FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The following section lists frequently asked questions relating to Shellfish Farming. If you have any further questions then please don't hesitate to contact us.
What is Adjustable Long Line Shell Fish Farming?
What are the installation requirements?
Will I need to create new infrastructure on my farm?
How adaptable are Hexcyl Baskets to my farm?
What shellfish sizes suit the Hexcyl System?
Will my shellfish stock quality improve?
Will operating costs change?
Will my shellfish stock be efficiently transport from base to farm with Hexcyl Baskets?
Can the stock be easily loaded and unloaded?
Is there any environmental wear and tear?
Tell me about the Adjustable Multi-position Pivot Rack
Do Hexcyl Baskets work on Rack & Rail Infrastructure?
Tell me about the Hexcyl Universal Suspension Clip
How are the baskets constructed?
What is the serviceable life of the Hexcyl Basket?
What testing has been done on the Baskets and clips?
What shellfish types are suited to this system?
What material is the oyster basket manufactured from?
What is Adjustable Long Line Shell Fish Farming?
The Adjustable Longline System used for shellfish farming has been adopted on many continents receiving world wide recognition for its efficiencies in both production and shellfish quality . The concept was originally developed by Ritchie Baker, Tony Schutz and Geoff Turner of BST Oyster Supplies to farm Pacific oysters in South Australia’s high energy inter-tidal zones. The Adjustable Long Line System offers shellfish farmers the unique ability to raise and lower the growing height of stock on the farm for better management of shell growth, hygiene and meat condition in preparation for sale.
What are the installation requirements?
A typical installation will consist of
- A marine grade timber or plastic strainer post set at each end of a row of lines. A typical row may comprise of two, three or four lines approximately 100 metres (328feet) long.
- Marine grade timber or plastic posts are set out between the end strainers and are usually spaced approximately 3 metres (118”) apart when orientating baskets along the line and 2 metres (79”) apart for orientating baskets across a set of two lines.
- A strong and durable line capable of retaining its tension under load and during vertical adjustment is the key component of the system. We recommend using Bayco 5mm (0.2”) plastic monofilament wire tensioned to 7-10% with a 10.8 mm protective polyethylene sleeve covering the entire line.
- Baskets
- Suspension or attachment clips
- Risers (to be attached to the posts)
Our highly experienced farmers would be pleased to discuss your requirements.
Will I need to create new infrastructure on my farm?
We recognize the enormous cost of infrastructure in your industry, so we have designed a clip to allow you to use our baskets on you existing infrastructure.
How adaptable are Hexcyl Baskets to my farm?
Hexcyl baskets are designed for a wide range of grow out options and orientations in low, moderate and high energy environments.
What shellfish sizes suit the Hexcyl System?
Our baskets suit shellfish ranging from a minimum overall length of 30mm (1.2”) to 150mm (6”) or greater.
Will my shellfish stock quality improve?
Yes. Hexcyl baskets easily support up to 10kg (22lbs) of shellfish, the Hexcyl basket offering one of the largest usable surface areas in the market. The increased productive surface area promotes movement of stock within the basket to prevent crowding and improve both shell pruning and hygiene.
Will operating costs change?
The Hexcyl basket is larger than most, requiring 40% less baskets per hectare, saving on capital cost and handling time required to achieve comparable productivity outcomes.
Will my shellfish stock be efficiently transport from base to farm with Hexcyl Baskets?
Yes! The Hexcyl shape and fold down clips optimise use of space enabling vertical or horizontal stacking on working boats.
Can the stock be easily loaded and unloaded?
Hexcyl baskets have two doors allowing easy access for loading and unloading stock.
Impact resistant in all climates
Hexcyl Systems use specially selected and proven HDPE and Acetal materials known for impact resistance and longevity in climatic extremes experienced during the hottest summers and subzero “wind chill” winters.
Is there any environmental wear and tear?
The baskets are the toughest on the market because of the unique materials that we have selected. The Hexcyl system does not require sacrificial components reducing basket losses and maintenance.
Tell me about the Adjustable Multi-position Pivot Rack
The patented Hexcyl pivot rack offers multiple attachment positions that accommodate a range of line spacings from 600 mm (23.6”) to 750 mm (29.5”) for attaching the basket across two adjustable lines.
Do Hexcyl Baskets work on Rack & Rail Infrastructure?
Yes! The unique pivot rack and “J” hook connection allows the attachment of our optional stick adaptor for rack and rail infrastructure.
Tell me about the Hexcyl Universal Suspension Clip
The inclusion of a side-buckle clip into the main body of the suspension clip allows for instant orientation along or across lines without the need for additional attachments. Unique to Hexcyl is the internal concave profile of the head grip to prevent slippage along the lines. Each suspension clip is made from high impact Acetal with the head grip on the line designed and tuned hold a 15kg (33lb) load. The ‘square axle” feature of the pivot rack and “J” hook allow for a positive lock when located in the upright operating position as well as when folded away in the storage position for space efficiency during transportation to and from the farm. Clips are suitable for 10.5mm(0.41”) – 10.8mm(0.425”) - 11.5mm (0.46") overall diameter line.
How are the baskets constructed?
Hexcyl baskets are supplied in simple to assemble pieces nested on a pallet for transport efficiency. They include two basket halves, two access doors and your choice of clips.
What is the serviceable life of the Hexcyl Basket?
Our baskets have a 10-20 year serviceable life*. Shellfish baskets are one of the largest on farm capital expenses required to establish a farm. Our baskets will withstand sustained use and abuse during the routine daily handling practices that occur in most shellfish farming operations.
* (under normal purpose designed use)
What testing has been done on the Baskets and clips?
Hexcyl shellfish baskets and accessories were developed using advanced computer aided design and engineering techniques. Accelerated age testing in laboratory conditions and field trial testing on oyster farms in Australia since early 2008 have exceeded expectations.
What shellfish types are suited to this system?
Hexcyl Baskets are suited for a broad range of oysters and other shellfish varieties.
What material is the oyster basket manufactured from?
Hexcyl baskets are manufactured from a food grade (R02) classification high density polyethylene. More information available on request
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