🎯 Learning Goals (Day 1)
By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:
- Identify the different tools and equipment used in aquaculture.
- Explain the uses of each tool and equipment in aquaculture operations.
- Appreciate the importance of using appropriate aquaculture tools and equipment in ensuring efficiency and safety.
🧩 Key Ideas & Terms (Day 1: Tools and Equipment in Aquaculture)
- Water Pump – used for recirculation in aquaculture systems.
- Laboratory Thermometer – measures water temperature for monitoring and research.
- Salinometer (Refractometer) – measures salinity of water.
- Dissolved Oxygen Meter – monitors oxygen levels to ensure aquatic health.
- pH Meter – measures acidity or alkalinity of water.
- Secchi Disk – measures water transparency and turbidity.
- Salinity – concentration of dissolved salts in water.
- Versatile – able to adapt to different uses or functions.
- Brails – ropes or lines used to control the edges of a net or sail.
- Substrate – the surface or material on which an organism lives or grows.
- Sediment – solid particles that settle at the bottom of a liquid.
🔄 Prior Knowledge (Day 1: Tools and Equipment in Aquaculture)
The teacher may ask students the following to connect to their existing knowledge:
- What are the different Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) hazards in fisheries?
- Can you give examples or situations for each type of OHS hazard?
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of organic aquaculture?
Show Answer
1. Ergonomic health, physical health, biological, psychosocial, environmental, chemical hazards
2. Example:
- Physical: slips, trips, and falls on wet or uneven surfaces
- Chemical: exposure to fuel, lubricants, cleaning agents
- Biological: contact with marine life carrying toxins/diseases
3. Advantages: sustainable, animal welfare, market opportunities
Disadvantages: higher costs, lower yields, strict certification requirements
📖 Explore the Lesson (Day 1: Tools and Equipment in Aquaculture)
Aquaculture is the farming of aquatic organisms such as fish, shellfish, and seaweeds. Just like farming on land, it requires tools and equipment to make the work easier, safer, and more efficient. Without the right equipment, it would be very difficult to maintain water quality, keep fish healthy, and ensure that operations are productive. Let’s explore the different tools and equipment used in aquaculture and why they are important.
1. Water Pump 💧
A water pump is one of the most important tools in aquaculture. It is used to move water in and out of ponds, tanks, or cages. In aquaculture, maintaining clean water is essential because fish need oxygen and a balanced environment to survive.
- How it works: Pumps can circulate water to bring in fresh oxygen and remove waste.
- Types: Horizontal and vertical centrifugal pumps are commonly used.
- Why it matters: Without pumps, the water in ponds and tanks could become dirty, leading to poor fish health and even death.
Student example: Imagine having a fish tank at home. If the water is not changed or filtered, it becomes dirty and smelly. The same thing happens in large aquaculture systems — that’s why water pumps are needed.
2. Laboratory Thermometer 🌡️
Fish, like people, are sensitive to temperature. A laboratory thermometer helps measure the water’s temperature accurately.
- Why it matters: Different species of fish grow best at different temperatures. If the water is too hot or too cold, fish can get stressed and stop eating.
- Practical use: Fish farmers check water temperature daily to make sure it stays in the safe range.
Student example: Tilapia thrives best at around 25–30°C. If the water becomes too cold, they may become weak.
3. Salinometer (Refractometer) 🧂
A salinometer measures the salinity (salt level) of water.
- Freshwater species like tilapia and catfish need low salinity.
- Saltwater species like milkfish or prawns need higher salinity.
- Why it matters: If the salt level is too high or too low, it can harm the fish and affect their growth.
Student example: Think of drinking water. If it tastes too salty, it is not good for humans. The same is true for fish — their bodies can only handle certain levels of salt.
4. Dissolved Oxygen (DO) Meter 🫧
Fish breathe oxygen, but they get it from the water, not the air. A dissolved oxygen meter measures how much oxygen is present in the water.
- Why it matters: Low oxygen levels can cause fish to suffocate.
- Daily check: Farmers often test water in the early morning, because oxygen levels are lowest at night when plants also use oxygen.
