Alternative Solutions

Three different tanks have so far been designed based on my current knowledge of what horseshoe crabs need and in what type of environment they thrive in. Each design accomplishes a different goal, and the designs are very basic and undetailed. Whichever design is chosen to move forward with will then be altered to fit with the necessary systems.

The first tank I designed (seen above) was a basic cylindrical tank with an observation window in the front through which the horseshoe crabs could be inspected. I worked in a basic water flow system which ended up not being accurate and was based on very limited knowledge of pumps. This, however, is a small and easily fixable mistake. This tank is good because the cylindrical shape maintains its stability when put under the pressure of many gallons of water. The shape of this tank limits the ability of scientists to evaluate the horseshoe crabs regularly however, because of the depth and radius, the scientists may not be able to easily round up the horseshoe crabs in the tank. If this tank design were to become the final solution, a secondary contraption could then be constructed to make horseshoe crab collection within the tank easier.

This tank was designed with the location of the horseshoe crab breeding ground in mind. Generally the horseshoe crab breeds and lays eggs in the inter-tidal zone, so this design worked in the slope and dry sand area which would be found in the areas in which they live for the first few months of their lives. However, in their youth the dry sand may not be necessary since they generally only leave the water to mate. The shape of the tank, however, allows for tide simulation and better representation of the horseshoe crabs natural environment. One obstacle I am expecting to run into with this tank is the sand. I would like to have the bottom of the tank to be coated in sand from the area, however with the sloped bottom and constant movement of water the sand may settle on the lower part of the slope leaving the top exposed.

The third solution I created was based off of the tanks the NOAA lab already has in place. In the center of the tank is a water drainage pipe which regulates the level of the water. I could then attach this pipe to a water pump and a series of filters to continue using the water rather than wasting resources. I've also worked in the slope which would also be found in the natural habitat and would allow for the crabs to live in slightly deeper water but provides scientists with the shallow water to make accessing the crabs easier.

This last solution was another tank designed off of already existing tanks in the NOAA laboratory, however I modified the style to better fit the needs of the horseshoe crabs. The design of this tank takes into account the natural incline of the shore which the horseshoe crabs would, in nature, live during the time we will be raising them. The design also saves space while also allowing for the necessary scientific observation and separation during their time in the lab.