Cooling and heating device

Water cooling and heating for aquaculture and aquariology

Thermal regulation of an aquaculture breeding tank or an aquarium is a very important element.

The objective of temperature regulation is determined through a multi-level study.

First, a thermal assessment of the installation helps to understand the dynamic balance of the tank(s) and measure thermal gains and losses in the circuit under all operating conditions.
Based on this analysis, we can define the cooling and heating power needed, either occasionally or continuously, for the system. Several solutions are available: chillers, heat pumps, boilers, electric heaters...
Once these power requirements are known, the next step is to determine how to inject this energy into the water circuit. In-line equipment is sized and installed on the network (heat exchangers).
Finally, precise regulation is essential. The goal is to find the best solution to accurately control the amount of energy (heating and/or cooling) supplied to the water circuit to maintain the desired setpoint temperature.

AQUACULTURE FRANCE offers a wide range of air conditioning equipment for aquaculture and aquariology.

Discover all our heating and cooling solutions

Simple or reversible heat pumps. AQUACULTURE FRANCE heat pumps are equipped with titanium heat exchangers that are resistant to corrosion.
AQUACULTURE FRANCE offers chillers and boilers adapted to the requirements of aquaculture and aquariology.
For certain applications, it may be useful or even essential to use a barrier heat exchanger. This exchanger isolates the breeding circuit from the air conditioning circuit. AQUACULTURE FRANCE heat exchangers are always made of titanium.
Although they consume energy, electric heaters are useful for occasional operations.
As an aquaculture partner, we offer innovative solutions.

AQUACULTURE FRANCE also offers a wide range of thermal regulation solutions for aquaculture and aquariology: in-line thermal probes, specific calibration, and PID 2- and 3-way control valves.

There are several solutions to cool or heat a volume of water. Feel free to call us to discuss your project.

Subcategories

Chiller and cooling unit
In aquaculture, the cooling system refers to a cooling setup used to maintain optimal water temperatures in aquaculture facilities. These systems are particularly important in environments where water temperature needs to be regulated to promote the growth, health, and well-being of farmed aquatic species. Below is a description of the key elements of the cooling system in aquaculture:

1. Main Function

The cooling system in aquaculture serves to lower and maintain the water temperature at levels suitable for the species being farmed. Some species, such as cold-water fish (e.g., trout, salmon), require specific temperatures for optimal development. Conversely, certain setups may need to raise the water temperature for tropical fish.

2. Components of the Cooling System

A typical cooling system in aquaculture includes several key elements:
- Compressor: The compressor is the heart of the system, responsible for compressing the refrigerant, which will cool the water.
- Evaporator: The evaporator is in direct contact with the water being cooled, allowing the refrigerant to absorb heat from the water.
- Condenser: After absorbing heat, the refrigerant passes through the condenser where it releases the heat into the external environment.
- Expansion Valves: These control the flow of refrigerant in the system, regulating cooling capacity.
- Control Unit: This unit manages the system, monitors the temperature, and ensures optimal operation of the cooling system.
3. Types of Cooling
- Direct Cooling: The cooling system is directly connected to the water in the pond or tank via a heat exchanger. This type of cooling is commonly used in closed systems, where water continuously circulates in a closed loop.
- Indirect Cooling: The cooling system cools an intermediate fluid (often glycol or another fluid), which in turn exchanges heat with the water being cooled in a heat exchanger.
4. Applications in Aquaculture

The cooling system is used in various applications in aquaculture, including:
- Cold-water fish farming: Certain species, such as salmon or trout, require water temperatures between 4°C and 12°C. A cooling system is used to maintain these constant temperatures.
- Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS): In these systems, water is recycled, so it’s essential to regulate the water temperature to maintain optimal conditions for fish.
- Larvae and fry farming: The early life stages of fish are particularly sensitive to temperature variations, and a cooling system helps maintain a stable temperature for their development.
5. Advantages of the Cooling System in Aquaculture
- Optimized Growth: Precise control of water temperature allows fish to grow at their optimal rate.
- Disease Prevention: Inappropriate water temperatures can promote pathogen growth. A cooling system helps maintain stable temperatures, minimizing risks.
- Improved Water Quality: By maintaining proper temperatures, oxygen solubility in water improves, benefiting fish health.
6. Maintenance and Management
- Regular cleaning of the condenser and evaporator is crucial to maintain system efficiency.
- Temperature control should be monitored in real-time using sensors and automation to ensure stable conditions.
- Continuous monitoring is necessary to prevent failures that could lead to harmful temperature fluctuations for the aquatic organisms.
7. Environmental and Energy Impact