- Safety use: In commercial aquaculture, aerators (like water wheels) are used to increase oxygen if levels are low.
Student example: If you see fish gasping at the surface of the water, it usually means oxygen is too low.
5. pH Meter ⚖️
The pH meter measures whether water is acidic or basic (alkaline).
- Safe range for fish: Most species grow best in water with a pH between 6.5 and 8.5.
- Danger signs: Too acidic water can burn the fish’s gills, while too alkaline water can make them weak.
- Why it matters: Balanced pH ensures nutrients are available for both fish and aquatic plants.
Student example: Think of lemon juice (acidic) vs. soap water (alkaline). Fish cannot survive in either extreme.
6. Secchi Disk ⚪
A Secchi disk looks like a round plate lowered into the water with a rope. It measures water transparency.
- Why it matters: Clear water allows sunlight to enter, helping plankton grow. Too much plankton, however, can cause oxygen problems at night.
- Use: Farmers lower the disk into the water and check how far they can still see it.
Student example: If you can barely see the disk in the water, it means the pond may be too murky and could harm fish health.
Why These Tools Are Important 🐟
- Pumps move water.
- Thermometers check temperature.
- Salinometers check salt levels.
- Oxygen meters ensure fish can breathe.
- pH meters check acidity.
- Secchi disks monitor water clarity.
Without these tools, fish farmers would be guessing — and fish farming would be risky and less productive.
Safety First ⚠️
- Wear protective gloves when handling water with chemicals.
- Avoid electrical hazards when using pumps near water.
- Handle glass equipment (like thermometers) carefully to prevent accidents.
🌍 Connection to Sustainability
Aquaculture supports SDG 14: Life Below Water, which calls for the conservation and sustainable use of oceans, seas, and marine resources. Proper use of aquaculture tools ensures that fish farming does not harm the environment and provides food for future generations.
References
- Asuncion Jr., R. G. (1997). ABIVA Technology and Home Economics Series: Culture of Aquatic Resources.
- OmsonsLabs. (n.d.). Laboratory Thermometer. Retrieved from https://omsonslabs.com/laboratory-thermometer/
- Castle Pumps. (n.d.). Types of Centrifugal Pumps. Retrieved from https://www.castlepumps.com
- Infitek. (n.d.). pH Meter BCW Series. Retrieved from https://infitek.com/products/benchtop-ph-meter-orp-meter-ph-bcw-series/
- Lazada. (2023). Dissolved Oxygen Tester. Retrieved from https://www.lazada.com.ph
- Reddit. (2023). Disc Used to Calculate Rotations (Secchi Disk use).
💡 Example in Action (Day 1: Tools and Equipment in Aquaculture)
Let’s practice applying what we learned about aquaculture tools and equipment.
Worked Example 📝
Mia, a young aquaculture farmer, notices that her fish are gasping at the surface of the pond early in the morning. She decides to check the water quality.
- First, she uses a dissolved oxygen meter and finds oxygen levels are low.
- She then turns on her water pump to circulate fresh water and add oxygen.
- Finally, she sets up an aerator to prevent the problem from happening again.
👉 Question: Which tool helped Mia measure the problem, and which one helped her solve it?
Show Answer
- Measure: Dissolved Oxygen Meter
- Solve: Water Pump and Aerator
Now You Try – Mini Task 1 🔎
Carlo wants to raise tilapia in his backyard pond. Before stocking fish, he measures the water’s salt level. Which tool should he use?
Show Answer
Salinometer (Refractometer)
Now You Try – Mini Task 2 🌡️
Ella checks the pond’s water daily. One day, she sees the water temperature is only 18°C, and her tilapia are not eating well. Which tool gave her this information, and why is it important?
Show Answer
Tool: Laboratory Thermometer
Importance: Tilapia thrive best at 25–30°C. 18°C is too cold, so the fish became weak and lost appetite.
Now You Try – Mini Task 3 ⚖️
A group of students wants to test the pond’s acidity. The water’s pH is measured at 5.5. What tool did they use, and is this safe for most fish?
