Design and construction of a collapsible tarpaulin-lined pond for aquaculture production

Abstract

Aquaculture basically refers to the technique of growing fish in tanks or cages to supplement or replace wild fisheries. Despite many advances in culture system development, traditional aquaculture systems do not allow for both flexibility of use and water re-circulating. With the aim of promoting sustainable aquaculture through simple and flexible re-circulating aquaculture systems, a collapsible tarpaulin-lined pond was developed to provide culturing space for 1000 pieces of African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) or 500 pieces of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) assuming a survival rate of 100 %. A circular geometry was selected for the pond with diameter and height of 4.3 m and 0.9 m, respectively. A pentadecagon framework assembly consisting of connecting rods, angle connectors and stands was designed and constructed of galvanised steel pipes to support the high-grade canvas tarpaulin tank. The tank can safely withstand water and fish load at full capacity without failure at maximum stresses of 0.11 MPa, 0.17 MPa, 0.13 MPa, and 6.26 MPa, representing stress at the tarpaulin’s base, shear stress on connecting pipes, compressive axial stress on the leg, and bending stress, respectively. A biological filtration unit was installed on the tank to culture African Catfish at a stocking density of 78 fish/m³ or 39 fish/m³ for Nile tilapia. This novel aquaculture technique offers a more sustainable and controlled means of producing food and other aquatic products to meet the increasing global demand.