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Indiana Aquaculture Association Newsletter
2015
Issue 3
Contents
Greetings members,
As 2015 closes, it is time to reflect on the past years’ accomplishments and
opportunities.
The IAAI would like to thank each of you for your commitment to aquaculture. You
make this organization, your organization, possible.
Page 1
Letter from the President
Page 2
Aquaculture Industry Tour for
Culinary Professionals
2015 brought about many changes. As the demand for quality aquaculture products
soars in the US and around the globe, each of you will experience what I have
experienced personally in 2015, if you haven’t already: rapid growth of our aquaculture
business.
IAAI Meeting: Morgan County
Fairgrounds
This is the precise reason we have the IAAI and the reason we, as board members,
donate our time to the IAAI. It is our goal to assist your aquaculture hobby or business
with education, networking and opportunities.
Page 3
Thank you board members for freely giving your time, experience, talents and skills to
the IAAI.
All of us, members and board members alike, owe The IAAI sponsors a huge thank you.
Without their funding and commitment to Indiana Aquaculture… well, nothing else
needs said.
Our new website launched in 2015. We hosted successful Spring and Fall meetings in
2015. We hosted a successful Fish Rodeo also. We elected a new treasurer! There were
many accomplishments.
2016 has a host of goals and tasks mounting for the IAAI board and membership. We
will be reaching out to the general membership to get more involved. I am excited to
introduce our future board members, YOU, to one another at any and all of our
programs and functions. We are already scheduling new and exciting events for you and
your colleagues to network in 2016.
Look forward to more from your IAAI. Expect more from your board. Then make a
decision to participate in creating the IAAI you desire. After all, we are all members of
the IAAI to promote aquaculture in Indiana.
IAAI 2nd Annual Fish Rodeo
DNR Permit Update
Aquaculture is Recognized at
the State Fair
Page 4
IAAI Board of Directors Update
IAAI MArketing Committee
Page 5
NCRAC
Page 6 - 9
Tech Talk: Brown Water Basics
Page 10
2016 IAAI Spring Meeting
Best wishes for 2016,
Glynn Barber
www.IndianaAquaculture.com
Page Number
1
Aquaculture Industry Tour for
Culinary Professionals
On November 10th, Purdue University and the Indiana Soybean Alliance
put on an Aquaculture Industry Tour for Culinary Professionals. The
purpose was to bring together producers and culinary professionals to
showcase some of the aquaculture products produced in the state, and for
the producers to learn what the culinary professionals want and need. We
hope to get our locally produced products into their restaurants. The tour
included a tour of RDM Aquaculture to demonstrate the fast growing salt
water shrimp farm industry of Indiana, and also a tour of TIPPCO FISH to
demonstrate a re-circulating aquaculture fish farm. The tour was well
attended and in between the two tours a working lunch was provided at
Purdue's Beck Center. During the lunch break there were presentation
about the nutritional quality of seafood, the role of soybeans in aquaculture
feeds, and the status of aquaculture in Indiana. Producers were also invited
to bring product or product information to display. There were three
shrimp farms (JT Shrimp, L and L Shrimp, and Hoosier Shrimp), White
Creek Trout Farm, and Green River Aquaponics. The discussion was
informative, and I believe both producers and culinary professionals gained
from the event. - Phil Shambach
IAAI 2nd Annual Fish Rodeo
The Indiana Aquaculture Association along with Purdue University
hosted their second Fish Rodeo at the Purdue University
Aquaculture Research Laboratory on June 6th, 2015. Everyone in
attendance had a great time. The weather was good and there were
lots of large mouth bass caught. Bob Rode had reserved two of the
large mouth bass ponds for fishing. The Indiana DNR provided us
with fishing poles and tackle for the day. There were 8 kids and 5
adults that attended. There were plenty of fishing poles and tackle to
go around.
IAAI Fall Meeting: Morgan County
Fairgrounds
The IAAI fall meeting was held in Martinsville, IN at the Morgan County
Fairgrounds. We had 36 attendees. The meeting included several
presentations and a tour of Ozark Fisheries. The meeting presentations
included Joseph Cleveland giving an overview of Ozark Fisheries and a
description of what we would see on the tour. Glynn Barber gave a
presentation on his company, Environmentally Controlled Sustainable
Integrated Agriculture (ECSIA). Next we were given an update on the
recent ramifications of legal actions that have left DNR with limited
jurisdiction over privately owned animals in the state, and what was
being done to pass new legislation to give the Indiana DNR more
jurisdiction. The Morning break was sponsored by the Warren County
Economic Development, and Steve Eberly gave a short presentation on
what the his group did. After the break we had a panel discussion that
included Phil Shambach (RAS production), Lyle Andry (Fish
Transportation), Karlanea Brown (Marine Shrimp Culture), and Dr.
