SEA-WATER SYSTEMS 



FOR EXPERIMENTAL AQUARIUMS 



This volume was created to provide a 

 source of information on design, construc- 

 tion, and operation of experimental aquar- 

 ium facilities. The idea developed out of 

 our own frustrated search for published 

 material on sea-water supply systems when 

 we were planning facilities for the new 

 Sandy Hook Marine Laboratory. We 

 found that we had to spend many weeks 

 visiting laboratories and many months 

 corresponding with aquarists to obtain the 

 information we needed. It became clear, 

 as a result of this, that nearly everyone 

 who has built a sea-water system has ex- 

 perienced similar difficulties. 



The solution to this problem suggested 

 by J. L. McHugh of the U.S. Bureau of 

 Commercial Fisheries was that we prepare 

 a volume on sea-water systems from our 

 visits and correspondence. We decided 

 rather to sponsor a compilation of papers 

 contributed by the aquarists themselves. 

 In soliciting papers, we asked contributors 

 to describe their experiences in solving 

 problems encountered in designing, con- 

 structing, and maintaining systems, rather 

 than give detailed and comprehensive ac- 

 counts of complete sea-water systems. 

 Our letter of invitation to potential con- 

 tributors stated : 



We visualize such a publication as addressed 

 primarily to the biologist and secondarily to the 

 engineer and containing accounts of personal ex- 

 periences illustrated by simple sketches of gen- 

 eral layout or special features. Annotated de- 

 scriptions of recirculating systems, holding tanks, 

 rearing ponds, or other facilities would be per- 

 tinent. Of great value would be descriptions of 

 methods for combating such problems as fouling, 



siltation, equipment failure, and toxicity of sys- 

 tem components. Discussions of such factors as 

 selection of pumps and advantages of continuous 

 versus interrupted supply would be appropriate 

 also. Discussions of past or present shortcom- 

 ings of systems and possible remedies would also 

 be helpful to others planning experimental facili- 

 ties. Contributions would not have to be lengthy 

 to be of value. I believe the readers of such a 

 volume would be Interested in simple systems as 

 well as those of more elaborate design. 



We attempted to embrace as great a va- 

 riety of experience in sea-water aquarium 

 problems as possible. That some success 

 was achieved in this aim is evident from 

 the scope of the contributed papers. Geo- 

 graphic coverage extends from the tropics 

 to temperate latitudes and from the mid- 

 Pacific Ocean to the eastern Atlantic 

 Ocean. Environmental coverage extends 

 from estuarine to open coastal emplace- 

 ments. System coverage extends from 

 small recirculating tanks to continuous- 

 supply systems of hundreds of gallons per 

 minute. Nearly every problem which 

 could arise with sea-water systems is ex- 

 plored in one paper or another. 



In attempting broad scope, we have in- 

 cluded papers ranging from the philo- 

 sophical to the very practical. Thus, all 

 concerned, from experimental biologists to 

 maintenance personnel, should find this 

 volume useful. The comprehensive index 

 was included to enhance its value as a ref- 

 erence work and as a manual for design, 

 construction, operation, and maintenance 

 of all types of experimental sea-water 

 supply systems. 



John R. Clark, Marine Biologist. 



Roberta L. Clark, Editorial Assistant. 



