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Fish is an important source of protein.

BIOFLOC – General Description

What is Biofloc?

Biofloc is an efficient alternative system with high-density rearing of fish or shellfish where waste produced is utilised as a natural food by using beneficial bacteria.

Principle of Biofloc Technology

The principle behind Biofloc technology is the utilization of Ammonia produced from fish excreta or uneaten food, favouring the growth and development of bacterial colonies known as floc through addition of external carbon source, which in turn is used as an alternate source of protein giving fishes an extra boost of nutrient containing beneficial gut bacteria and helps in preventing diseases.

Components of Biofloc

1.      Fish

Selection of the right species is a very important part of this technology as every fish is not suitable for this technology. Following are the criteria for selection of the RIGHT FISH -


 * 1) Can take biofloc directly as feed
 * 2) Tolerate high solid concentration
 * 3) Tolerate poor water quality

Recommended Fin-Fish – Climbing Perch, Tilapia, Stinging Catfish, Magur,

Recommended Shellfish – Giant FW Prawn, White Leg shrimp

2.      Feed

Feed is a major component of a Biofloc system, as it is the main source of food and nutrient for growing the fish. The protein content can however be lower than that of commercial fish farming practiced. The feed utilized should not be less than 18% crude protein, depending the type of species.

3.      Probiotic/ Bacteria

Probiotic is a blend of laboratory approved, gut beneficial bacteria that helps in colonising the gut microbiota and prevent or retard the growth of other harmful microorganisms. These bacteria help in the formation of microbial protein which is used as geed by the fishes.

The bacteria must have two major roles:

a.      maintenance of water quality, by the uptake of nitrogen compounds generating MICROBIAL PROTEIN;

b.       nutrition by reducing feed conversion ratio and a decrease of feed costs.

4.      Aeration

Provide a constant source of OXYGEN and keep the floc containing nutrient in suspension. The dissolved oxygen concentration (DO) should always be not less than 3 ppm (parts per million). The optimum DO concentration to be maintained is between 4 ppm to 6 ppm or above.

5.      Carbon Source

Carbon (C) is an integral part of bacterial cell. Bacteria can grow and reproduce when there is an adequate source of C as well as Nitrogen (N) source in the system. The major sources of C that could be used are grain pellets, molasses, sugar can bagasse, chopped hay, etc.

6.      Advantage –

a.      No/Limited water exchanges

b.      Environment friendly approach

c.      Doubling protein utilization

d.      Reduce pathogens

e.      Improve water quality

f.       Intensify production

g.      Higher stocking density

h.      Reduce stress

i.        Reduce toxic metabolites

7.      Disadvantages

a.      High level of management skill required

b.      Monitoring essential

c.      High set up cost

d.      Increase aeration requirement

e.      Backup power

f.       Recommended to remove sludge

GENERAL MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES

COST & RETURN CHART

Table 1 – Estimated Investment for 1 unit (10000 Liter capacity) *Note – The investment differs with criteria of selection

Table 2 – Detailed expected return for starters

GENERAL NOTES

1.      The spot selected for construction should be made at warm environment to maintain water temperature of minimum of 25°C. If not possible please cancel the spot or go for polyhouse.

2.      Proper and correct management knowledge of the physical parameters (Temperature, Turbidity, Total Dissolved Solids, etc) and chemical parameters (Dissolved Oxygen, pH, Ammonia, Nitrate-Nitrite, Alkalinity, etc) should be understood before starting the culture practice.

3.      Probiotic is a blend of living organisms (beneficial bacteria) that control the success or failure of a Biofloc system. Monitoring the health of your bacteria requires knowledge, behavior as well as practice for a period of time.

4.      The choice of bacteria is also dependent on the location of the farm too. Please consult a professional expert on the usage of Probiotic if necessary.

5.      Managing the fishes in the system is a way to keep your fishes in perfect health and growth potential. Management includes proper feeding, disease detection, behavioral knowledge and the species efficiency in Biofloc. Generally hardy air breeding fishes must be selected.

6.      To begin with a profitable business in Biofloc, either training from an experienced Professional or consultancy from a knowledgeable person is necessary. This will avoid failure in your Biofloc system through proper care and management.

7.      Fish Disease Diagnosis at a well-established laboratory will save you the risk of losing your whole stock. Disease once infested in a Biofloc system will spread fast in an uncontrollable way. If any sign of disease is seen, please consult with a fish disease expert/ fish pathologist in the earliest.