Fresh By Design installed a Platypus Refuge System for Taronga Zoo Sydney. The custom designed system provides a safe and secure environment for 12 adult platypus, with a focus on their comfort and well-being. The project consisted of six independent systems, each including two platypus tanks and a Life Support System (LSS). The tanks have the option to run at a lower water level if required for unwell animals, and are linked to a rest box and earth bank via tunnels, allowing the platypus to move around in a more natural environment. Each LSS provides filtration and temperature control to maintain a healthy environment. Water from the tanks flows into an FBD Filter Sump integrating primary mechanical and biological filtration, then passes through a heat pump in a loop that also integrates fine solids removal via a media filter, before return water is pumped via ultraviolet sterilisation back to the tanks.
Six independent life support systems, each serving two platypus tanks. Tank water gravitates to a custom-built FBD Filter Sump providing primary mechanical and biological filtration (bag filters plus MBBR bio filter). Water then passes through a heat pump loop that also incorporates fine solids removal via a media filter running Dryden Aqua AFM glass media, and return water is pumped back to the tanks via ultraviolet sterilisation. Tanks can run at reduced water level for unwell animals and connect to rest boxes and earth banks via tunnels. Plant is mounted on an FRP mount system for a small plant footprint.
