Under the Oak Tree

[Dr. Dendrostein]

How big, efficiency rating, cost up front and cost to operat

Big-I meantioned, cost-extention cord, some pvc and hose barb fittings. ....... I would get a used one, but look for them in winter time better price. When buying used, fill with water ,plug cord, lower temp to 55° and if display shows 55-59°(in 5-10min.) also fan turning, it's good chiller. I bought all my chiller used. No issues. All chillers not efficient. Also I just bought a 1/3hp chiller , brand Aqua Logic, this type build like a commercial unit. Retails $1100, bought for $140. Old model but works perfectly.

 

[Dr. Dendrostein]

I like a challenge, that’s why I do it. I am all about biofiltration and natural food webs. This tank was seeded with all mature live rock full of amphipods, copepods and micro starfish.

With respect to rain & weather, it’s part of the natural ebb & flow of the universe. I can assure you that natural sunlight & nitrogen fixation bacteria will grow a mixed reef with no other input. I consider pollen & bugs as nutrient input.

The tank is less than one month mature.

I have three separate mariculture systems out doors at my Bear Creek residence. The 10K gallon system in the greenhouse is shut down due to electrical cost to keep cool during Texas summers. The picture showing the top of a 1200 gallon tank buried in the ground as a geothermal sink to support six 150G propagation tank on back patio. The core of this system has been in operation for 5 years. The 1200 gallon heat sink was added this month. Once this system has proven its effectiveness, I have three more 1200 gallon tanks presently used as rain water recovery so that greenhouse system can be brought back into production.

Thank God, no major earthquakes out there. Heeee

 

[Subsea]

All three 100’ 3/4” lines that connect heat sink in house to 300G Under the Oakes are run inside of 1” pvc and buried.. yes, it would be easy to cover all sides of display tank but one for viewing. I did just that during the winter time when I used 150G glass tank as a macro algae tumble culture.

I am familiar with Aqualogic water source heat pump. At present, I prefer to use evaporative cooling as my ground water makeup has a high alkalinity and a TDS of 1000ppm. Minerals coming in with ground water grows macro algae and zooplankton, which I sell for $50/lb to LFS.

If your set up was mine, I'd insulate the heck out of all hoses, tanks except view area, on view areas, an insulated panel to remove for viewing. Determine amount of water, and do 1/3hp for every 100 gallons? Or dig hole 10 feet deep throw some braided hose, then go thru a well, probably get 55° water coming out?

@Jomama
When I operated greenhouse growout in DeRidder, I lived in the recharge zone for the Chicot Aquifier with ground water at 67 degrees. At 100’ down I could extract 1000G of water for $.07 pf electricity. Because of limestone shelf here in Edwards Plateau, that 10’ hole is more difficult than first glance. Next months budget will include a 6’ deep trenching machine to bury 5000’ of 1/2” tubing using ground as a heat exchanger. Because dry ground can be an insulator, I am considering putting irrigation drip hose at the surface to help with heat transfer.

 

[Subsea]

Thank God, no major earthquakes out there. Heeee

@lapin says my tank is not level. I fault the California earthquake.

 

[Subsea]

Wow that’s very cool. Good on you for tackling something this unique! I hope you have long-term success!

Actually, I operated with 10K gallons in greenhouse for several summers, till electric bill hit$1000. By changing what I grow to utilitarian macro algae and zooplankton I have removed the need for tight temperature control. I find no harm to hardy livestock between 45 - 90 degrees.

Reef Under Oaks is differrent. With 1 HP blower I can manhandle temperatures below 82 degrees.

 

[Dr. Dendrostein]

Actually, I operated with 10K gallons in greenhouse for several summers, till electric bill hit$1000. By changing what I grow to utilitarian macro algae and zooplankton I have removed the need for tight temperature control. I find no harm to hardy livestock between 45 - 90 degrees.

Reef Under Oaks is differrent. With 1 HP blower I can manhandle temperatures below 82 degrees.

Talk about shady tree reefer. I don't know how you do it. Heeee

 

[Subsea]

Talk about shady tree reefer. I don't know how you do it. Heeee

Perseverance as a stubborn Cajun.