Application of Biofloc Technology in Indonesian Eel Anguilla bicolor bicolor Fish Culture: Water Quality Profile

Abstract

Nowadays biofloc technology which utilizes organic matter decomposition activity of heterotrophic bacteria through C/N ratio setting has been widely applied in aquaculture but has never been applied in eel farming. Water quality is a crucial factor in eel aquaculture, one of the prestigious fish commodities. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the feasibility of biofloc technology to be applied in eel fish culture. The study was conducted using two different pond systems, i.e with and without a water recirculation system. Air in both systems was injected into the water to reach 7-8 mg/L of dissolved oxygen. Molasses and activated charcoal as a carbon source were added so as to achieve a C/N ratio of 20:1. Water quality and microbiology parameters were monitored weekly. The results showed that both biofloc systems were able to maintain water quality very well up to the eleventh week without water replacement, which was characterized by low content of total organic nitrogen and toxic compounds nitrite. Therefore the biofloc technology is suitable to be applied in eel aquaculture.