Storage Tanks

Fish farming involves the controlled breeding, rearing, and harvesting of fish in tanks that are either located onshore or out in the ocean. Land-based fish farms typically use several linked enclosures known as RAS tanks.

These tanks can be filled with fresh or salt water and the fish are allowed to swim freely within them. Offshore fish farms, on the other hand, are floating structures (tanks, nets and pens) that are anchored to the ocean floor.

When selecting a material for a RAS tank, there are several factors to consider. For instance, they need to be durable and strong enough to withstand the constant flow of water and fish waste. They should also be chemically resistant as RAS tanks are often filled with specialized aquaculture solutions that can quickly degrade other materials.

Additionally, RAS tanks need to be non-toxic as they will be in constant contact with delicate fish tissue.

Some materials offer better durability than others, so it is important to think about how often the tank will be moved or cleaned to select the best option for your business.

RAS tanks are typically formed of one of three materials:

Glass reinforced plastic (GRP)

Concrete

Bolted steel

Balmoral’s leading brand, blutanQ, is engineered in coated steel, a material selected for its high levels of performance, durability and longevity.

We advise clients that GRP RAS tanks are not guaranteed to accept all mechanical loads and fish farmers should be mindful that it’s not uncommon for the material to bend when excess pressure is applied.

Steel, on the other hand, is more rigorous and adaptable, depending on location, and in boasting several different fixing points, is largely robust and geared for accepting most loads.

Concrete, predictably, is excellent from a load bearing standpoint. That said, its structures can complicate the ease at which elements can be fixed to it.