When you’re choosing between open and closed system algae ponds, you’ll need to base the choice on the type of algae you plan to grow and the purpose for growing it. All algae ponds are either open or closed production systems. Bioreactors are a type of closed algae pond, as are sealed containers used for a variety of purposes. All other ponds, raceways, tanks and tubs are considered open systems.
You’ll want to choose a closed system when you need complete control over conditions within the pond—as you might with a bioreactor. This gives you the utmost in control over algae growth, contaminant exposure, and a variety of other factors like water temperature and pH level. Open ponds are at higher risk for contamination via toxins or other undesirable compounds, or even undesirable algae species. Open ponds, however, produce much more volume than closed systems. If volume production is desired, as with producing food for humans and animals, then you’ll need an open system, usually constructed with pond liners like those you’ll find from BTL Liners. Algae type will be a big consideration because not all algae will thrive in one type of system or the other. Seaweed, for example, often struggles to grow properly in a closed system. For this type of aquaculture, open systems are recommended. Algae designed to produce electrons for harvest in a bioreactor perform best in a closed system.
