Effects of solids removal on water quality and channel catfish production in a biofloc technology production system

ABSTRACT

Total suspended solids control was evaluated in a channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) biofloc technology production system. Settling chamber flow rates were 0.9 (LO) or 2.9 (HI) L/min to reduce total suspended solids to 300 mg/L; solids were not removed from control tanks. Channel catfish yields (7.6–8.7 kg/m³) were not affected significantly, but control fish were skewed toward smaller size classes. Control treatment channel catfish tolerated 1,410 mg/L total suspended solids without adverse effects. LO- and HI-treatment fillet geosmin concentrations were high enough to be designated as off-flavor. Water quality results suggested that nitrification was affected by solids removal.

KEYWORDS:

• Biofloc technology
• channel catfish
• total suspended solids
• geosmin
• MIB

Acknowledgments

We thank Greg O’Neal, Paxton Harper, William Schiederer, Dewayne Harries, and Phaedra Page for their technical assistance during this study. Mention of trade names or commercial products is solely for the purpose of providing specific information and does not imply recommendation or endorsement by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.