Matsuyama and Hattori (Hater) 2010 top view Ranchu

Bristol shubunkin Parker spawn 2

Daphnia Tank Bristol Shubunkin

Found this fish In a daphnia tub. I believe it's from a 6/11 Wolf spawn.

Hatchery Tank Filling

Wow, a one week turnaround. Picked them up last Monday and am filling the first one a week later.

See the whole project here.

Hatchery Tank Standpipe

The tanks have a built in drain nipple to receive the primary and secondary standpipes.  This system was old and set up for flow through so leaks were to likely to be used in recirc.  From the bottom a 4"x2" Fernco was attached to the fiberglass nipple.  A two inch pipe 8 inches long with a couple glued to the internal side was passed through the fernco.  

The foam expanded and made the standpipe couple fitting very sturdy.  The small sump around the couple is to receive the original aluminum secondary standpipe that allows for bottom collection.  The couple was set to be even with the bottom of the tank and Great Stuff expanding foam was used to fill the space between  the 2" pipe and the inside of the fiberglass nipple.  The couple even with the floor is the new receptacle for the 2 inch primary standpipe.

The primary standpipe is 28 inches tall with the top 3 inches slotted to retain the fish to a depth of 24 inches.

The secondary standpipe is aluminum and in need of a new powder coating.  This stand pipe is installed for bottom collection of water and solids for heavy loaded tanks.

A close up of the secondary standpipe base showing the intake holes even with the floor of the tank.  The water will be flown tangentially creating a circular flow bringing the solids to the center for better solids capture at lower flows.

See the whole project here.

Hatchery Tank Drains

These are subcomponents of the drain manifold for the hatchery tanks. Rigid PVC and flexible Fernco tees were alternated for ease of installation. Appropriate lengths of pipe will be glued into the PVC and attached to the ferncos. The ferncos add expense but save in the long run for ease of repair and reconfiguration.

The 2" couple is slid up to attach to the bottom of the tank. The fernco tee attaches the tank to the main drain line back to filter.

Same set up with a PVC tee that lengths of pipe were glued into to create the drain line.

4"x2" Fernco attached to the fiberglass nipple on the bottom of the tank, 2" pvc standpipe projecting through the bottom, with a 2" Fernco couple attaching to the elbow and Fernco Tee.

A look at the PVC version. The PVC and Fernco tees are alternated every other tank.

See the whole project here.

Setting the blocks and hatchery tanks

The site was leveled with 1/4" #10 gravel (Asphalt feed stock) and cinder blocks positioned with the aide of a isosceles triangle fashioned from the cross bars of the prototype Thorens Aquatics Zebrafish Rack.  Simply bent some wire through existing holes.  There was even a center hole to aide in lining up center rib of the cinder blocks.  This made placement of the blocks go much quicker and more accurately. 

One inch styrofoam pads were placed between the cinder blocks and the tank.  This protects the tank and allows for some slop in the placement yet keeps firm pressure against the bottom of the tanks keeping them very stable.

The tanks in place and leveled.

The Bug helping Dad level the tanks.  Has his fishy colors on today.

See the whole project here.

5 cubic yards of 1/4 #10 gravel

The tank yard has had a large 1" to 2" river rock ground cover since I've lived here. It was used as a dog run. The hatchery fiberglass tanks have bottom plumbing and sit on cinder blocks for legs. To level the site, 5 yards of 1/4 inch #10 gravel (asphalt aggregate) was spread out to make a level base for the tanks and to cover the river rock.

The old rocks were uneven and would trap debris from fir and cedar trees.

The hatchery tank area with cinder block legs.

A row of cottage stones were added next to a side walk to contain the new gravel.

Got halfway through the pile.

See the whole project here.

Ducks in a row

Working on a more permanent home for them.

Moving equipment and plumbing to make way for the new tanks.

See the whole Project Here.

Matsuyama x Itoh 6/11 top view Ranchu

Early June spawn Matsuyama x Itoh Ranchu 6/11. Spent the later half of the summer out in a tub of hornwort and greenwater.