Tubing
Tubing delivers food to the tanks and is thus an essential element of the device. You must carefully design and assemble the tubing elements (i.e, tubes, splitters, connectors) to prevent any problems during food distribution. Here we provide a general framework for ZAF tubing, as well as detailed instructions on how to assemble the splitter panel. The splitter panel is a key elements to separate the flow of food and water and deliver an equal amount of food to the different tanks.
For ZAF we used silicone based tubes, make sure to use tubes that are safe for the fish (food grade!) and that are rigid enough to prevent clogging. We used two types of tubes: type 1 for connecting pumps valve and food flask inside ZAF, and another: type 2 to hook up the tanks with the splitter panel.
In this schematic graph we indicate how to connect the different pumps and valves together, and what type of tubing is used.
Keep in mind that you will need to keep all tube lengths equal, even for different tanks. Indeed, we want to ensure that the tubing resistance to water flow is equal across all lines so as to guarantee the equal distribution of food across all tanks. To avoid cable overcrowding the cable tie can be used to organise the tubes.
These are the "tentacles" of your robot that will distribute an equal amount of food to each tank. In the described design, one separator panel (connected to a single pump) delivers food to eight tanks. We decided to limit our panel to eight tanks but with ZAF it is all about modularity. The users can try a panel with 12 tanks! However, scaling up to many more tanks runs the risk of clogging because of reduced pressure -- so for more tanks we recommend ZAF+.
The panel support is made of polycarbonate plastic sheet with dividers fixed using tube holder suction clips. We used two Y-dividers, the type 1 tubes for the first coupling and then the type 2 tubes for the output connections. The middle T-connector are from this kit.
Overall, it is easy to assemble the panel following the indications on the following figure (left panel). On the right it is a picture of the panel inside our facility. Finally, we fastened the panel using velcro stripes.
We recommend the users to evaluate the aspect of the tubes regularly (water separator panel as well as system) and replace the tubes when needed.
Remember: all tube lines, must all have the same lengths
