University of Alicante

To satisfactorily solve the aforementioned problems, the “Group of Electrocatalysis and Polymer Electrochemistry” has developed a device that makes it possible to provide alkalinity, calcium and other micronutrients by contact with a calcareous mineral bed of an electrochemically acidified aquarium water stream, which has significant advantages over conventional systems that use gaseous CO₂ streams.

The nutrients generated are necessary for the development of aquatic organisms, mainly coral skeletons.

This device, which can be configured in different ways, consists of the following elements:

• an electrochemical reactor with a reaction chamber containing the solid mineral substrate and at least one anode and one cathode, which are physically separated to avoid electrical contact;

• a power supply to which the anode and cathode are connected;

• at least two pipes, one leading water from the aquarium to the anode and one leading water from the reaction chamber to the aquarium.

Thus, from the aquarium or the aquarium sump, a flow of water is circulated through a pipe to the electrochemical reactor.

The nutrients are generated by dissolving the solid mineral substrate (usually calcium carbonate) within the reaction chamber. This chamber may have a tubular geometry or other geometries, based on the different types of aquarium filters that are already commercially available: backpack filters, canister filters, internal filters, bioreactors, etc.

After passing through it, the outflow of the return water, already enriched with nutrients, is led back to the aquarium or to the filtration sump.

Reactions taking place in the reaction chamber:

The power supply applies a current that causes oxidation of the aquarium water at the anode, producing protons (H⁺) that electrolytically acidify the water that enters to the reaction chamber from the aquarium or aquarium sump:

2 H₂O(l) → O₂(g) + 4H⁺(aq) +4e^-

The acidified water dissolves the solid mineral substrate contained in the reaction chamber and at least Ca²⁺ ions and bicarbonate ions (HCO₃^-) are released into the water, and this enriched water is subsequently returned to the aquarium:

CaCO₃(s) + H⁺(aq) → HCO₃^– (aq) + Ca²⁺(aq)

The rate at which the dissolution of the solid substrate particles contained in the reaction chamber takes place depends on the current applied by the power supply, so that the supply of salts can be precisely regulated by electronic control.

Finally, the use of this device would not alter the chemical composition of the aquarium water, since in all the configurations envisaged, undesired secondary reactions of water reduction at the cathode, which would affect the composition and pH of the aquarium water, are avoided.

MAIN ADVANTAGES OF THE TECHNOLOGY

• It is an easy-to-use device, mainly because it dispenses nutrients without the use of CO₂ gas, thus avoiding the need to regulate its flow and the components and mechanisms required: pressurised CO₂ cylinder, gas pipes, pressure reducer, solenoid valves, pH probes, etc.

• The fact of dispensing without the use of CO₂ gas results in a simplification of its design and a reduction in the cost of production (as it has fewer components) and maintenance.

• Its great simplicity favours and facilitates its use in medium and small domestic or ornamental aquariums.

• The control of the acid needed to dissolve the appropriate doses of calcium and alkalinity can be regulated automatically in a very precise way, by means of an electronic control system of the current/voltages applied, without the need for costlier and complex gas storage and supply systems.

• Since the dosage of nutrients can be easily and precisely regulated, the intervention of qualified personnel would not be necessary, avoiding incidents related to excess of acidification or nutrients, thus preventing negative effects on the living species present in the aquarium.

• The device is very versatile since the electrochemical reactor can adopt different configurations without affecting its performance. Likewise, the reaction chamber can also have different designs, depending on the type of aquarium filter. In this way, the device could be installed in any type of aquarium.

• The device could be easily coupled to the conventional calcium reactors already installed, and the gas conduction and control systems could be replaced by the electrical reactor.

• The use of the device does not alter the chemical composition of the aquarium water, thus avoiding unwanted side reactions that could affect the composition and pH of the aquarium water.

• The device is easily scalable as all components are commercially available in different sizes.

• The electronic control facilitates its coupling with other automatic measuring devices for alkalinity, calcium or other nutrients, allowing its use to be managed automatically and/or remotely.

INNOVATIVE ASPECTS OF THE TECHNOLOGY

The main innovative aspect of the technology described is the use of electrochemical technology to supply calcium, carbonic alkalinity and other micronutrients to the aquarium water without the need to introduce any CO₂ gas stream into the system, thus avoiding all the inconveniences involved.

In addition, this simple way of operating allows precise control of the nutrients supplied and the acidity generated by simply regulating the current supplied to the system via the power supply.

The technology is developed at laboratory scale. The research group has a demonstration prototype.

This device was used in a 100-litre marine aquarium for 3 months. During this period, electricity consumption was around 1 Wh/day, providing 2.4 grams of calcium for each KWh of electricity consumption.

This device finds application in any type of recirculating aquaculture system (coral farms, mollusc and fish farming, etc.), and more specifically in the field of ornamental aquaculture.

Companies interested in acquiring this technology for commercial exploitation through:

• Patent licensing agreements.

• R&D projects to adapt the device to the client's needs.

Types of companies sought:

• Companies manufacturing calcium reactors for marine aquariums or reef aquariums.

• Companies that manufacture other types of reactors or devices for marine aquariums or reef aquariums.

This technology is protected by patent application.

• Patent title: "Calcium, alkalinity and micronutrient production device for marine aquariums".

• Application number: P202330990

• Application date: 29/11/2023