Kwamena Quagrainie (Aquaculture Marketing). The panel briefly
introduced themselves and then fielded questions from the audience.
After the panel discussion Chris Weeks explained to us what the North
Central Regional Aquaculture Center was and what their current
activities were. Mark Beckman from Indiana Rural Development then
gave an explanation of his organization and the loan guarantee
packages that would apply to aquaculture operations. Amy Stinton then
presented the new IAAI website to the audience. Sheila Lingle from the
Indiana Soybean Alliance was then presented a retirement gift from the
IAAI for all of here work helping build the organization up. Sheila then
gave a short presentation about the Indiana Soybean Alliance and what
they were doing to help promote aquaculture. Lunch was sponsored by
the Soybean Alliance. After Lunch Mike Search gave a presentation
about flashing and splicing EPDM tank liners. We then adjourned and
made our way to Ozark Fisheries where Joseph Cleveland gave us a
great tour. - Phil Shambach
www.IndianaAquaculture.com
Page 2
Aquaculture is Recognized at
the State Fair
DNR Permit Update:
By Randy Lang
In August, 2015 all Indiana DNR Fish Hauler and Supplier permit holders were
notified about a change in the status of their permits.
Permit holders received a guidance letter advising them that due to a recent
ruling by the Indiana Court of Appeals, the Indiana Department of Natural
Resources (DNR), no longer requires a permit or license to raise, sell or import
fish previously requiring a DNR Fish Hauler and Supplier Permit. A list of the
fish no longer requiring a Fish Hauler and Supplier Permit is provided below.
The court ruling removed regulatory authority for wild animals legally owned
by an individual. This ruling also includes birds, mammals (including deer,
bears, lions, etc.) and reptiles (snakes).
During the 2015 Indiana State Fair, 2015 was the Year of the
Farmer. The State Fair featured several different farms,
producing several different products. On August 17th Darryl
and Karlanea Brown, owners of RDM Aquaculture, LLC., along
with their son Levi, were the farm featured. They spent the day
visiting several of the different venues at the fair while
answering questions about shrimp farming and aquaculture in
general. The story of how a hog and crop farming family in
Benton County, Indiana found their way into raising salt water
shrimp in Indiana was captivating. RDM raises and sells
market size shrimp from their farm, and also sells production
systems and juvenile shrimp to other farms. The Browns also
offer consulting packages to help people get into shrimp
farming. They represented the aquaculture industry well.
Congratulations to Darryl and Karlanea on the honor, and
thank you for representing our industry. -Phil Shambach
A DNR Aquaculture Permit is still required to sell triploid grass carp or another
species of fish not listed below. Other types of fish still require a DNR
Aquaculture Permit to raise, sell or import the fish into Indiana, with the
exception of fish sold exclusively in the aquarium pet trade or for confinement
at a zoo or other public display
It is recommended that prior permit holders keep a copy of their guidance
letter in a transport vehicle when moving fish into Indiana or across state
lines. There is a reminder that a Board of Animal Health (BOAH) Pre-Entry
Permit is still required for importing VHS susceptible species. Information
about this requirement is located on the DNR web site at: http://in.gov/dnr/
fishwild/3607.htm.
If there is a change in the regulatory status the Indiana DNR will notify prior
permit holders by mail and through other types of contacts. Questions
regarding this change should be directed to Linnea Petercheff, the DNR –
Division of Fish and Wildlife, Operations Staff Specialist, at 317-233-6527,
[email protected].
Types of fish no longer requiring a Fish Hauler and Supplier Permit by DNR:
Crappie (white or black), freshwater drum, bluntnose minnow, golden shiner,
fathead minnow, bluegill, goldfish, redear sunfish, hybrid sunfish, green
sunfish, sucker, bowfin, rock bass, striped bass, hybrid striped bass, white
bass, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, brown trout, rainbow trout, tilapia,
buffalo, walleye, bullhead catfish, mosquitofish, warmouth sunfish, burbot,
muskellunge, common carp (includes Koi), northern pike, flathead catfish, blue
catfish, white catfish and yellow perch.- Randy Lang
www.IndianaAquaculture.com
www.IndianaAquaculture.com
www.IndianaAquaculture.com
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Page
IAAI Board of Directors
Indiana Aquaculture Association Inc.
