How does the RAS (recirculating aquaculture system) work ?

Summary

The video explores the workings of a RAS (Recirculating Aquaculture System) fish farming operation, which differs from traditional sea or cage farming. Fish are raised indoors in controlled environments, similar to modern chicken farming. The RAS process involves recirculating water multiple times through various technologies, including mechanical and biofiltration systems. These systems filter out waste, remove harmful ammonia, and add oxygen back into the water. Although RAS offers a sustainable approach to fish farming, it requires mastery of complex technologies, high costs, and risks. The video emphasizes understanding these challenges before investing in land-based fish farming.

Takeaways

• 🐟 Rust farming involves raising fish in indoor tanks under controlled environments, unlike traditional sea or cold-water cage farming.
• ♻️ The key concept of rust farming is recirculating water, allowing the fish to grow in the same water multiple times with gradual addition of new water.
• 🧪 Water from the fish tanks goes through mechanical filters to remove solid particles like uneaten feed and fish waste.
• 🦠 Biofiltration is a crucial step where biofilters remove ammonia from the water, converting it into nitrogen with the help of beneficial bacteria.
• 💨 Harmful gases such as carbon dioxide and nitrites are removed using degassing technology to ensure water quality is maintained.
• 🌬️ Oxygenation technologies reintroduce oxygen into the water before sending it back to the fish tanks.
• 🔄 This recirculation process happens multiple times, with new water being gradually added to maintain water quality.
• 💡 Rust farming requires mastering various technologies and processes before one can confidently pursue it due to high costs and risks.
• 💧 The process ensures that the water is continuously cleaned and filtered to support healthy fish farming.
• ⚠️ While rust farming is efficient, it involves significant complexities, making it not an easy or guaranteed method for all farmers.

Q & A

What is the main difference between rust fish farming and traditional fish farming methods?

Rust fish farming is conducted in indoor tanks under a controlled environment, while traditional methods like sea cage farming involve fish being raised in open water or cages placed in seas or lakes.

How does water circulation work in rust fish farming?

The water in rust fish farming is recirculated multiple times with the gradual addition of new water to maintain a clean and healthy environment for the fish.

Why is biofiltration necessary in rust fish farming?

Biofiltration is necessary to remove harmful ammonia from the water, which is produced by fish waste. Good bacteria convert the ammonia into nitrogen, which is released into the air.

What role does the mechanical filter play in the rust fish farming process?

The mechanical filter removes solid particles like leftover feed and fish waste from the water, ensuring that the water is clean for the next stages of filtration.

What are the harmful gases removed in the degassing step of rust fish farming?

Harmful gases such as carbon dioxide and nitrite are removed during the degassing process to ensure the water is safe for the fish.

How is oxygen added back into the water after the filtration process?

Oxygen is reintroduced into the water using oxygenation technology, which ensures that the water is suitable for the fish before it is recirculated into the tanks.

Why is rust fish farming considered a high-risk and costly operation?

Rust fish farming requires advanced technology, high levels of control, and expensive equipment, making it a costly and high-risk endeavor compared to traditional fish farming methods.

How do fish interact with their water environment in rust fish farming?

In rust fish farming, fish live, eat, and release waste in the same water, which is why water filtration and recirculation are critical to maintaining water quality.

What is the purpose of adding new water to the recirculated system?

Adding new water to the recirculated system ensures that the water quality is maintained by diluting contaminants and maintaining the overall balance of the system.

What technologies are involved in rust fish farming to maintain water quality?

Rust fish farming utilizes several technologies, including mechanical filters, biofilters, degassing systems, and oxygenation technologies to maintain optimal water quality for fish.