Shrimp Farming in RASWater, Biosecurity and Equipment
Shrimp farming in RAS: whiteleg shrimp parameters, low-salinity farming, stocking, nursery and grow-out, biofloc vs clear-water, biosecurity and pitfalls.
SYSTEM CONCEPTSee the mechanism.
Understand the duty.
Select a route or a stage to inspect the process. The cutaway explains the equipment and water environment; it is a teaching illustration, not a project drawing.
Culture tanks
Collect waste before it settles.
The culture tank is both an animal environment and a hydraulic vessel. The return flow should distribute oxygenated water and move settleable waste toward the intended outlet. Tank shape, drain arrangement and the behaviour of the stock determine how well this happens.
- Confirm the operating water volume and peak feed.
- Check circulation, drain capture and access for inspection.
- Record oxygen at the animal zone, not only in the return pipe.
Key takeaways
- Whiteleg shrimp like 28 to 30 °C and salinity 15 to 25 ppt.
- Super-intensive RAS stock 250 to 500 PL per m³.
- Biofloc is cheaper to build, clear-water RAS is more stable.
- Start with SPF post-larvae and strict biosecurity.
What is RAS shrimp farming?
Shrimp are grown in indoor tanks with water filtered and reused. It allows year-round production close to markets.
Whiteleg shrimp water parameters
| Parameter | Target | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 28 to 30 °C | Best feed use at 29 to 31; avoid heavy feeding above 32 |
| Salinity | 15 to 25 ppt | Tolerates wider; change slowly |
| Dissolved oxygen | 5 mg/L or more | Never below 4; peaks after feeding |
Work with your own numbers.
Use the tools below to explore the relevant arithmetic. Enter measured values or declared assumptions. An estimate does not establish equipment capacity, biological performance or a safe operating limit.
Feed & loading scenario
Translate a selected feeding rate and assumed waste yield into a planning load.
Assumptions and limits
The feeding rate and TAN yield are supplied assumptions. Use the species, feed, growth stage and verified process design; the estimate is not a Pureflow capacity rating.
Biomass & observed density
Convert a known count and mean fish weight into biomass and current loading per water volume.
Assumptions and limits
This describes the inputs; it does not establish a safe stocking density or the system’s oxygen, filtration or welfare capacity.
Convert units before you calculate
Planning arithmetic · inputs remain visible for review · example values are not operating recommendations
Farming at low salinity
Shrimp can be grown in low-salinity or inland water if minerals (potassium, magnesium) are balanced. Adjust salinity slowly.
Stocking density and growth
| System | Stocking density | Typical harvest |
|---|---|---|
| Extensive pond | 4 to 10 PL per m² | 150 to 500 kg/ha |
| Semi-intensive pond | 10 to 30 PL per m² | 0.5 to 2 t/ha |
| Intensive pond | 60 to 300 PL per m² | 7 to 20 t/ha |
| Super-intensive RAS | 250 to 500 per m³ | About 4 to 10 kg/m³ |
Production stages
- Post-larvae arrive: acclimate carefully.
- Nursery: about 30 days.
- Grow-out: 12 to 16 weeks.
- Harvest and restart: clean and dry tanks.
Biofloc vs clear-water ras
| Point | Biofloc | Clear-water RAS |
|---|---|---|
| Ammonia removal | Bacteria in the water | Biofilter media |
| Solids | High by design | Kept low by drum filter |
| Energy | Aeration | Pumping and filtration |
| Investment | Lower | Higher |
| Stability | Swings are common | Steadier |
| Skill | Managing a living floc | Managing equipment |
Filtration for a clear-water shrimp ras
Drum filter, biofilter, protein skimmer and UV or ozone are typical. See filtration systems.
Biosecurity and post-larvae
Start with specific-pathogen-free (SPF) post-larvae, disinfect incoming water and restrict visitors.
Selling indoor shrimp, and common pitfalls
- No buyers lined up.
- Poor biosecurity.
- Ignoring salinity changes.
- Power failure without backup.
Review the design at peak load
Use these questions to prepare a project brief or an operating review. Check an item only when the information has been recorded for your installation.
This checklist is a working aid in the current page session, not a saved maintenance record.
Shrimp Farming in RAS FAQ
What salinity do shrimp need?
About 15 to 25 ppt, but they tolerate wider if changed slowly.
Is biofloc cheaper than RAS?
To build, yes. It is harder to keep stable.
Do shrimp need pure oxygen?
At high density, yes.
More guides related to shrimp farming in ras
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