The cooling system consumes energy, and in large-scale aquaculture systems, this can represent a significant portion of operational costs. Therefore, energy-efficient solutions and the use of eco-friendly technologies (such as heat recovery systems) are sought to minimize the environmental impact of these setups.
Immersion heaters
A thermoplunge in aquaculture is a device used to heat water in aquaculture systems, allowing optimal temperatures to be maintained for the growth and well-being of farmed aquatic species. This type of equipment is particularly important in environments where water temperatures need to be carefully regulated, such as in tropical fish farms or recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS). Here’s a detailed description of this device:

1. Main Function

The thermoplunge serves to increase the water temperature in aquaculture ponds or tanks. Temperature control is crucial, especially for tropical or subtropical fish species that require specific conditions to develop properly. It can also be used to regulate temperature in breeding systems or for sensitive life stages, such as larvae and fry.

2. Components of the Immersion heaters

A typical thermoplunge consists of:
- Heating elements: These are electric resistances that generate heat when powered.
- Integrated thermostat: Allows setting and maintaining a constant water temperature, often with precision to fractions of a degree.
- Overheating protection: Most thermoplunge devices are equipped with safety mechanisms to prevent overheating of the water, which could harm the fish or damage the equipment.
- Power supply cable: The thermoplunge is usually connected to an external power source.
3. Types of Immersion heaters
- Submersible thermoplunge: These devices are designed to be submerged directly in the water. They are often used in smaller tanks or aquaculture systems.
- Circulation thermoplunge: These devices heat the water while circulating it through pipes, which is more efficient in larger systems where water needs to be evenly distributed.
4. Applications in Aquaculture

The thermoplunge is used in various applications in aquaculture, such as:
- Tropical fish farming: Tropical fish, like tilapia or catfish, need water temperatures between 25°C and 30°C. A thermoplunge is used to ensure the water remains constant at these levels.
- Breeding and incubation: Certain fish species require elevated temperatures to stimulate breeding or egg incubation.
- Fry and larvae farming: Young fish stages are particularly sensitive to temperature fluctuations, and a thermoplunge ensures a stable temperature for their development.
- Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS): In these systems, water is recycled, and maintaining a constant water temperature is essential for optimal fish conditions.
5. Advantages of the Thermoplunge in Aquaculture
- Precise temperature control: Immersion heaters devices allow fine adjustments to the water temperature to meet the specific needs of aquatic species.
- Ease of installation and use: Immersion heaters devices are relatively simple to install and operate, making them a convenient solution for aquaculturists.
- Energy efficiency: Some modern Immersion heaters devices are designed to be energy-efficient, reducing operating costs.
- Safety: With built-in safety features like thermostats and overheating protection, the risks of damage to equipment and fish are minimized.
6. Maintenance and Management
- Regular cleaning: It’s important to clean the heating elements and check their functioning to prevent lime scale or other impurities that could reduce the thermoplunge’s efficiency.
- Temperature monitoring: While the integrated thermostat helps maintain the temperature, it’s recommended to use a thermometer to regularly check that the water temperature is within the optimal range.
- Protection checks: Ensure that safety mechanisms, such as overheating protection, are functional and unobstructed.
7. Environmental and Energy Impact

The energy consumption of the Immersion heaters depends on the size of the facility and the climate conditions. In large-scale aquaculture systems, it is important to choose an energy-efficient Immersion heaters and use it effectively to minimize environmental impact and reduce energy costs.
In-line heaters
An electric heater in aquaculture is a device used to heat water in aquaculture systems to maintain optimal temperatures for the growth and health of aquatic species. This equipment is essential, especially in environments where water temperature can fluctuate due to seasons or geographical location, such as in aquariums or fish farms. Here’s a detailed description of this device:

1. Main Function

The electric heater regulates the water temperature by heating it when necessary. Temperature control is crucial for fish and other aquatic organisms that have specific thermal needs. For example, tropical species require a constant, higher temperature, typically between 25°C and 30°C. By regulating the temperature, the heater helps stimulate fish growth, reproduction, and overall well-being.