Board of Directors Update
The IAAI board is excited to announce that the position of
Treasurer has finally been filled after being vacant for around
nine months. On November 10, during the board's monthly
meeting, Mike Searcy's name was put forward as a nominee
to fill the empty position. He accepted the nomination and
was voted in unanimously. Mike's acceptance of the
Treasurer's position then left a opening for a Member-AtLarge. During the same meeting Bob Rode's name was
entered as a nominee for the vacant Member-At-Large seat.
Bob accepted the nomination and was voted in unanimously.
What this means for the IAAI is that for the first time in 2015
we have a full board.
The IAAI will be holding elections in 2016 at the Sprimg
Meeting that has been scheduled for February 13th. If you
are interested in serving on the board or as a officer we
encourage you to come to the Spring Meeting.
Treasure: Mike Searcy
Mike is the owner/operator of
White Creek Farms of Indiana,
LLC which is a Rainbow Trout
farm near Cortland, Indiana.
Mike's education and work
experience is in Quality
Management and Packaging
Technology in the
Pharmaceutical Industry with
several years in the U.S. Navy
as a weapons specialist.
Mike has designed and built the barn and the re-circulating
systems used at WCFI after several years of experimentation
and research into RAS technology. The entire project was
developed to provide a profitable and rewarding retirement
package for Mike and his wife.
Member-At-Large: Robert Rode
Currently Bob is the manager of the
Aquaculture Research Lab of Purdue
University in W. Lafayette, Indiana.
The majority of Bob’s job entails
management of the lab’s indoor and
pond facilities for aquatics research.
Bob also has an extension
appointment and tries to have
demonstration projects of relevance
to producers and interested parties in
the Midwest.
Bob has a varied background working for both the public and
private sector. Bob was the pond manager at the University
of Arkansas at Pine Bluff’s research facility, worked on a
catfish farm in California and a marine finfish hatchery in
New Hampshire. He was an aquaculture volunteer with the
Peace Corps in Thailand. He has a BS in Wildlife
Management from the University of Maine and a MS in
Aquaculture from Auburn University in Alabama.
IAAI Marketing Committee
In October the idea of added benefit to members through marketing
support was brought to the board. The board responded by creating
the Marketing Committe. The committee is chaired by Mike Searcy and
is currently made up of a hand full of IAAI board members and
Kwamena Quagraine and Bob Rode from Purdue. The team welcomes
additional volunteers. If you are interested in particapating contact
Mike at [email protected].
During Purdue's recent Aquaculture Industry Tour for Culinary
Professional several farms had the oppurtunity to network with
culinary professionals. One item of discussion was processing. In light
of the culinary communities interest in processed seafood the
committee will be assessing our regional need from the farmers
perspective. The committee will be contact members with a short
telephone serve. Please take the time the help the Marketing Team by
taking a few minutes to answer their questions.
www.IndianaAquaculture.com
Page 4
NCRAC
By Joseph Morris
Thank you for the opportunity to provide a follow-up article to the
excellent article that Lyle Andry provided in the 2015 volume 1 Indiana
Association Newsletter. As indicated by Lyle, the North Central Regional
Aquaculture Center (NCRAC) is one of five Regional Aquaculture Centers
(RACs) administered by USDA-NIFA. As with all RAC programs, NCRAC
projects are driven by needs of the aquaculture community in the North
Central Region.
Since inception in 1988, NCRAC has concentrated on cultivating regional
food-fish species, e.g., bluegill and largemouth bass (sunfish), walleye, and
yellow perch. NCRAC-funded projects have: 1) provided needed culture
technology information for identified culture species for the region; 2)
provided needed information regarding viral hemorrhagic septicemia(VHS)
and aquatic invasive species (AIS) to the aquaculture industry through
workshops and materials; 3) provided leadership on fish health issues
through support of projects that investigate new animal drugs; 4)
developed needed information for fish feeds; 5) developed and maintain a
web site for state import regulations; and 6) provided extension and
outreach materials for the aquaculture industry.
In the 27 years of NCRAC’s existence there have been a number of changes
in personnel and program as well as a change in host institution for the
Center; Iowa State University became the lead institution in January 2012
with the retirement of Ted Batterson at Michigan State University. Along
with these changes came a change in the general schedule for the Center.
