#bioflocfishtank

Biofloc fish farming is tank-based aquaculture and specific types of tanks are used at different phases of the process. Though it is possible to convert a traditional pond into a biofloc system, it is definitely a challenging task. Free-standing Biofloc tanks are widely preferred by fish farmers as they require less space and can be set up almost anywhere, even on your terrace!

Apart from the standard circular biofloc tarpaulin tanks, raceway tanks, hatchery tanks and transportation tanks are used to suit specific purposes. To have more clarity, let us understand the purpose of each of these specially designed tanks.

Hatchery tanks are typically used by fish-hatcheries for larval rearing. These tanks can be made of concrete, FRP or the most commonly used food-grade, non-toxic PVC material for higher viability of fish seeds. They are usually round or square (with rounded corners), usually shallow for ease of access for daily cleaning & observation. Hatchery tanks facilitate the optimal growth of fish seeds and minimizes the stress of being transferred to larger tanks.

Raceway tanks are the next-generation biofloc tanks that have a continuous water flow-through system that helps to maintain optimal water quality without hassle. These tanks are “raceway-shaped” - usually rectangular basins with a lower height than that of a standard circular biofloc fish tank. The unique design provides a larger space for the fishes to move in compared to the circular tanks. Hence, such a tank promotes better fish health and maximizes their growth.

Transportation tanks make the transfer of fish seeds from hatcheries to fish farms as well as transportation of live fishes from the farms to the markets. Transportation tanks are made from premium quality, non-toxic PVC material. The PVC material used to make transportation tanks protect the fishes from jerk & jolt of long-distance transportation. KisanFlex is the only brand that manufactures transportation tanks with a special outlet-tail for easy transfer of fishes out of the tanks.

Now, to find all types of biofloc aquaculture tanks and accessories under one roof may seem like an absurd idea. But dear reader, you are in luck!

There has been a significant shift towards round tanks for fish rearing. Properly designed round tanks with a central drain, moderately sloped floor and proper inlet piping take advantage of gravitational and centrifugal forces to keep themselves clean. The water moving in a circular flow will carry the solids to the central drain, from where they can be piped away for separation and re-use or disposal. With a properly designed inlet system, the oxygen rich water will provide just the right current for good muscle tone while distributing new water evenly throughout the tank. All these prerequisite for sustainable aquaculture development can be met by Biofloc technology.

The Biofloc is a protein reach macro aggregate of organic material and micro-organisms including diatoms, bacteria, protozoa, algae, fecal pellets, remains the dead organisms and other invertebrates. It is a technique of enhancing water quality in aquaculture through balancing carbon and nitrogen in the system.

The technology has recently gained attention as a sustainable method to control water quality, with the added value of producing protein rich feed in situ.  The basic technology was developed by Dr.Yoram Avinmelech in Israel and initially implemented commercially in Belize by Belize Aquaculture.

Biofloc technology has become a popular technology in the fish farming of pacific white shrimp, litopenaeus vannamei.

 Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages

1.     Bio-security very good (from water) to date WSSV negative using the system.

2.     Zero water exchange – less than 100 % exchange of whole culture period.

3.     Production (Carrying capacity): 5-10% better than normal system.

4.     Production cost lower by around 15-20%

  Disadvantages

1.     High energy input – paddlewheels 28 HP/ha.

2.     Power failure critical – maximum 1 hour at any time (better zero hour failure)

3.     Full HDPE lined ponds – minimum semi-HDPE lined.

4.     Technology similar but more advance – need to train technicians.

The technology has not only been applied at commercial shrimp grow-out farms but also in super-intensive raceways to produce more than 9 kg shrimp. The smooth tarpaulin fish tank surface further helps to eliminate disease vectors and skin abrasions, while providing a long lasting, economical pvc tarpaulin fish tank.

Presently, a number of studies by major universities and private companies are using Biofloc as protein source in shrimp and fish feeds.