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Unit E, Hirwaun Industrial Estate, Hirwaun, Aberdare CF44 9UP
We can accommodate a large range of temperate and tropical aquaculture species using our simultaneous technician/autonomously monitored and regulated systems, and with multiple systems we can accommodate virtually any trial design or setup that you require.
We are happy to discuss any trial ideas and designs you have.
We will help you achieve the maximum impact for your research.
We are committed to providing you with a high-quality service but also value for money.
We offer a complete service to our clients and are happy to accommodate any ideas you may have or any species you are interested in including in your trials.
Our full end-to-end service consists of:
Full protocol prior to trial start, discussed, approved and signed by both parties.
Experimental feeds formulated and manufactured on-site.*
Interim reporting on the progress of the study.
Contracting and managing all external laboratory analyses.
Statistical analysis of data.
A full raw dataset and final report detailing findings, agreed and signed by both parties.
At Pontus Research, we are specialists in our field. We have extensive experience in carrying out R&D on novel feeds, ingredients and additives including:
Please ask about any species requirements you may have, and we will look to accommodate your needs. These are some of the species we currently use in the UK:
Testing of new or improved pigmentation additives from various sources
Flesh and skin colour analysis using specialist photography and software
Feeds formulated to replicate available feeds while reducing pigmentation costs
Trials looking at digestibility of nutrients from whole feeds or test ingredients
Specialist feeds designed using incorporating indigestible markers
Retention of digested nutrients in the fish can also be assessed though whole-body analysis
Data collected to include Specific Growth Rate (SGR), Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) and Feed Intake (FI), among others
Regular weighing events ensure we are able to keep our clients updated on progress and emerging trends
Microbiome (skin and gut)
Immunity markers
Histology and analysis of organs
Condition factor
Assessed using adapted tanks and CCTV to monitor and quantify reactions and behaviours
Can be a first step to testing a product before longer term trials
Our state-of-the-art systems have been designed by renowned engineers to the highest industry standards. All are completely enclosed with multi-stage carbon filters on the supply lines and multistage filtration where relevant. Dedicated disinfectant foot bath and handwash stations eliminate cross contamination and bring us in line with the most stringent biosecurity regulations.
Each system is continuously monitored with frequent water testing, daily clinical assessments and system checks, pre-emptively mitigating any changes that could impact your trial.
Once a trial is completed, the entire system is cleaned, bleached and checked for integrity, ensuring no chance of cross-contamination.
Our tanks are all fitted with a full suite of technology for rigorous control and to replicate a species’ natural environment or specified trial conditions.
Using RAS technology ensures that the fish are maintained under optimal conditions with minimum stress and intervention.
All our systems have these key features:
Our core research systems are suitable for a range of trial types, including:
• product sweep trials – testing large numbers of treatments/products in a single trial
• replicated dose response studies on single products and comparative replicated trials
• digestibility studies
Our smaller scale research systems are designed for smaller or larval marine and freshwater vertebrate and invertebrate species. These systems can also be run on low disturbance air powered filters for very delicate or early-stage organisms.
Our bespoke monitoring system allows live remote observations by our technicians, who can respond within 15 minutes to any deviation from trial parameters out of hours.
System Features:
N1
24 x 100 litre square tanks
Ideal for trials with small to intermediate life stages
Max. 8 treatments (with 3 replications)
N2
12 x 200 litre round tanks
Ideal for trials with intermediate life stages
Equipped with individual tank CCTV monitoring and automatic feeders
Max. 4 treatments (with 3 replications)
N3
12 x 200 litre round tanks
Ideal for trials with intermediate life stages
Max. 4 treatments (with 3 replications)
N4 and C1*
16 x 300 litre round tanks
Ideal for trials with intermediate to larger life stages
Max. 5 treatments (with 3 replications)
Also can run at half tank volume to increase stocking densities, dependent on species requirements.
*C1 is in its own dedicated, biosecure area and, while being used for nutrition trials, it is specially designed for future disease and parasite trials with ultra-high dosage UV sterilisation for this purpose.
N5
16 x 500 litre round tanks
Ideal for trials with larger life stages
Max. 5 treatments (with 3 replications)
Also can run at half tank volume to increase stocking densities, dependent on species requirements.
Our quarantine tanks are capable of housing large volumes of fish to quarantine new arrivals and facilitate uniform growth, or for pre-trial holding and ongrowing of fish. These systems are purpose-built and housed in their own fully insulated, dedicated rooms with a dedicated controlled area, providing the highest levels of biosecurity and control to ensure the best start to your trial with low start weight variability and healthy fish.
System features
• Freshwater and saltwater compatible
• Drum filter or swirl separation
• Moving bed bioreactor (MBBR)
• Fine particulate filtration
• High dosage UV steriliser
• Oxygen cone allowing precision addition of dissolved O2
• Protein skimmer
• Automated dawn-dusk replicating lights
• Automatic pH doser
• Temperature control with a range of 8°C to 30°C
• Emergency electrical and O2 backup
Q1
6 x 300 litre square tanks
Ideal for quarantining early life stages and growing out to appropriate size.
Can also be used for specific trials requiring low tank numbers.
Q2
6 x 1000 litre round tanks
Ideal for quarantining large species and growing out to an appropriate size.
Can also be used for specific trials requiring low tank numbers.
A set of glass aquaria on a centralised RAS enabling research with small species or early life stages.
System features:
• Freshwater and saltwater compatible
• Mechanical bag filter
• Fluidised Sand Filter
• De-gassing/ Trickling Bio-Tower
• Protein Skimmer
• High dose UV Steriliser
• Can also be run with air driven internal filters for delicate life stages or species.
• Automated dawn-dusk replicating lights
• Automatic pH doser
• Temperature control with a range of 8°C to 30°C
A1
20 tanks at 0.07 m3
Ideal for trials with early-stage organisms or small species
Max. 6 treatments (with 3 replications
A set of raceway-type static water tanks to replicate pond and/or bio floc conditions, specially fitted with full spectrum & red timed lights to simulate natural feeding cycles.
P1
12 x 350 litre rectangular raceway type
Ideal for trials with shrimp and other species cultured in pond or bio floc conditions
Max. 4 treatments (with 3 replications)
TESTIMONIALS
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