An approach to the construction of a simple and low-cost aeration system for rotifer culture

Abstract

The design and construction of a new aeration system for Brachionus plicatilis M. rotifer culture is the result of many years of research aimed at determining the optimum conditions of a live food production in postlarval fish rearing. The research was carried out in a 500-litre flat-bottomed ring-shaped plastic tank. The air diffuser for the aeration of the entire tank surface was fixed at the bottom. Thereby, the ‘dead angle’ was avoided and a quicker development of the rotifer population achieved. Some 11 million individuals were produced in the tank every day, i.e. 27·5/ml new rotifer individuals daily, which is enough to feed approximately 2 million postlarval fish. All parts of the diffuser and the tank were made of plastic. The system is simple, inexpensive and very practical; it contributes to the increased production of rotifers and a more rotational use of the hatchery space; it shortens the period of phytoplankton culture while reducing the working effort.