Design of Submerged Fixed Bed Filter for High Density Shrimp Culture in Recirculating Aquaculture System

Abstract

Shrimp is Indonesia’s the leading export commodities from Indonesia, but in recent years the shrimp industry has been threatened by disease outbreaks due to environmental quality decline. To overcome these challenges, there is a need for a cultivation technology which provides opportunities for intensive shrimp culture in a narrow area, resulting high productivity and having less environmental impact. Recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) was the best option to provide high density shrimp culture without leading to environmental damage due the system equiped with water treatment unit. This study aimed to design a submerged filter which can be used in commercially recirculating systems for high density shrimp culture. Submerged filter as water treatment unit for ammonia conversion, it was designed based on organic load mass balance derived from feeding regimes. A RAS with 8 m3 volume capacity use for rearing 400 shrimps m−3, has dissolved oxygen levels range between 6-7 mg L−1, nitrification rate 0.45 g TAN m−2day−1 and TAN levels <1.8 mg L−1, based on spreadsheet calculation will require submerged filter media with 0.07 m3 in volume, media depth 0.3 m, and filter media specific surface area 1200 m2 m−3. Submerged filter design for high density shrimp culture in a narrow place must have a compact design. It can be achieved by selecting filter media type with large specific surface area values. Filter media with a large specific surface area makes biofilter design has smaller dimensions. Submerged filter as water treatment unit in recirculating system for high density shrimp culture will reduce TAN level in water. Waste water in this system is reuse for shrimp culture, no waste water disposal to the environment which leading to sustainable aquaculture practice.