Show Answer
Tool: pH Meter
Safety: No, most fish need a pH between 6.5 and 8.5. pH 5.5 is too acidic and harmful.
📝 Try It Out (Day 1: Tools and Equipment in Aquaculture)
Answer the following questions to test your understanding:
1. Matching Type
Match the tool to its correct use.
- a. Water Pump
- b. pH Meter
- c. Secchi Disk
- Measures water transparency
- Circulates and refreshes water
- Tests acidity or alkalinity of water
Show Answer
a – 2
b – 3
c – 1
2. Short Answer
Why is it important to measure dissolved oxygen levels in fish ponds?
Show Answer
Because fish need oxygen to survive. Low oxygen levels can cause fish stress, suffocation, or death.
3. Situation Analysis
A farmer notices the pond water is murky, and fish are swimming slowly. Which tool should be used first to check water clarity, and why?
Show Answer
Tool: Secchi Disk
Reason: It helps measure water transparency. Murky water may block sunlight and reduce oxygen, affecting fish health.
✅ Check Yourself (Day 1: Tools and Equipment in Aquaculture)
1–4: Multiple Choice
- Which tool is used to measure salinity in aquaculture?
a) Water Pump
b) Salinometer
c) pH Meter
d) Secchi Disk - Which of the following is NOT an aquaculture tool?
a) Water Pump
b) Secchi Disk
c) Fishing Net
d) Dissolved Oxygen Meter - The safe pH range for most fish is:
a) 3.0–4.5
b) 6.5–8.5
c) 10–12
d) 1–2 - Why do farmers check water temperature daily?
a) To see if fish are hungry
b) To keep fish in their ideal growth range
c) To measure oxygen levels
d) To test water clarity
5–6: True or False
- The dissolved oxygen meter is used to measure how much oxygen is present in water.
- The Secchi disk is used to measure water acidity.
7–8: Short Answer
- Why is a water pump important in aquaculture?
- What might happen to fish if the water becomes too acidic?
9–10: Matching Type
Match the tool to its correct use.
- a. Laboratory Thermometer
- b. Dissolved Oxygen Meter
- c. Salinometer
- Measures temperature of water
- Monitors oxygen levels in water
Answer Key
1. b) Salinometer
2. c) Fishing Net
3. b) 6.5–8.5
4. b) To keep fish in their ideal growth range
5. True
6. False (Secchi disk measures water transparency)
7. It circulates and refreshes water, keeping it clean and oxygenated.
8. Fish may experience stress, gill damage, and possibly die.
9. a) Laboratory Thermometer
10. b) Dissolved Oxygen Meter
🚀 Go Further (Day 1: Tools and Equipment in Aquaculture)
Activity 1: Tool Hunt 🔎
Look around your school science lab, garden, or community. Can you find any tool that is similar in function to aquaculture tools (e.g., thermometer, water pump, pH test kit)?
- Write its name, describe its use, and explain how it is similar to the aquaculture tool.
Example
A household thermometer measures body temperature, just like a laboratory thermometer measures water temperature in aquaculture.
Activity 2: Draw & Label 🎨
Draw at least three aquaculture tools and write their names and functions beside them. Make it colorful and neat.
- You may use: Water Pump, Salinometer, Dissolved Oxygen Meter, etc.
Example
Drawing of a Secchi Disk with the label: "Used to measure water clarity."
Activity 3: Research & Share 🌍
Search online or in books about modern aquaculture technology. Find one advanced tool that is not in today’s lesson. Prepare a short explanation of how it works and why it is important.
- Share your findings in class.
Example
Automatic fish feeders — These machines release feed at set times, ensuring fish are fed regularly without overfeeding.
🔗 My Reflection (Day 1: Tools and Equipment in Aquaculture)
✍️ Writing Task (Notebook)
Write 3–5 sentences about what you learned today. Explain why aquaculture tools and equipment are important and how they help in keeping fish healthy.
❓ Guiding Questions (Notebook)
- Which aquaculture tool did you find most interesting and why?
- How does proper use of aquaculture tools help both farmers and the environment?
- If you were an aquaculture farmer, which tool would you use every day and for what purpose?
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