Treatment Process: Water treatment, implementing Sediment removal, Reverse Osmosis, UV Sterilization and Online Monitoring
Industry: Marine Aquarium & Public Aquarium / Tourism & Conservation
Large public aquariums operate on recirculating life-support systems where water is continuously treated before being returned to the exhibits. Rather than constantly replacing water, the treatment process removes contaminants, controls microbial activity and maintains stable environmental conditions for marine life.
A typical treatment process includes:
1. Water Collection
Water from each exhibit is continuously circulated to the treatment plant.
2. Mechanical Filtration
Mechanical filtration removes suspended solids including:
- Fish waste
- Uneaten food
- Organic debris
- Fine particulates
This protects downstream equipment while improving water clarity.
3. Biological Treatment
Beneficial bacteria convert toxic ammonia produced by aquatic life into nitrite and subsequently nitrate through biological filtration.
This process is fundamental to maintaining a stable aquatic ecosystem.
4. Ozone Treatment
Ozone is introduced under controlled conditions to:
- Oxidise dissolved organic compounds
- Reduce bacterial loading
- Improve water clarity
- Remove colour
- Reduce odours
- Improve overall water quality
Unlike chlorine, ozone naturally decomposes back into oxygen, making it highly effective for aquatic applications when correctly engineered.
5. Degassing / Ozone Destruction
Residual ozone is safely removed before treated water returns to the exhibits, protecting aquatic life while ensuring safe operating conditions.
6. Activated Carbon Filtration
Activated carbon removes residual oxidants and dissolved organic compounds while polishing the water before recirculation.
7. Monitoring & Control
The treated water is continuously monitored to maintain critical operating parameters such as:
- Flow
- Pressure
- ORP
- Temperature
- Salinity
- Water quality
The water is then returned to the aquatic exhibits, where the cycle repeats continuously.
For approximately two decades, Biozone Manufacturing has supported the water treatment infrastructure at uShaka Marine World, contributing engineered treatment solutions for one of South Africa’s largest and most recognised marine attractions.
Public aquariums operate under demanding conditions. Water quality directly affects animal health, exhibit clarity and operational reliability. Treatment systems must therefore deliver consistent performance while operating continuously throughout the year.
Biozone’s long-standing relationship with uShaka demonstrates the durability, reliability and engineering quality of its water treatment solutions.
