MIXOTROPHIC SYSTEM WITH TWO DIFFERENT NEW APPROACH FOR SUPER-INTENSIVE SHRIMP  

Dr Farshad Shishehchian
 
 Blue Aqua International Pte Ltd
 8 Temasek Boulevard, Suntec Tower 3,
 Penthouse Level, Singapore 038988.
 
Farshad.shishehchian@blueaquaint.com

A good understanding of the science behind shrimp culture is essential to improve on the current way of farming shrimp and slowly overcome many challenges faced in this industry and work towards a sustainable aquaculture.

The pond is a naturally occurring ecosystem, where nutrients are constantly being broken down and recycled with the help of naturally-occurring micro-organisms.

Maintaining moderate amount of phytoplankton is desirable for a good culture. Healthy phytoplankton bloom, such as bloom of green algae and diatoms,  increases the pond's primary productivity by providing food for the microscopic animals, like zooplankton, which in turn supports larger forms of life such as shrimp.

The nitrogen cycle plays a crucial part in the recycling of nitrogen. Nitrification is one important process that helps to convert ammonia, that is highly toxic to the aquatic organisms, to less toxic forms of nitrogenous compounds, such as nitrite and nitrate.

Oxidation-Reduction Potential (ORP) and pH are the major water parameters that should be monitored closely.    Maintaining pH stability in pond is crucial in order to prevent fluctuations in pH that is fatal to the cultured species.  ORP, measures of the cleanliness of the water and its ability to break down contaminants. A high value of ORP is related to oxidative, aerobic conditions, that favor nitrification, organic matter degradation and biological phosphorus removal. ORP should be regularly checked to ensure it is within optimal range, hence preventing the production of toxic products through anaerobic respiration.  

The placement and management of aerator is another crucial part of the system that will affect how efficient the system runs. Aerators should be placed in positions that will facilitate the flow of water in such a way that will lead to the central drain.

Mixotrophic is a patented system to culture shrimps super-intensively. The three phases that mixotrophic manipulates are the phytoplankton phase, phytoplankton-probi- -otic phase and the probiotic phase. Maintaining good water quality  and pond bottom management through promoting the proliferation of natural micro-organisms is the key to the right aquatic environment and healthy cultured species.