How to Evaluate a Recirculating Aquaculture System
Evaluating a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) is similar to evaluating any other business venture. Keep in mind that aquaculture is simply farming in water as opposed to its counterpart agriculture, which is farming on land. Recirculating aquaculture is basically fish farming. Fish farmers raise certain commercially feasible breeds within a confined water environment. As in any living species farming, waste is produced that must be removed and the water quality renewed. This entire process is referred to aquaculture. In short, is aquaculture a realistic, potential money-making business endeavor? Take some steps to find out.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Evaluate first the mechanical filtration system. Start here as this is the most crucial consideration for keeping the facility clean and productive. It is the flushing mechanism of the facility. Keep in mind also that a high farm density means high-volume feeding, and the increased waste necessitates frequent and thorough filtration.
-
2
Examine closely the biological filtration of the recirculating aquaculture system. Study the pH records kept by the facility to determine if proper, adequate measures have been taken to safeguard the healthy water so crucial to successful aquaculture. Confirm regular pH readings of 8.2 and below if you are evaluating a salt water system or 7.0 for fresh water systems, according to the report, "Recirculating Aquaculture Systems, Minimum Standards for Design, Construction and Management," for the Inland Aquaculture Association of South Australia Inc.
-
-
3
Verify that the current ownership has and is using some kind of system-wide disease control. Consider the risk factor for potentially wiping out an entire crop should some kind of disease break out in the facility. Inquire about and personally inspect the ultra-violet or other control system presently being used to address this investment risk.
-
4
Consider other components of healthy water, dissolved gases and healthy oxygen levels. Keep in mind that dissolved gases and oxygen levels are of primary concern with the increased population densities required to make an RAS financially worth the trouble. Look for the presence of oxygenators, U-tube oxygen absorption systems and oxygenation cones as evidence this is being addressed.
-
5
Inspect the entire system of plumbing and tanks which make up the RAC. Make sure they are correctly shaped with rounded corners and painted black or some color close. Inspect the tanks to confirm they are divided according to stages of development, and separate tanks are also in use for the same purpose or cycle.
-
6
Evaluate the plumbing piping to confirm it is up to code with matching sized pipes and it is leak free. Verify that the pump is properly sized and functioning at peak performance. Inspect the water heating system to ensure correct water temperatures are maintained that facilitate correct growth cycles.
-
7
Examine the facility for correct and sufficient lighting. Fish must be able to see what they eat, and inadequate lighting will hamper feeding.
-
8
Inspect the entire system to get all the information needed for a thorough and accurate evaluation. Take into account the total operating overhead. Rank the system as a whole to make a final determination as to its economic feasibility.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Have a reliable product delivery system in place for your shipped product.
Do a complete water analysis before building the recirculating aquaculture system.
