Aeration

Abstract

After meeting the culture animal’s food requirements, low concentration of dissolved oxygen is the next major variable limiting the production of fish, shrimp, and other species in intensive and semi-intensive aquaculture operations. Mechanical aeration is the most effective means of increasing oxygen availability. Aeration is not new to aquaculture, but over the past few years, interest in this technique has increased tremendously. Many fish and shrimp farmers are installing or upgrading aeration systems, and many companies are selling aeration equipment. Most aquatic farmers, aquaculture aeration equipment manufacturers, researchers, and extension workers have a poor understanding of the fundamentals of aeration, and as a result, they have unrealistic expectations of aerator performance. This is unfortunate because there is a large body of literature and experience on the design, performance, and use of aeration systems in the aquaculture industry.