboard approximately 1700 mm X 450 mm X 750 mm

• Carpenters tools

• High gloss white paint

• 13mm poly garden irrigation tube plus fittings

• Two fluoro tubes

• One powerboard and 240 volt timer

Procedure

See Figures 12.1 - 12.3.

Step 1 Replace any particle board with ply as particle board

will fall to pieces if it gets wet.

Step 3 Fit one central shelf.

Step 3 Paint the interior with high gloss white paint.

Step 4 Fit two daylight fluoro tubes - one to supply light to the

top shelf and the other to supply the bottom shelf.

Step 5 Cut a series of 50 mm holes for ventilation and cover

with flyscreen.

Step 6 Replace the doors with a clear front screen if it is to be

a feature.

Step 7 Run the main air supply lines under the cupboard top

and shelf at the front (out of sight).

- Take it through one end with an elbow at the

bottom and a T at the top to go to the main air line.

Figure 12.1 Base of cupboard

Figure 12.2 Cupboard approximately 1700 mm X 450 mm X 750

mm

Figure 12.3 113mm poly garden irrigation tube plus fittings and

cupboard with lights

Mick O'Connor