Instead of annual NCRAC conferences where topics are discussed and
decisions are made regarding new projects on specific issues, the Center
now considers projects on a 2-year basis. In even numbered years, there is
now a regional aquaculture conference hosted in the region with the goal
of engaging more industry members. In 2014 the North Central
Aquaculture Conference was held in Toledo, Ohio and was well received.
The 375+ attendees indicated a high degree of satisfaction with the
information presented as well as the value of the conference.
The new projects that were identified in the 2015 NCRAC meeting include
regional aquaculture extension specialist, base extension, medicated
feeds, state aquaculture association development and outreach and
training program for regional aquaculture. The selection of actual project
participants is now ongoing and final proposals are being developed;
proposals will be sent out for review later this fall.
As farmers are being called on to produce more food on less land,
aquaculture has the potential to step in to help fill this demand with safe,
sustainable, locally produced food. With this in mind, NCRAC, the
Wisconsin Aquaculture Association and surrounding state aquaculture
associations are now planning for the 2016 North Central Aquaculture
Conference to be held March 12-13, 2016 at the Crowne Plaza Milwaukee
Airport in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Building on the successful 2014 North
Central Aquaculture Conference in Ohio, this event will provide the latest
information on regional aquaculture development, opportunities to
interact with researchers, aquaculture extension specialists and seasoned
fish producers, a Trade Show, and the famous Taste of Wisconsin
Aquaculture cooking demonstration.
This conference is open to all fish farmers – established or beginning students, researchers, university staff, agriculture and fisheries
department staff, and any others interested in aquaculture. Information
on lodging, the conference schedule, and registration will be posted online
at WisconsinAquaculture.com under “Events” as details are finalized.
Online registration will be available at WisconsinAquaculture.com under
“Online Registration” starting in September. Vendors and sponsors are
encouraged to participate in the trade show and conference. Check the
web site later for updates on conference registration costs and support
levels. For more information about this conference contact Cindy Johnson
(814-515-2570/ [email protected]) or the NCRAC office
(515-294-5280/[email protected]).
The North Central Regional Aquaculture Center has recently developed a
new Vimeo channel for the dissemination of aquaculture research,
education, and extension videos. The NCRAC Vimeo channel can be
accessed at https://vimeo.com/channels/958980/127639646 . The
newest video editions are entitled “Feeding Yellow Perch Fry” and
“Growing & Maintaining Natural Feeds for Yellow Perch Fry”. These videos
were made possible by funding through NCRAC grant #
2012-38500-19550, USDA-NIFA. More information about this project and
many other aquaculture extension and research projects funded through
NCRAC can be accessed at NCRAC.org.
If you have any questions about NCRAC or want information on
aquaculture please do not hesitate to call my office at 515-294-5280 or
email [email protected] . -Joe Morris, NCRAC Director
2016 NORTH CENTRAL AQUACULTURE CONFERENCE
March 12-13, 2016
For more information contact Cindy Johnson (814-515-2570 / [email protected])
or the NCRAC office (515-294-5280 / [email protected])
www.IndianaAquaculture.com
www.IndianaAquaculture.com
Page
Page 55
Tech Talk
Brown Water Basics
By Amy Stinton
Brown Water technology also know as Biofloc Technologies (BFT) have
caught the interest of many farmers and researchers since its
conception in the 1970’s at the French Research Institute for
exploration of the Sea, Oceanic Center of Pacific (Ifremer-COP). By the
1980’s and into the 1990’s projects started springing up in Israel and
the USA (Waddell Maricuture Center) looking into BFT with tilapia and
pacific white shrimp (Penaeus vannamei ) (Emerencianol et al. 2012).
Today Brown water farms can be found across the globe (Asia, Latin,
Central America, USA, South Korea, Brazil, Italy, China, and
Switzerland) as well as in our backyards. Locally, here in Indiana, we
have seen a growing number of marine shrimp farms in recent years.
The Indiana Soybean Alliance’s has identified 10 marine shrimp farms
in Indiana and there are 3 more in the start-up phase.
The Basics
The fundamental principle of brown water systems is that
heterotrophic bacteria removes ammonia nitrogen. The heterotrophic
bacteria lives in suspension in the system and acts as an in tank
biological filter, consuming ammonia-nitrogen (NH ), carbon (sugar
(C H O )), alkalinity (bicarbonate (HCO )), and oxygen (O ) and
producing bacterial tissue (C H O N), water (H O), and carbon dioxide
(CO ). To take a deeper look at the process of ammonia removal we can
look at the chemical reaction of the process as described by equation
E1 (Ebeling,et al., 2006).
