Aquaculturing Pictures

[invincible569]

Wanted to share what I found so you guys can see how things work in the real world before they make it to our aquariums.

Source: http://globalcoral.org/photo_galleries.htm

[CAReefer]

Cool pics Edward, you got any more?

[SeanCallan]

wow pretty awesome

[invincible569]

If you read their article, they use Biorocks.

The Biorock Process Accelerates Coral Growth

In pilot installations in Mexico, Panama, Indonesia, Maldives, Thailand, and Papua New Guinea, we have built artificial reefs where corals grow rapidly even in stressed environments.

Applying a low voltage electrical current (completely safe for swimmers and marine life) to a submerged conductive structure causes dissolved mineral crystals in seawater to precipitate and adhere to that structure. The result is a composite of limestone and brucite with mechanical strength similar to concrete. Derived from seawater, this material is similar to the composition of natural coral reefs and tropical sand beaches.

Biorock structures can be built in any size or shape depending only on the physical makeup of the sea bottom, wave and current energies and construction materials. They are well suited for remote, third world sites where exotic building materials, construction equipment and highly skilled labor are non-existent.

Healthy corals grow quickly—up to ten times faster
than normal when exposed to the Biorock Process,
even in poor water conditions. Bali.

[wasp]

Wonder if that could be done in a tank?
Does the current put a charge in the actual coral itself?

[bogg]

wow thats amazing, who comes up with this stuff?

[Orion76]

Thanks for sharing Edward, that's really interesting!!

[Orion76]

Wonder if that could be done in a tank?
Does the current put a charge in the actual coral itself?

A "conductive structure" would either pollute your tank water by oxidizing or be so expensive that it is not an option.

This is done out in the open ocean where the use of metals is not an issue like it is in a closed system.

[Funkyskunk]

thats so cool, i have dived at the one in the picture at the maldives on the banyan tree island, it is called the lotus project. Great Dive !!!

[SeanCallan]

I've read alot about these types of system. They do accelerate the growth, but the corals are brittle and usually thinner then they should be.

One of my professor's is doing a lot of research on these structures and I've spent quite some time talking to him. It's really interesting indeed. The cost is usually equal to that of a 60w bulb.

Still cool though!

[slojmn]

Very cool pics and a great link. I wonder if the aquacultured corals that are more brittle can "beef" up once they are put in a reef aquarium where the growth slows down and the corals utilize calcium and other minerals to build their stony skeletons at a more normal rate.

[Diesel3443]

Interesting pics Edward, you are still yet to disappoint me

[t0mmy108]

I found some Aquaculture pictures here as well.
http://zwim.com/

[invincible569]

Good pics T0mmy. Dont you wish you owned a place like that?

[Diesel3443]

Great pics tOmmy thanx for sharing