1. Anil Ghanekar www.ecosecuresystems.com
Biofloc-based Vannamei Experiences in India What We Started, How Are We Doing & Where Are We Going?
Anil Ghanekar

2. THE BEGINNING Water Exchange- The Only Technology
Water-exchange to control water quality
Traditional tidal fed ponds
Shrimp aquaculture’s happy beginning
High tide
Pond
Low Tide

3. WATER EXCHANGE has PROBLEMS with Biosecurity, Environment & Profitability
Entry of water borne infections – WSSV
Environmental issues- CAA was formed
Water treatment of both raw water and waste water is expensive

4. How to reduce water exchange?
ALGAE = Sunlight + Nitrogen
Reduced water exchange
R.A.S. = Autotrophic Bacteria + Nitrogen
Exchange through filters
Biofloc = Heterotrophic Bacteria + N + Carbon
Zero exchange

5. Comparative Setup Costs Between Autotrophic & Heterotrophic Systems
Biofloc
Low Cost
Bio-filtration
High Cost
2004 onwards
2007 onwards

6. Comparative FCRs of RAS And Biofloc Nursery Systems
Results with RAS nursery system ( ) Results with Biofloc Nursery systems (2007)
Species
Density/m3
Animal wt in mg.
FCR range
P. monodon
10,000
15 to 250
1.7 to 2.4
F. indicus
18,000
1.4 to 1.8
TANK A B C
Species
F. indicus
P. monodon
density/m3
18000
12000
11000
% Survival
83%
73%
91%
FCR
0.68
0.89
1.25
Harvest weight (mg)/shrimp
0.225mg
0.125mg
(Published in GAA May 2009)

7. Why Biofloc? Low Or Zero Exchange Better Biosecurity Lower FCR
Better Immunity
Higher Density

8. Biofloc Nursery 100 m3 circular tanks Farm starter feed
No venturi or air lifts
Only aerotube based aeration of 1 Hp/tank
Max stocking density of 10,000/m3

9. Average weight at Harvest
Results With L. Vannamei Juveniles Reared In Low Salinity Biofloc Nurseries & Farms ( )
Batch A B C
Days in Nursery 21 25 24
Juvenile weight
240 mg
320 mg
350 mg
Days in Farm 66 63 60
Average weight at Harvest
22 g
18 g
20 g
Max 10,000 juveniles/m3
6 hours 95%+ survival
Compensatory growth

10. Biofloc Nursery Reared Juveniles Show Compensatory Growth In The Farm

11. Biofloc Growout Trials
1000 m2 Lined Ponds
Central Drain
Aerotube Aeration
Biomass Of 3kg /m3
40 Count In 80 Days
0.3gm Stunted Juveniles Stocked

13. Biofloc Nursery A Potent Link
Longer Testing Window
Better Immunity
3 Crops Instead Of 2 Crops A Year
Larger Animals
Higher Farm Survival
Productivity 150%
Hatchery
150% + PL requirement
Biofloc Nursery
3-5 weeks
Farm
150% production

14. Hitide Farms 3 Years 5 Crops Excellent For Zero Exchange
Sludge removal is very critical

15. Biofloc at Research Institutions
C.I.B.A.
Dr. Krishnani from National Institute of Abiotic Stress Management, Baramati
Dr. Kurup and students - Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies.

16. FUTURE
Less Area Less Water Less Workers Less Power Totally Biosecure Predictable Production Weekly/Daily Supply

17. Future Solutions
Less Area Less Water Less Workers Less Power Totally Biosecure Predictable Production Weekly/Daily Supply
High Density Zero Exchange Automation Efficient Technology High Survival More Ponds

18. Future Research & Development
Pure Biofloc Nurseries And Farms
Low Density Biofloc With Mixed Systems
Genetics
Specialized Feeds
Molecular Biology
Different Species
Both Biofloc and Vannamei are here to stay

19. Thank
You