The Most Effective Way of Cultivating Vaname Shrimp in the RAS System

Hello Mister / Ms Shooters! Do you want vannamei shrimp farming that saves water? If yes, vannamei shrimp farming with the RAS system (Recirculating Aquaculture System) worth a try. Find out how the race system vannamei shrimp cultivation can save water use and improve shrimp pond water circulation in this article, come on!

What is the RAS System of Vaname Shrimp Cultivation? 

The RAS system of vannamei shrimp cultivation works by reprocessing the water used in the cultivation. This system also applies biofiltration to minimize the amount of ionized and non-ionized ammonia. RAS is a technology option that is widely used for intensive aquaculture activities. The use of the RAS system in vannamei shrimp farming is a solution in maximizing water utilization which will improve water quality during the cultivation process. 

Shrimp farming with the RAS system or water circulation-based shrimp farming is a system that refers to filtration technology. RAS is a series of technologies applied in intensive aquaculture systems using infrastructure that allows continuous use of water (water recirculation). The basic principle of RAS is to use pond water repeatedly by controlling several water quality indicators to keep it in prime condition.

In its application, the RAS system is divided into 2 types, namely RAS with closed recirculation and RAS with semi-closed recirculation. On RAS with closed recirculation, water will be recycled 100% by the system. Whereas, RAS with semi-closed recirculation only recycles some of the waste water, so this system still requires the addition of external water.

Advantages of the RAS System 

To get to know the RAS system in more detail, let's find out the 4 advantages of the RAS system that are profitable for vannamei shrimp farming!

• Minimize Excessive Utilization of Clean Water

RAS technology has the main goal of saving water. With this technology, no water will be wasted until the cultivation cycle ends. The water that first enters the pond will be purified and used continuously until harvest.

• Suitable for Cultivation in Limited Land

Cultivation with the RAS system is very appropriate for ponds that have small water sources and limited land. One example is ponds located in urban areas or other densely populated areas. This is inseparable from the advantages of the RAS system which only requires small ponds with a stocking density that exceeds ponds that do not use this system.

• Easy Harvesting

Compared to conventional systems, RAS technology also has advantages in harvesting shrimp. These advantages are inseparable from the small size of the pond, making it easier to reach during the harvesting process.

• Ease in Controlling Shrimp Diseases

Disease is a complicated problem in the cultivation cycle, usually there are many cases of more than one disease attacking the cultivation ecosystem. In the RAS system, it will be easier to detect the cause of shrimp disease because the environmental management process is easier.

Disadvantages of the RAS System

Despite its tempting advantages, the RAS system also has drawbacks that you should consider. The following are the disadvantages of the RAS system:

• Most Applied In Closed Spaces

Cultivation media using RAS technology are usually carried out in closed areas because this technology only requires small doses of sunlight. This small dose of sunlight is needed to kill germs, stimulate the growth of shrimp bones, and refresh the shrimp so that their appetite increases. So, it takes a window and a roof as a gap for sunlight to enter.

• The amount of costs that must be issued

To apply RAS technology in vannamei shrimp farming, there are several additional costs that must be incurred to buy water pumps, oxygen, pond construction, bioballs, zeolite, and charcoal. This cost is enough to drain the budget, especially if the stocking density of vannamei shrimp is high. The cost of electricity to turn on the pumps that produce oxygen will be more expensive because of this.

• Maintenance

Technically, maintenance of RAS is actually easy, it's just that it takes daily discipline in checking filters, settling dirt, water quality, etc. This is because pipe leaks, pump damage, etc. can occur at any time without warning. So, checking and maintenance is needed every day.

• Less Suitable for Areas with Frequent Power Outages

RAS technology is suitable for use in areas with electricity running 24 hours a day. Power outages will be very dangerous for the shrimp because a dead pump can starve the shrimp of oxygen.

Tools for RAS System Vaname Shrimp Cultivation 

In its implementation, RAS technology applies the principles of physics, chemistry and biology. These three principles include filters, carbon media, ultraviolet (UV) light, And oxygen generators which serves to control and stabilize environmental conditions of shrimp. In addition to the four tools above, the following are other tools needed in the RAS system of vannamei shrimp cultivation: