Native Fish Stockist is a growing Murray cod hatchery run by Kane and his family. Because there were no monitoring systems or alarms in place, Kane needed to live on site to constantly check the tanks and respond to any issues. This meant very long days, interrupted nights, and little peace of mind.

As the hatchery planned a major upgrade to its power and pond aeration systems, the family recognised that continuing without monitoring or alarms was no longer practical. With significant capital already being invested, they decided it was the right time to add a proper dissolved oxygen monitoring and alarm system.

Kane was already familiar with Technolab and OxyGuard, having previously purchased portable meters from us, so he reached out to discuss a more permanent solution.

The Challenge

Through several phone conversations, Scott identified that the hatchery required a full monitoring and control system across 16 tanks.

To clearly understand the site layout and operating needs, Scott and Kane completed a virtual walk-through of the farm using FaceTime technology. From this, Scott determined that the OxyGuard Pacific analyser would best meet the hatchery’s requirements.

Once the scope was agreed on, Technolab worked closely with Kane to plan:

• Sensor locations in each tank
• Cable runs and junction box placement
• Integration of emergency oxygen dosing

Custom oxygen distribution panels, controlled by the OxyGuard system, were designed and built in Technolab’s Hobart warehouse.

The project was delivered in three key parts:

1. Continuous dissolved oxygen measurement in all tanks
2. Automatic emergency oxygen dosing if levels dropped too low
3. Alarm notifications via audible alerts and SMS messaging

The Solution

After being built and tested in Technolab’s Hobart workshop, the complete system was shipped to Native Fish Stockist’s Beechworth facility.

Installation was completed over four days by Scott, working alongside Kane’s brother, a licensed electrician. This approach allowed the hatchery to continue operating with minimal disruption.

The Outcome

With the new monitoring and alarm system in place, Kane and his family no longer need to live on site around the clock. They now have confidence that any issue will be detected immediately and that they will be notified straight away if action is required.

Most importantly, they can finally enjoy a full night’s sleep, knowing their fish and their business are protected 24/7.

Equipment list

Hatchery-

1 x Main unit, 4 x Combi Units for up to 20 sensors

30 x Relays and 30 x Digital I/O's available for PID oxygen control, setpoint emergency oxygen, pressure, level and flow switches etc

16 x DO/Temp measurement with PID oxygen control (16 x Relays, 16 x Analogue Sensor inputs)

4 x Emergency Oxygen outputs ) to control 4 Tanks (4 x Relays)

2 x Heated tank temp probes (2 x Analogue Sensor Inputs)

16 x Tank Level Switch (16x Digital Input)

1 x Air flow (Pressure) Switch (1 x Digital Input)

3 x Water flow Switches (3 x Digital Input)

3 x Supply tank level, Low and High level switch (6 x Digital Inputs)

Alarm Light and Siren (2 x Relays)

SMS Module for alarm Notification (SIM Card Plan required)

Web Interface & Cobalia Access(12 months cloud data) (Access to internet/network required)