+
4
6
12
3
6
5
7
2
2
(ammonia)
C6H12O6 +
HCO3-
+
(carbon) (bicarbonate)
O2
->
C5H7O2N
+
(oxygen) (bacterial tissue)
H2O
+
CO2
(E1)
(water) (carbon dioxide)
Ammonia
Now let’s take a look at the left side of the equation. Your heterotrophic
bacteria require ammonia-nitrogen, a carbon source, bicarbonate, and
oxygen to survive and reproduce. The ammonia will enter your system
through the addition of feed. When your fish or shrimp consume the
feed they will excrete ammonia as a waste produce and the feed that is
not consumed will break down and release ammonia as well.
Carbon
Heterotrophic bacteria also require carbon. There are two general
sources of carbon. One is by way of the carbohydrates in the feed. The
general rule of thumb for carbohydrates in feed is that 50% of feed is
carbon (Avnimelech et al. 2015). The second source of carbon is the
carbohydrates you add to the system in addition to the feed. A few
examples of carbon sources are sugar, starch, glycerin, cassava meal,
and molasses.
Alkalinity
As the biomass of your system grows, alkalinity will be consumed.
Alkalinity is defined as a measure of pH-buffering capacity of a system.
Your range of desired alkalinity is dependent on the species you are
growing but in general many producers maintain a neutral pH of 7 by
adding a buffer such as sodium bicarbonate. When alkalinity is
consumed your pH will decrease and you will need to add carbonate
(CO ) or bicarbonate (HCO ) to slowly increase your alkalinity. A
common supplement used by the industry is sodium bicarbonate
(NaHCO ), commonly known as baking soda.
3
Now let’s look at the right side of the equation. Heterotrophic bacteria
produce bacterial tissue (C H O N), water (H O), and carbon dioxide
(CO ) As the heterotrophic bacteria feed on the nutrients in the system,
they multiply and the amount of bacterial tissue increases. The other
two bi-produces are water and carbon dioxide. Just a side note, carbon
dioxide accumulation can be a problem but in brown systems
accumulation rarely reaches levels of concern.
5
7
2
2
2 .
Primary Environmental Requirements
Heterotrophic bacteria require more than adequate nutrients. They
also have environmental requirements. The three primary
environmental requirements are mixing, suspended particles, and
solids removal. Like the nutrients, we will tackle these principles one at
a time.
2
2
NH4+ +
system. It is important on multiple levels because it is required for both
the species you are producing and the heterotrophic bacteria. When
designing a brown water system, there are several factors to think
about when selecting how you will oxygenate your system. The options
for oxygen delivery are compressed air, pure oxygen, or both. Your
oxygen delivery system requirements are dependent on your bio-plan.
In the case of a low density brown system, compressed air can be
adequate. In cases where density is intensive, oxygen can become a
limiting factor and therefore pure oxygen is needed.
3
3
Oxygen
Oxygen is the last of the consumables required for a brown water
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Mixing
Mixing is essential for the operation of a successful brown water
system. Heterotrophic bacteria thrive in suspension. If there is not
adequate mixing in your system the suspended particles will settle out.
This can cause a thick layer or pockets of anaerobic sludge. By
definition sludge is the organically enriched soft black anaerobic layer
that develops on the bottom of ponds and tanks.
Anaerobic sludge can have negative effects on production. One adverse
affect is decreased feeding rates. Avnimelech and Zohar (1986) found
that the accumulation of sludge coupled with anaerobic conditions was
a limiting factor in fish growth. Avnimelech also found that shrimp
feeding rates could be increased 136 +/- 11% by removing sludge
(Avinmelech et al. 2015). Sludge can be particularly hazardous to
shrimp because they live and feed on the bottom. In the case of shrimp
production farms equate sludge with death. Another example of a
problem that can arise due to sludge is the disruption of the
nitrification process. (We will cover the role of nitrification in the
Biofloc Technologies system later.) The second stage of nitrification
(NO2 NO3) is extremely sensitive to anaerobic sludge. The result is
that nitrite cannot be efficiently converted to nitrate and it can
accumulate to hazardous levels. The bottom line of mixing is that
weather you are growing fish or shrimp, in ponds or indoors, you need
to maximize mixing and minimize stagnant areas. This is an essential
part of pond or tank management.
