Paramveer Singh, Rachna Gulati, Reecha Sharma and Ashutosh Lowanshi
Abstract
This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the components and specifications employed in Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) by farmers in Haryana, India. The research surveyed 20 RAS farms, revealing diversity in the number of components used, with 40% of farmers utilizing five key components, including production tanks, drum filters, biofilter units, degassing aerators, and ultraviolet (UV) lights. Drum filters were the primary choice for 85% of farmers, with 82.35% using a 50-micron mesh screen. The study highlights the prevalence of Molecular Biofilm-Based Reactor (MBBR) for biological filtration, with all surveyed farms adopting this technology. Notably, 60% of farmers opted for K5 MBBR media. Production tanks, a fundamental component, were predominantly 50,000 liters in capacity, with some variations. Degassing aerators, UV sterilization, ozone units, and oxygen generators were commonly integrated into the RAS setups, showcasing the farmersâ commitment to water quality management. Intriguingly, sand filters were preferred by only 40% of farmers, with diverse flow rates observed. The results also present insights into the mesh sizes of drum filters with 82.35% of farmers using 50 micron mesh size, emphasizing the farmersâ consideration for efficient solid removal. The findings shed light on the technology choices made by RAS farmers in Haryana, providing valuable information for aquaculture practitioners and researchers aiming to enhance RAS efficiency and sustainability.