Are you interested in shrimp farming using biofloc technology?
If so, you may be wondering how many shrimp can be raised in a 10000 litre biofloc tank.
Biofloc technology is a technique of enhancing water quality through the addition of carbon sources to the aquaculture system contained in the feed or external carbon sources.
This can minimize water exchange and water usage in aquaculture systems by maintaining adequate water quality within the culture unit.
In this article, we will explore the factors that affect shrimp density in a biofloc tank and provide some guidelines for determining the optimal number of shrimp to raise in a 10000 litre biofloc tank.
So, let’s dive in!
How Many Shrimp In 10000 Litre Biofloc Tank?
The number of shrimp that can be raised in a 10000 litre biofloc tank depends on several factors, including the size of the shrimp, the water quality, and the feeding regime.
In general, it is recommended to stock between 100 to 150 shrimp per square meter of tank surface area. For a 10000 litre tank with a diameter of 4 meters, the surface area would be approximately 12.56 square meters.
Based on this guideline, you could stock between 1200 to 1884 shrimp in a 10000 litre biofloc tank. However, it is important to note that this is just a rough estimate and other factors may need to be considered.
The size of the shrimp is an important factor to consider when determining stocking density. Larger shrimp require more space and oxygen than smaller shrimp. Therefore, if you plan to raise larger shrimp, you may need to reduce the stocking density accordingly.
Water quality is also crucial for the health and growth of shrimp. Biofloc technology can help maintain good water quality by providing a natural source of food for the shrimp and reducing the need for water exchange. However, it is important to monitor water quality parameters such as ammonia, nitrite, and pH regularly and make adjustments as needed.
Feeding regime is another factor that can affect stocking density. Overfeeding can lead to poor water quality and disease outbreaks, while underfeeding can result in slow growth and low survival rates. It is important to provide enough feed for the shrimp without overfeeding.
What Is Biofloc Technology?
Biofloc technology is a technique used in aquaculture to enhance water quality by adding carbon sources to the system contained in the feed or external carbon sources. This technique helps to minimize water exchange and usage in aquaculture systems by maintaining adequate water quality within the culture unit. Biofloc systems are composed of a variety of microorganisms, uneaten feed, feces, detritus, and suspended particles with water propulsion and aeration.
The higher carbon to nitrogen ratio is maintained through the addition of carbohydrate sources, and the water quality is improved through the production of high-quality single-cell microbial protein. In such conditions, dense microorganisms develop and function both as bioreactors controlling water quality and as protein food sources. The biofloc technology in shrimp farming is implemented due to the bottom-dwelling habit of shrimp and their resistance to environmental changes.
Biofloc technology has become a popular technology in the farming of Pacific white shrimp. In addition to conventional biofilter systems, biofloc technology is recently proposed as an alternative solution for wastewater treatment and feed re-utilization. However, it may not be suitable for small farms due to intensive aeration, regular waste removal, and the requirement of additional carbon sources to stimulate heterotrophic bacteria growth.
Biofloc technology supports nitrogen removal when the organic matter and biological oxygen demand of the water system are high. It can also reduce the need for water exchange, leading to more sustainable shrimp farming practices. Overall, biofloc technology offers many benefits for shrimp farmers, including improved water quality, reduced water usage, and increased production efficiency.
Benefits Of Biofloc Technology In Shrimp Farming
Biofloc technology is a sustainable and eco-friendly system that has several benefits for shrimp farming. One of the main advantages of biofloc technology is its ability to reduce the environmental impact of shrimp farming. Since the system relies on almost or near zero water exchange, it significantly reduces water pollution and the risk of introducing and spreading pathogens. This not only benefits the environment but also reduces the risk of disease outbreaks in shrimp farms.
Another benefit of biofloc technology is its ability to improve land and water use efficiency. The flocs produced by the system are protein-rich and provide an excellent source of food for shrimp. This reduces the need for expensive protein-rich feed and lowers the cost of standard feed. Additionally, since biofloc technology reduces waste accumulation, it improves water quality and increases shrimp survival rates.
Biofloc technology also helps to control diseases and reduce pathogen transfer. Probiotics present in the mixture kill harmful microbes, preventing the spread of disease from one container to another. This restricts losses in the whole culture, leading to higher productivity.
Furthermore, using biofloc technology can significantly reduce feed costs. Effective utilization of feed and regeneration of lost feed can reduce feed costs by 30-50%. In contrast, traditional culture systems do not have ways to regain lost feed.
Lastly, biofloc technology makes harvesting easier due to high stock density within a small area and facilitated mechanism. Shrimps grow quickly and diseases are controlled with the use of semi-biofloc shrimp farming technology.