Suspended Particles
As mentioned before, heterotrophic bacteria thrive in suspension.
What was not mentioned is that heterotrophic bacteria needs
suspended particles. This brings us to the interesting topic of biofloc.
Biofloc is not just heterotrophic bacteria or suspended organic
material, but it is complex community. Flocs can be made up of
bacteria, filamentous algae, fungi, protozoans, zooplankton, and dead
bacteria. One can think of biofloc as a collection of different organism
that are stuck together. Biofloc is formed when dense masses of
microbes congregate and are bonded together. There a several ways
Page 6
Tech Talk
that floc is bound. One way is by polymers excreted by and or coating
organisms. These polymers are made of things like polysaccharides or
proteins and act like glue. A second mechanism is attractive forces such
as molecular interactions and hydrogen bonds.
An interesting feature of biofloc is the structure. Structure is primarily
determined by the mechanism that binds everything together. When
scientists look at micrographs of biofloc they have observed an open
structure. This is important because the structure allows water and
chemicals to flow through the floc providing it nutrients and waste
removal. Highly porous floc has two notable advantages. One is that
when water moves through the porous structure it decreases the
diffusion distance allowing the bacteria to be more efficient than
individual cells. The second important feature is that the high porosity
floc makes the less dense that a floc that is not highly porous. When a
flocs density is reduced to near the density of water, it can be
successfully kept in suspension. (Avnimelech et al. 2015).
Solids Removal
This brings us to the third environmental requirement, solids removal.
As biofloc biomass increases, particles can become dense or over
populated and settling will occur. By proactively removing portions of
your biofloc you can prevent particles from settling out. There are
several methods to remove excess biofloc. In cases where fish or
shrimp are being cultured in outdoor ponds, the pond can be
constructed to have a gentle slope leading to a depressed drain. This
feature will allow for the farm staff to purge any solids that may
accumulate during a production cycle by briefly opening the drain line.
Another method, which is practiced in Indiana, is to incorporate a flock
tank in the indoor production system. A floc tank is a tank much
smaller than the culture tank that has low flow and no agitation so that
the floc can settle out. There are several options in how the settled out
floc is then handled. Regardless of the equipment or method used,
solids removal is important.
Solids removal and effluent treatment needs are dependent on facilities
size, production densities, biomass, and feed loads. In the case of small
facilities that culture organisms at low densities, or have relatively low
feed loads, the mechanisms described above may be adequate. In the
case of large scale production, high production densities, or relatively
high biomass and feed loads, the need for solids removal and effluent
treatment will need to be scaled up. One type of technology that has
been looked at is a suspended-growth bioreactor. Researchers have
compared sequencing batch reactors (SBRs) and membrane batch
reactors (MBRs). In both bioreactors, there is a component that uses
suspended microorganisms to remove waste products. In both cases
researchers observed removal rates of over 90% for ammonia, nitrite,
nitrate, and suspended solids (Avnimelech et al. 2015).
the carbon nitrogen ratio. We will tackle Nitrification first.
Nitrification
Nitrification is the process in which autotrophic bacteria converts
ammonia to nitrite and then nitrite to nitrate. This is the basis on which
the biological filters in clear water systems work, but this process also
occurs in brown water systems. This process is a little more complex
than the immobilization of nitrogen by heterotrophic bacteria because
there are two steps instead of one and each step requires the presences
of different bacterial colonies. In the first step Nitrosomonas converts
ammonia to nitrite as seen in equation 2 (E2). In the second step
Nitrobacter convert nitrite to nitrate as seen in equation 3 (E3)
(Ebeling,et al., 2006).
NH
+ 1.5 O -> NO +
2H
+
H0
(ammonia) (oxygen) (nitrite) (hydrogen) (water)
+
4
This brings us to two more important concepts that should not be left
out when think about brown water system; the role of nitrification and
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+
2
NO
+ 0.5 O -> NO
(nitrite) (oxygen) (nitrate)
2
(E3
3
2
(E2)
You see from equation E1 and E2 that both processes require ammonia
and oxygen. The advantage that the nitrifying bacteria have is that
ammonia and oxygen is all that is required. This helps one understand
why both types of bacteria can live within a system. The challenge for
the production manager is to provide the nutrients and the
environmental requirements for the heterotrophic bacteria to thrive so
that the system can be pushed to be heterotrophic dominate.
