THE EVALUATION AND OPTIMIZATION OF zyx Macrobrachiurn SHRIMP LARVAE TANK DESIGNS AND SUPPORT SYSTEMS Paul B. Zielinski and Walter E. Castro Engineering Mechanics Department Clemson University, Clemson, zyx S. C. 29631 and Paul A. Sandifer Marine Resources Research Institute South Carolina Wildlife and Marine Resources Department P. 0. Box 12559 Charleston, S. C. 29412 ABSTRACT An evaluation of the desirable features of larval tanks for use i n Macrobrachium culture systems is presented, along with sug- gestions for improvement of problems such as poor circulation. Principles of operation and performance curves for air-lift pumps are also presented, with a brief mention of the use of chemi- cal additives to enhance pump performance. INTRODUCTION Attempts in the practice of shrimp cultivation have been wide- spread in recent years, inspired by a range of objectives. For serious consideration of commercial shrimp aquaculture, the desir- able aspects of growth tanks and support systems must be delineated and engineering performance data provided. This paper discusses information for Macrobrachium larval growth tanks and air-lift pumps Contribution NO. zyxwvuts 2 from the South Carolina Marine Resources Center. ment of Cormnerce, under Grant #I%-33-72. The zyx U. s. Government is authorized to produce and distribute reprints for governmental pur- poses notwithstanding any copyright notation that may appear herein. This work was sponsored by NOAA Office of Sea Grant, Depart- 41