Development of efficient recirculation system for Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) culture using low cost materials

Abstract

In the current experiment, a recirculation system was built using low cost materials that are available locally and its 
performance was tested. The performance evaluation procedure was carried out in an aquaculture system in 
greenhouse with sex-reversed male Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) production in Querétaro State, Mexico. The 
recirculation system had four sections (sediment collector, gravel and sand filters, biofilter and clarification) in 
order to eliminate the organic matter produced by the fish excretion material and uneaten food, as well as, the 
nitrogenous compounds undesirable in the water tanks, such as, total ammonia nitrogen (TAN). The monitored 
variables include: temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, visibility, TAN, nitrites and nitrates. The obtained data were 
compared with previous studies to evaluate the achieved state of the system. This research clearly demonstrated 
that it is feasible to use the proposed configuration in aquaculture systems in areas where water source is limited. 
Consequently, the obtained results represent an environmental standpoint for the conservation of water use in the 
aquaculture industry and also constitute an important contribution to the aquaculture and farmers who receive 
minimal economic support.