You may ask, “why does it matter which bacteria is dominant in the
system as long as both will remove ammonia nitrogen?”. To answer
that question, take a second look at equation 3. You see that the nitrite
is converted to nitrate. Nitrate is not a concern at low dosage, but at
high concentrations for prolonged periods of time animals will become
stressed. Toxicity studies on pacific white shrimp reared at 23 ppt
salinity show that prolonger exposure of greater that 300 mg/l results
in decreased growth rates and low survival (Furtado et al. 2015). In a
system dominated by nitrification there will be accumulation of nitrate
in the system unless water is exchanged to flush the nitrates out. In a
zero exchange brown water system you cannot exchange water every
time your nitrates rise. This is why it is desirable to push the system to
be heterotrophic dominant.
In reviewing equation 1, we see that in addition to the ammonia and
oxygen the nitrifying autotrophic bacteria need, the heterotrophic
bacteria require carbon and bicarbonate.
NH4+ +
In my experience, I have often heard people refer to systems as
autotrophic or heterotrophic systems. I myself used to use the same
terms, but the more I work with brown water systems, the more I am
convinced that systems are not that simple. In Yoram Avinmelech’s
book, Biofloc Technology- A Practical Guidebook, he writes in bold, “in
contrast with commonly used terminology, there are no
“autotrophic” or “heterotrophic” ponds”. This is because you can not
exclude one kind of bacteria or the other. They are opportunistic and
will exist were there are resource and conditions that facilitate growth
and reproduction.
2
2
(ammonia)
C6H12O6 +
HCO3-
(carbon) (bicarbonate)
+
O2
->
C5H7O2N
+
(oxygen) (bacterial tissue)
H2O
+
CO2
(E1)
(water) (carbon dioxide)
In order to push a system to be heterotrophic dominant, you need to be
proactive and provide the nutrients that the bacteria needs. This is
done by monitoring and adjusting the alkalinity and by feeding the
system adequate carbon. This brings us to the carbon nitrogen ratio.
Carbon Nitrogen Ratio
When heterotrophic bacteria are fed carbohydrates (sugar, starch,
cassava meal, molasses) with low levels of nitrogen, the bacteria will
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Tech Talk
take up the nitrogen from the water. By adding carbon according to the
amount of nitrogen in the water, heterotrophic growth and
reproduction will be encouraged. To calculate the theoretical carbon
nitrogen ratio, there is some complex math involved. This is a
simplification to provide you with a general guideline.
The carbon nitrogen ratio can be calculated to determine the amount of
carbon and nitrogen. Then you can adjust the amount of carbon added
to get the desired carbon nitrogen ratio. See equations 4 through 7.
Carbon ( C )
C= (Kg of feed + Kg of carbon added) X .50 = Kg of carbon available (E4)
Nitrogen ( N )
Protein = Kg of feed X % crude protein in the feed
N= Protein X 0.155 = Kg of nitrogen
(E5)
(E6)
Carbon Nitrogen Ratio
C/N = Kg of carbon / Kg of nitrogen
(E7)
Example
The farm manager fed 800 grams (.800 kg) of 35% protein shrimp feed
and 200 grams (.200 kg) of sugar to his/her production tank.
In this case the tank was feed a theoretical carbon nitrogen ratio of
~11.5. Now what do you do with the carbon nitrogen ratio? This
number is a reference point. In a trial done with shrimp, Avinmelech
and Panjaitan (2006) added molasses to adjust the C/N ratio to levels
between 6.5 and 22.5 and then monitored the total ammonia nitrogen
over 8 weeks. They found that tanks fed a C/N ration of 20 and 22.5
had a total ammonia nitrogen concentration of practical zero and total
ammonia nitrogen in tanks increased with decreased C/N ratios. It is a
good rule of thumb to start with a carbon nitrogen ratio of 10 – 16,
observe your water quality and adjust as needed.
This tech talk has just scratched the surface of the science behind
brown water systems. It is aimed to introduce you to the basics. This is
a hard topic to cover in a short article. There is a wealth of information.