2. Components of an Electric Heater

A typical electric heater consists of:
- Heating element: This is the electric resistance that generates heat when powered. It is usually made of corrosion-resistant metal.
- Integrated thermostat: The thermostat controls the water temperature and allows you to set the desired temperature. It is designed to maintain a constant temperature without fluctuation.
- Protective casing: The heater is generally equipped with a protective casing made of plastic or metal, which makes it resistant to humidity and water splashes.
- Safety system: Some heaters are equipped with safety features to prevent overheating, such as an automatic shut-off or dry-run protection.
3. Types of Electric Heaters
- Immersion heaters: These heaters are designed to be directly submerged in water and are the most common in aquaculture systems. They are used to heat water in aquaculture tanks or ponds.
- Circulation heaters: These devices heat the water while circulating it through pipes. They are often used in filtration systems or larger installations.
- Panel heaters: These heaters use heating panels to warm the air in the aquaculture environment, which can be useful in greenhouse or aquaponics structures.
4. Applications in Aquaculture
- Tropical fish farming: Tropical fish such as tilapia, catfish, and other exotic species need higher water temperatures. The electric heater is essential to keep the water at these constant levels.
- Cold-water aquaculture: While tropical fish farming is the primary focus, some heaters can also be used to maintain stable temperatures in cold-water environments, where ambient temperature can reduce the water temperature.
- Fish breeding: Certain fish species, such as salmon or trout, require specific temperatures for breeding and egg incubation.
- Aquarium filtration systems: Electric heaters are often used in large aquariums and closed aquaculture systems to maintain optimal water temperature for aquatic organisms.
5. Advantages of Electric Heaters in Aquaculture
- Precise temperature control: The integrated thermostat allows precise and constant water temperature control.
- Ease of installation and use: Electric heaters are relatively simple to install and use, providing a practical solution to maintain stable thermal conditions.
- Safety: With built-in safety features like overheating protection and automatic shut-off, the risks of damage to the equipment or fish are minimized.
- Energy efficiency: Many modern electric heaters are designed to be energy-efficient, reducing operating costs.
6. Maintenance and Management
- Regular cleaning: It is essential to clean the heating elements and check their functioning to avoid limescale or other impurities that could reduce the heater's efficiency.
- Thermostat checks: The thermostat should be regularly checked to ensure it is functioning correctly and that the water temperature is stable.
- Safety feature checks: Ensure that safety mechanisms, such as overheating protection, are functioning properly and unobstructed.
7. Environmental and Energy Impact

The energy consumption of the electric heater depends on the size of the facility and the climate conditions. It is important to choose an energy-efficient model and use it effectively to minimize environmental impact and reduce energy costs.
Heat pump
A heat pump in aquaculture is a thermal system used to regulate water temperature in fish farming tanks or aquaculture systems. It works by transferring heat from a source (air, water, or ground) to the aquaculture water, allowing it to heat or cool the water depending on the needs of the species.

