C Box Case Study

The Aquaculture Industry

Consider 'Aquaculture' - the farming of aquatic animals (including fish, oysters, prawns and crabs) and plants (such as seaweed). Farming is an alternative means of meeting the demand for seafood, without depleting our natural fishery resources (our oceans). Successful aquaculture requires high water quality and in turn high water quality reduces the environmental impact of aquaculture waste.
The industry is growing at more than 10% per annum worldwide and has grown at more than 14% per annum in Australia since 1991.

Cumminscorp offers the most advanced, revolutionary and environmentally friendly Re-circulating Aquacultural System (RAS) in the world. Our RAS design combines climate controlled aquacultural technology into one system in an innovative way that constitutes a paradigm shift in aquaculture systems.

The C Box is just one of a series of self contained, re-circulating water systems designed for the intensive culture of a range of aquatic species. An operational C Box maintains up to 1,000 kg of Jade Perch in 5,000 litres of freshwater.
Some commercial biological filters in existing systems cost more than the total construction cost of the C Box and the patented design of the drum filter makes it suitable for other applications such as aquariums, swimming pools, and ponds.

By using in-house designed and manufactured components in addition to specific outsourced equipment, costs are kept to a bare minimum. The C Box systems do not require a building. Unlike traditional systems, each unit is fully self-contained which allows a massive saving in infrastructure costs.

By requiring only 11 sq m of internal area, the C Box has practical and inexpensive climate control. There is no need for massive power wasting heaters or chillers. Additionally, short pumping distances means less power consumption and up to 90% less plumbing for each unit, allowing massive harvests in very small areas with a system that is inexpensive to run.

Through the process of evaporation the C Box consumes a minimum volume approximately 1% per day. The remaining 99% can and should be recycled through aquaponics, which not only means no pollution, it is also an extra source of revenue from fresh produce and the waste water is suitable for re-introduction into the system.

In operational mode, the C Box can use as little as 2,000w per 5,000 litres. A saving of up to 90% compared to some traditional systems. The unit can be run on much less power by reducing the holding ratio.

For the fish stocks, new species can be introduced without fear of local wildlife contamination and airborne disease is unlikely to form in these systems. The systems under full load have no intrusive odour and are almost silent.

Design consideration allows for the unit to be transported on the back of a truck or in a shipping container to anywhere in the world.

Ian Cummings and Henry Palaszczuk