IFAS Circular# 1198, Comparison of Energy Needed to Heat Greenhouses and Insulated Frame Buildings used in Aquaculture

IFAS Circular# 1198

Comparison of Energy Needed to Heat Greenhouses
and Insulated Frame Buildings Used in Aquaculture

P.A. Fowler, R.A. Bucklin, C.D. Baird, F.A. Chapman and C.A. Watson

Opening Paragraph:
A water recycling aquacultural production system must be housed in a building to be effective. A typical water recycling aquacultural production system consists of production tanks, a pump, a filtering system, a temperature control system, a heating system and/or cooling system, the plumbing and valves necessary to control the flow of the water, a source of water and housing for the system. Locating production inside a building offers several advantages such as stable water conditions, protection from predators, the ability to control photoperiod, security from vandalism, and better overall management. Because of the high stocking densities in closed systems, it is necessary to maintain close control of several water quality factors. The system's temperature is an important parameter which must be maintained at a stable value. Fish grow fastest when maintained within a narrow temperature zone. Also, heating energy is saved by maintaining stable temperatures. A wide variety of types of structures can be used for ornamental fish production. These structures range from pond covers and plastic covered greenhouse structures to insulated frame buildings.

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