Build your own
BSF farming unit
Manna Insect BSF production designs are the most efficient path to become a true BSF professional
Unlock success with cutting-edge technology and streamlined processes
Manna Insect BSF farming units are designed for the fastest and most cost efficient way to start black soldier fly production piloting.
Units will be fully sourced and build locally with our detailed assistance and client can choose to use either readily available 20ft shipping containers or any other suitable similar size space (3x6x2.5m)
Only Manna MIND Climatization device will be sent from Finland which make piloting and then scaling very affordable and fast.
Example designs
All these examples have been tested and proven to work.
Example production capacity achievable in one rearing cycle in a 20ft-sized Manna Insect Farming module
“Manna Insect BSF Farming technology targets converting all biowaste to clean larvae and dry frass, with no other side products or leftovers than water.”
Example of expenses of a Manna Insect container design (20ft)
The price of a locally built insect farming unit consists of the following components:
- Small farming unit frame (c. $1,500 - $3000)
- Insulation materials and piping (c. $1,500 - $2,500 )
- Equipment (c. $1,000 - $2,000)
- Main power unit (c. $600 - $1,000)
- Insect trays for rearing (c. $3 - $10 / pc)
- Circular vibrating sieve ($500 -$5,000)
The total cost of locally sourced materials and equipment can vary considerably depending on the customer’s country, the selected unit frame, and the desired level of insulation.
NOTE! Manna Insect will provide detailed guidance and support for constructing the first module, but Manna will not directly undertake the construction but additional local services for construction work are available.
What you need for the BSF production unit
Shopping list for BSF business validation
The choice of insulation material should correspond to the external weather conditions. The insulation material needs to be moisture-resistant, such as polyurethane, with all seams sealed and covered. Insulation is necessary in any weather conditions, and using high r-value materials will significantly reduce energy bills. PIR (Polyisocyanurate) or EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) sandwich panels are excellent options to consider for insulation.
Corrosion-resistant or plastic piping with 90 degree elbows is used for ventilating the container.
Manna core piloting unit is is equipped with paired semi-industrial inline duct fans for circulation, exhaust, and incoming air.
Example (Östberg CK160)
With compact-sized modules, it’s feasible to employ cost-effective, consumer-grade, low-power air conditioner split unit for high temperature regulation. AC will be used only for cooling.
Single-phase semi-industrial dehumidifier (dryer) effectively extracts moisture during the rearing process, keeping the humidity level optimal (min 40l/day).
Example (TTK 166 ECO)
Humidifier is essential especially for nursing and breeding spaces but it should be installed also in growing units because it will keep substrate moist enough when larvae are still small.
Small semi-industrial humidifiers can be sourced locally, but it is also possible to assemble one from individual parts using low-cost ultrasonic mist makers, which can be ordered from web shops.
Semi-industrial-grade fan heaters are necessary for maintaining the temperature consistently at an optimal level everywhere.
Example (min 1 kW)
Basic lighting is essential for maintaining larvae within the trays throughout the entire growth cycle.
Special LED lights designed to mimic sunlight are available for breeding purposes, optimizing mating activities.
The power unit will be designed based on the size of the space and equipment are used.
Manna provides an example list of components, schematics, and instructions for certified electricians to locally assemble the unit.
Example (by Manna Insect)
Rearing production
Stackable insect trays are essential to achieve maximum capacity
Example (600x400x145mm)
Breeding activities
locally build breeding cages, pupa boxes, egg traps and special LED light
- Example (Manna breeding cage design)
- Example (Manna pupa box and egg trap design
- Example (Breeding LED)
Nursing period
Nursing boxes with egg tables
Example (Manna nursing box design)
Separation
There is several possibilities to separate larvae from frass. For small and medium size production one vibrating sieve is enough.
Drying and defatting
There are several methods for drying the larvae, which vary depending on the time and cost ratio.
Manna Insect will provide detailed instructions and how-to guidelines
Other small tools such as weighing scales and crates are necessary for the production process.
One Manna MIND can control a single farming space for rearing, breeding, nursing, or a hybrid setup.
The price for one unit varies based on the size of the production and can be as low as €4,500.