Fiberglass can be used in various areas within recirculating aquatic systems to enhance performance, durability, and efficiency. Here are several common applications of fiberglass in recirculating aquatic systems:

Fish Tanks and Raceway

Fiberglass tanks are commonly used for housing fish in recirculating aquaculture systems. Fiberglass-reinforced tanks offer benefits such as strength, chemical resistance, and ease of maintenance. They can be customized in size and shape to accommodate different fish species and system requirements. Fiberglass raceways can also be used for fish rearing and transport within the system.

Filtration Vessels

Fiberglass is often used for manufacturing filtration vessels in recirculating aquatic systems. Filtration vessels are responsible for removing waste, excess nutrients, and other impurities from the water. Fiberglass filtration vessels offer excellent chemical resistance, structural integrity, and durability. They can be customized to house different types of filter media, such as sand, activated carbon, or biological media.

Water Storage Tanks

Fiberglass tanks can be utilized for storing water in recirculating aquatic systems. These tanks provide a corrosion-resistant and leak-proof solution for water storage, ensuring a consistent water supply for the system. Fiberglass tanks can be customized in size and configuration to meet the specific water storage needs of the system.

Piping and Plumbing

Fiberglass pipes and fittings can be used for the distribution of water and other fluids within the recirculating system. Fiberglass pipes offer advantages such as corrosion resistance, smooth internal surfaces, and longevity. They can handle high flow rates, are lightweight, and have low friction losses, contributing to improved system efficiency.

Aquatic Equipment

Fiberglass is commonly used in the manufacturing of aquatic equipment such as aeration devices, water jets, flow control devices, and fittings. Fiberglass components offer durability, chemical resistance, and low maintenance requirements. They can be designed and customized to meet the specific requirements of the recirculating aquatic system.

Miscellaneous Structures and Support Systems

The aquaculture market is beginning to embrace pultruded fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) structural shapes as a replacement for steel for the construction of many of the various structures used in recirculating aquatic systems. Steel is heavy, corrosion-prone, and requires a lot of maintenance. Building the myriad of structures traditionally made from steel out of FRP (on new construction projects or rebuilds) has proven a simpler and faster approach that pays immediate dividends in cost savings, as well as long-term maintenance costs.

Tank Covers and Hatches

Fiberglass can be used to construct tank covers and hatches for easy access and maintenance of the recirculating system components. Fiberglass covers provide protection, prevent unauthorized access, and maintain optimal environmental conditions within the tanks or raceways.

Stairs, Walkways and Platforms

Molded and/or pultruded FRP gratings are lightweight, corrosion resistant, strong, and ideally suited for aquaculture environments. Especially when combined with pultruded FRP handrails, tank platforms, walkways, stair systems, valve access areas, and more can avoid common installation and ongoing maintenance challenges simply by using fiberglass instead of traditional materials.

When utilizing fiberglass in recirculating aquatic systems, it is important to consider the specific needs of the system, such as water quality, flow rates, and the species being reared. Consulting with professionals experienced in aquatic system design and adhering to relevant regulations and standards will help ensure the appropriate use of fiberglass materials in each specific area of the recirculating system.

If you’d like to learn how Strongwell’s Made in the USA fiberglass products can improve the performance of your aquaculture systems, reach out to us today!