Comparing clear-water RAS and biofloc systems: Shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) production, water quality, and biofloc nutritional contributions estimated using stable isotopes

Indoor shrimp aquaculture systems can be used to produce fresh, never-frozen, quality shrimp near metropolitan seafood markets regardless of season and climate. However, questions still remain regarding what type of production system is best suited to maximize indoor production. In this project, two types of systems were compared: clear-water (CW) RAS and biofloc (BF) systems. Three, 1.36 m3 tanks were assigned to each of the two treatments; CW tanks had external settling chambers, two foam fractionators, and external biofilters, all operated continuously. BF tanks had settling chambers and one foam fractionator which were operated as needed to control solids accumulation. Shrimp weighing 0.42 g were stocked in all tanks at 250 m−3 and grown for 55 days. Ammonia and pH levels were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the CW treatment, while nitrite, nitrate, and turbidity were all significantly higher in the BF treatment, although all parameters remained within acceptable ranges for shrimp growth. Shrimp mean harvest weight was significantly higher, biomass (kg m−3) was significantly greater, and FCR was significantly lower in the CW treatment; there were no significant differences in survival between treatments. Isotope levels indicated that shrimp in the BF treatment obtained a portion of the C (18-60%) and N (1-18%) in their tissues from biofloc material; however, this effect did not positively influence production in that treatment. By nearly eliminating solids from the water and using an external biofilter, substantially better water quality was maintained in the CW systems, which may have been a major contributor to the improved shrimp production in that treatment.