Factors Affecting Shrimp Density In Biofloc Tanks
Several factors can impact the density of shrimp that can be raised in a biofloc tank. One of the most critical factors is the size of the shrimp, as larger shrimp require more space and oxygen than smaller ones. Therefore, it is crucial to consider the size of the shrimp when determining stocking density.
Another essential factor is water quality. Biofloc technology can help maintain good water quality by providing a natural source of food for the shrimp and reducing the need for water exchange. However, it is important to monitor water quality parameters such as ammonia, nitrite, and pH regularly and make adjustments as needed.
Feeding regime is also an important factor to consider when determining stocking density. Overfeeding can lead to poor water quality and disease outbreaks, while underfeeding can result in slow growth and low survival rates. It is important to provide enough feed for the shrimp without overfeeding.
The type of carbon source used in the biofloc system can also affect the density of shrimp that can be raised. For instance, using sucrose or molasses as a carbon source has been shown to stimulate heterotrophic assimilation, leading to better shrimp growth and feed conversion efficiency.
The presence of other aquatic animals in the tank can also impact stocking density. Integrating marine shrimp and tilapia has been shown to be a viable alternative in a system based on bioflocs. However, there is no consensus on the spatial arrangement of farmed animals. Polyculture (species in the same tank) and multitrophic (species in different tanks) arrangements have been evaluated, with multitrophic systems showing better performance in terms of biological control of bioflocs and shrimp growth.
Calculating Optimal Shrimp Density In A 10000 Litre Biofloc Tank
To calculate the optimal shrimp density in a 10000 litre biofloc tank, you should first determine the size of the shrimp you plan to raise. For smaller shrimp, you can stock more per square meter, while larger shrimp will require more space per individual.
Assuming an average size of 10 grams per shrimp, you can stock up to 1500 shrimp in a 10000 litre tank. However, it is important to consider the feeding regime and water quality when determining the actual stocking density.
To avoid overfeeding and poor water quality, it is recommended to start with a lower stocking density and gradually increase it as the shrimp grow and the biofloc system stabilizes. Regular monitoring of water quality parameters and adjusting feeding rates accordingly can help maintain optimal stocking density and ensure healthy growth of the shrimp.
Maintenance And Management Of Biofloc Tanks For Shrimp Farming
Maintaining and managing a biofloc tank for shrimp farming requires careful attention to several key factors. Here are some tips to help you keep your tank in good condition:
1. Water quality management: The quality of the water in the tank is critical to the health and growth of the shrimp. Regular monitoring of ammonia, nitrite, and pH levels is essential. You can use test kits or meters to measure these parameters. If you notice any abnormal levels, take corrective action immediately.
2. Aeration and mixing: Biofloc tanks require aeration and mixing to keep the flocs in suspension and maintain good oxygen levels for the shrimp. Airlifts, diffuser stones, and water pumps can be used to achieve this. The choice of aeration or oxygenation methods depends on the production level and centralization of equipment.
3. Carbon supplementation: Heterotrophic bacteria require carbon for ammonia to be assimilated. In addition to the commercial feed, a supplemental source of carbon should be added to stimulate the production of the heterotrophic bacteria and reduce the nitrogenous waste. Simple sugars or starches are added to increase the ratio and promote bacterial growth.
4. Stocking density: Stocking density is an important factor that can affect the health and growth of the shrimp. It is recommended to stock between 100 to 150 shrimp per square meter of tank surface area. However, it is important to consider other factors such as shrimp size, feeding regime, and water quality.
5. Disease prevention: Disease outbreaks can have a devastating impact on your shrimp farm. To prevent disease, it is important to maintain good water quality, provide a healthy diet, and avoid overcrowding. You can also use probiotics during the farming process to promote healthy gut bacteria in the shrimp.
By following these tips, you can maintain a healthy and productive biofloc tank for shrimp farming. Remember that biofloc technology requires careful management and attention to detail, but it can be a highly effective method for raising healthy and profitable shrimp.
Conclusion: Is Biofloc Technology The Future Of Shrimp Farming?
Biofloc technology (BFT) has shown great potential in the aquaculture industry, including shrimp farming. BFT uses microorganisms to recycle food residues and toxic compounds, reducing the need for water exchange and providing a natural food source for shrimp. The technology has been shown to improve water quality and reduce odor substances in shrimp farms.
Furthermore, BFT has been found to be a sustainable option for aquaculture production units (APUs) as it reduces the excessive use of water and serves as a natural food source for cultured aquatic organisms. However, the adoption of BFT in APUs can be limited by factors such as low academic level, limited administrative capacity, and obsolete regulations.