If you are interested in learning more, I would suggest reading Yoram
Avnimelech’s book Biofloc Technology A Practical Guidebook. I would
also urge you to attend The 2016 Marine Shrimp Workshop on
February 10 in Indianapolis. Dr. Samocha, formerly of Texas A&M, and
Dr. Andrew Ray from Kentucky State University will be speaking. It
should be a great opportunity for us to learn more about brown water
systems. -Amy Stinton
Recommended Reading and Cited Literature
Avinmelech, Y., Panjaitan, P. 2006. Effects of carbon: nitrogen ration
control on water quality and shrimp growth in zero water exchenge
microcosm. Abstacts. World Aquaculture, Firenze Italy.
C = (.800kg + .200kg) X .50 = .50 kg
Protein = .800 kg X .35 = .28 kg
N = .28 kg X 0.155 = 0.0434
C/N= .50/.0434 = 11.5
It’s time to stock those ponds and tanks—and you’re in luck. Right here in Indiana, we have everything you need,
including koi, bluegill, smallmouth bass and much, much more. Plus, many local hatcheries include Indiana
soybean meal in their rations, making our fish some of the finest available. Whether you’re stocking an outdoor
pond or your fish tank at home, learn more about the benefits of Indiana-raised fish.
Visit www.indianasoybean.com/aquaculture.
Funded with Indiana soybean checkoff dollars. | © 2015 Indiana Soybean Alliance®
www.IndianaAquaculture.com
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Tech Talk
Avnimelech, Y. 2015. Biofloc Technology - A Practical Guide Book, 3rd
Edition. The World Aquaculture Society, Baton Rouge, Louisiana,
United States.
Marine Shrimp Workshop
February 10, 2016
Avinmelech, Y., Zohar, G. 1986. The effect of local anaerobic conditions
on growth retardation in aquaculture systems. Aquaculture 58: 167-174.
Ebeling, J.M., Timmons, M.B., Bisogni, J.J., 2006. Engineering analysis of
the stoichiometry of photoautotrophic, autotrophic, and heterotrophic
control of ammonia-nitrogen in aquaculture production systems.
Aquaculture 257:346-358.
Emerencianol, M., Cuzon, G., Goguenheim, J., Gaxiola3, G., AQUACOP2.
2012. Floc contribution on spawning performance of blue shrimp
Litopenaeus stylirostris. Aquaculture Research 44:75-85.
Purdue University in conjunction with the Indiana Aquaculture Association
will be offering a one day workshop on intensive rearing of marine shrimp
to be held February 10, 2016 at the Indiana Soybean Alliance offices in
Indianapolis, Indiana (8425 Keystone Crossing, Suite 200, Indianapolis, IN
46240) . The featured speakers for the workshop will include two of the
leading authorities in the US, Dr.’s Tzachi Samocha, formerly of Texas A&M
University and Dr. Andrew Ray from Kentucky State University. The
meeting will be invaluable for anyone interested in starting a shrimp
operation as well as existing producers.
Emerenciano, M., Gaxiola, G. Cuzon, G., 2013 . Biofloc Technology (BFT):
A Review for Aquaculture Application and Animal Food Industry. Chapter
12.
On line Pre-Registration is now open
http://www.indianaaquaculture.com
Furtado, P.S., Campos, B.R. Serra, F.P., Klosterhoff, M., Romana, L.A.
Wasielesky Jr. W. 2015. Effects of nitrate toxicity in the Pacific white
shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei, reared with biofloc technology (BFT).
Aquaculture International 23: 315-327.
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www.IndianaAquaculture.com
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Page 9 9
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IAAI SPRING MEETING
FEBRUARY 13, 2016
Hamilton Township Volunteer Fire Department 6843 North 400 E, Cortland, Indiana 47228
Speakers
Dr. Angela Caporelli, Roy Ballard, Kwamena Quagrainie, Robert Rode, Phil Shambach, and Mike Searcy
Farm Tour
White Creek Farms of Indiana is a Rainbow Trout Farm. Facility includes iron filtration for freshwater, trout egg
hatchery and nursery, custom growout tanks with liners, regenerative blowers, settling tanks, micro screen drum
filtration, and moving bed bio reactors for nitrification. Farm is 3 miles from Fire Dept.
Newbies Corner
DIY construction of a 60 and 110 gallon radial flow settling tank
Catered Lunch by Gail
Catering by Gail, Cortland Dinner to include Smoked Trout Cakes, Trout Almondine, vegetables, potatoes, rolls, pies, and
drinks.
For More Information
Call Glynn Barber @ 260.729.2080 or Karlanea Brown @ 765.583.0052 or visit www.indianaaquaculture.com
www.IndianaAquaculture.com
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