Fresh By Design designed, installed and commissioned the Victorian Fisheries Authority Native Conservation Hatchery at Snobs Creek, Victoria. The facility sets a new benchmark in native species conservation through the integration of advanced Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) and water treatment processes. Incorporating drum filters, UV sterilisation and comprehensive monitoring systems, the hatchery provides optimal conditions for Victoria’s most vulnerable native fish and crustaceans while maintaining high standards of environmental sustainability. The facility delivers reliable water quality management, strong biosecurity standards and optimal conditions for livestock health, and also includes four rack systems to support the aquaculture process plus a comprehensive intake water treatment system.
Each RAS comprises a FAIVRE Industrie-Environnement Series 40 drum filter with Grundfos backwash pump, a custom HDPE sump with MBBR biofilter, 3 x Polymaster 1,000 L aquaculture tanks, an Oasis iX13 heat pump temperature control loop, a Pentair Aquatic Eco-Systems Smart UV 150 W steriliser, and OxyGuard monitoring and control with DO and temperature probes, flow switch alarms and high/low level alarms with pump control. Four rack systems each include custom FRP racking, custom acrylic tanks and gutter system, a custom sump with bag filter and MBBR biofilter, a Waterco C50 cartridge filter, a Pentair Smart UV 80 W steriliser, a Waterco Supastream 75 pump, Oasis iX13 heat pump temperature control, OxyGuard monitoring and control, and flow switch and high/low level alarms with pump stop control. Intake water treatment comprises 2 x Waterco WD500 media filters with AFM media, a Polymaster storage tank, an ozonation loop (FBD ozone cone, Mazzei venturi injector, MAT-KULING OZO50 ozone generator), 2 x Waterco WD600 media filters with activated carbon, a second Polymaster storage tank, a Grundfos supply pump, a Pentair Smart UV 150 W steriliser, 2 x Esam side channel blowers and an OxyGuard Commander system for automated ozonation control.
The facility plays a key role in native fish recovery and conservation outcomes across Victoria.