How It Works

The heat pump operates through a thermodynamic cycle:
- It captures heat (calories) from the environment (air, ground, or water).
- This heat is compressed and transferred to a heat exchanger.
- The exchanger then warms (or cools) the water in the system.
- The system can reverse the cycle to cool the water, if needed (reversible heat pump).
Benefits in Aquaculture
- Precise temperature control, essential for fish health and growth.
- Energy savings: much more efficient than traditional heating systems.
- Reduces temperature fluctuations, minimizing stress for sensitive species.
- Usable year-round, regardless of outdoor climate.
- Eco-friendly, with lower energy consumption and high performance.
Common Applications
- Tropical aquaculture: to maintain warm water temperatures (tilapia, shrimp, etc.).
- Cold-water aquaculture: to prevent excessive cooling in winter.
- Hatcheries and RAS (Recirculating Aquaculture Systems): tight temperature control for juvenile stages.
- Aquariums and research facilities: precise thermal regulation for breeding and scientific studies.
Air heating
Air heating in aquaculture is a method used to maintain a stable ambient temperature in aquaculture facilities such as hatcheries, greenhouses, or indoor fish farms. This system is essential in environments where external temperatures can affect water temperature or the well-being of aquatic species, especially in temperate or cold regions.

Function and Purpose
- Heats the ambient air in culture areas (greenhouses, hatchery halls, production buildings).
- Helps reduce heat loss from water by minimizing thermal differences between air and water.
- Promotes better growth of fish and invertebrates by maintaining a stable, low-stress climate.
- Enhances the comfort of staff and the efficiency of technical equipment (filters, pumps, etc.).
Types of Air Heating Systems
- Electric or hot water air heaters
- Gas or fuel oil hot air generators
- Radiant heating systems (infrared)
- Systems integrated with heat pumps
Common Applications
- Breeding facilities (hatcheries) and juvenile fish production units.
- Aquaponic greenhouses and Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS).
- Tropical species farms, where constant warmth is required.
- Fish farming buildings in cold or seasonal climates.
Heat exchanger
A heat exchanger in aquaculture is a device used to transfer heat between two fluids without mixing them, allowing the heating or cooling of water in tanks or farming systems. It helps maintain water temperature efficiently while optimizing energy consumption.

How It Works

The heat exchanger typically consists of high-conductivity metal plates or tubes:
- A hot fluid (e.g., water heated by a boiler or heat pump) circulates on one side.
- Aquaculture system water flows on the other side.
- Heat is transferred through the metal surfaces without fluid contact.
- The system is reversible and can also be used for cooling.
Advantages in Aquaculture
- Precise and stable temperature control.
- Water quality is preserved (no fluid mixing).
- Lower energy costs, especially when combined with renewable heat sources.
- Compatible with closed-loop systems (RAS).
- Versatile: works for both heating and cooling.
Common Applications
- RAS systems (Recirculating Aquaculture Systems).
- Aquaponic greenhouses or covered tanks.
- Temperature-sensitive species (tropical fish, juveniles).
- Integration with geothermal or heat pump systems.
Boiler
A boiler in aquaculture is a thermal device used to heat water in aquaculture systems to maintain an optimal temperature for fish, crustaceans, or other farmed species. It produces heat for breeding tanks, recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), or greenhouse farming setups. These boilers are particularly used in systems where water temperature must be consistently regulated, even in cold external climates.

How It Works

The boiler operates through combustion (gas, oil, biomass, or other fuels) or electric heating to generate heat. The heated water is then transferred through a network of pipes or a heat exchanger to warm the water in the tanks or farming systems.
1. Heating the Water: Water circulates through the boiler, where it is heated by the energy source.
2. Thermal Transfer: The hot water is then sent to distribution systems (tanks, pipes, etc.).
3. Temperature Control: A thermostat or controller ensures the water maintains a constant and stable temperature.
Advantages in Aquaculture
- Thermal Stability: Keeps a consistent and ideal temperature for species growth.
- Energy Efficiency: Modern boilers are designed to maximize energy efficiency, reducing heating costs.
- Adaptability: Boilers can be customized to the specific needs of aquaculture operations, whether small or large-scale.
- Versatility: Can be powered by different fuel types (gas, oil, wood, electricity) or integrated with renewable energy systems.
- Durability: Built to last in wet and demanding environments.
Common Applications
- Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS), to maintain stable water temperature.
- Tropical fish farming or other species requiring higher temperatures.
- Breeding facilities or hatcheries, where specific thermal conditions are crucial for incubation.
- Aquaponic greenhouses or aquaculture farming, where precise thermal control is critical for optimized production.