Tag mechanical aeration

Dissolved oxygen management is the most important requirement of aquaculture pond water quality. DO concentration below 3 mg/L is stressful to shrimp. 

This study compared water temperature and water loss by evaporation in control ponds and in ponds aerated with surface aerators at four different aeration rates. Increased aeration rate increases the evaporation rate, which in turn lowers water temperature. 

Phytoplankton has several important effects on water quality, including removing ammonia nitrogen from water and absorbing nutrients from the water for its growth. Abundance of blue-green algae tends to increase as nutrient inputs in aquafeeds or fertilizers increase. 

Keep adequate concentrations of dissolved oxygen in the culture water by balancing stocking and feeding rates with the amount of mechanical aeration applied. To prevent anaerobic conditions at the sediment-water interface, aerators should be positioned to promote the flow of oxygenated water across the pond bottom. 

Although relatively expensive, mechanical aeration increases production. Asian-style paddlewheel aerators are widely used but are inefficient. Testing has led to more efficient designs that are now widely used in U.S. catfish and shrimp ponds.