{
    "success": true,
    "data": {
        "id": 2034113,
        "msgid": "understanding-biofloc-and-ras-technologies-for-optimising-modern-fish-farming-1791813207",
        "date": "2026-10-12 20:20:06",
        "title": "Understanding Biofloc and RAS: Technologies for Optimising Modern Fish Farming",
        "author": "",
        "source": "DETIK",
        "tags": "",
        "topic": "Agriculture",
        "summary": "Biofloc and recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) offer different ways to manage waste and water quality, but both depend on adequate oxygen supply and circulation. The article outlines how each system works, why air pumps are essential, and the technical factors fish farmers should consider when choosing one.",
        "content": "<p>Advances in aquaculture technology are prompting businesses to seek\nmethods that can increase productivity. The main focus is on optimising\nwater use and maintaining the quality of the farming environment.<\/p>\n<p>Two technologies now widely adopted in modern aquaculture are biofloc\n(Biofloc Technology\/BFT) and the Recirculating Aquaculture System\n(RAS).<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBoth offer different approaches to maintaining water quality and\nmanaging aquaculture waste,\u201d said Bambang, from the marketing team at PT\nMaha Tirta Utama, on Monday (12 October 2026).<\/p>\n<p>PT Maha Tirta Utama is the official Indonesian distributor of air\npumps made by Jakarta-based PT Yasunaga Indonesia.<\/p>\n<p>Bambang explained that biofloc uses the activity of microorganisms to\nprocess organic waste. RAS, meanwhile, uses a treatment system that\nallows pond water to be reused after filtration.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAlthough they operate differently, both technologies have one\nimportant requirement: an adequate supply of oxygen and sufficient\ncirculation,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<p><strong>How biofloc technology works<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Biofloc technology uses microorganisms to manage waste from uneaten\nfeed and fish faeces. Bacteria use carbon sources and nitrogen to form\nclusters of microbial biomass known as flocs.<\/p>\n<p>The process works as follows:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><p><strong>Feeding and waste production:<\/strong> Uneaten feed and\nfish faeces add to the organic load in the water.<\/p><\/li>\n<li><p><strong>Microorganisms process the waste:<\/strong> Bacteria use\ncarbon sources and nitrogen compounds to form microbial biomass in a\ncontrolled way.<\/p><\/li>\n<li><p><strong>Aeration maintains oxygen levels:<\/strong> Air is\nsupplied to the pond to meet oxygen requirements and keep the flocs\nmoving so they do not readily settle.<\/p><\/li>\n<li><p><strong>Fish growth is managed:<\/strong> The biofloc system helps\nmaintain water quality and supports nutrient utilisation during the\nrearing period.<\/p><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Main components of an RAS<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>RAS, by contrast, treats water from the pond through several\nfiltration units before returning it for reuse. Its purpose is to reduce\nthe need for continuous water replacement.<\/p>\n<p>An RAS generally consists of several main components:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><p><strong>Rearing pond:<\/strong> The fish habitat, with water\nquality and stocking density matched to the system\u2019s capacity.<\/p><\/li>\n<li><p><strong>Mechanical filter:<\/strong> Separates solid fish waste\nand uneaten feed so they do not continue circulating.<\/p><\/li>\n<li><p><strong>Biofilter:<\/strong> Provides a habitat for microorganisms\nthat help convert ammonia into nitrate.<\/p><\/li>\n<li><p><strong>Aeration and oxygenation:<\/strong> Meet the oxygen\nrequirements of fish and the microorganisms in the biofilter.<\/p><\/li>\n<li><p><strong>Water circulation pump:<\/strong> Moves water from the\npond through the treatment units and back again; its function differs\nfrom that of an air pump.<\/p><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Bambang said biofloc and RAS can, in fact, be combined.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHowever, the design needs to take the characteristics of the flocs\ninto account, because excessive solids removal can discard the microbial\nbiomass that the system is intended to retain,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Why air pumps are vital components<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Air pumps are essential to both systems for several operational\nreasons:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><p><strong>Maintaining dissolved oxygen:<\/strong> Fish and\nmicroorganisms\u2014in biofloc systems and biofilters alike\u2014need oxygen for\nbiological processes.<\/p><\/li>\n<li><p><strong>Keeping flocs suspended:<\/strong> Air movement helps keep\nthe water circulating so flocs do not settle on the pond floor.<\/p><\/li>\n<li><p><strong>Supporting RAS processes:<\/strong> It helps filtration\nand circulation components operate smoothly.<\/p><\/li>\n<li><p><strong>Maintaining stability:<\/strong> It helps prevent sharp\ndrops in oxygen levels in ponds with high stocking densities.<\/p><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>How to choose the right air pump<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Choosing an air pump should not be based solely on pond size. Users\nshould also consider several technical factors:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><p><strong>Oxygen demand:<\/strong> This depends on the fish species,\nbiomass, amount of feed and microbial activity.<\/p><\/li>\n<li><p><strong>Air capacity:<\/strong> The pump must meet the system\u2019s\nneeds under actual operating conditions.<\/p><\/li>\n<li><p><strong>Operating pressure:<\/strong> This is affected by diffuser\ndepth and pipe resistance.<\/p><\/li>\n<li><p><strong>Operating pattern:<\/strong> The pump must be suitable for\ncontinuous operation.<\/p><\/li>\n<li><p><strong>Power consumption and maintenance:<\/strong> These are\nimportant for operating-cost efficiency and ease of obtaining\nreplacement parts.<\/p><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>To meet these needs, PT Yasunaga Indonesia offers various air-pump\nmodels using linear diaphragm technology. Some models are designed to be\noil-free, quiet and low-vibration.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYasunaga offers a range of models to suit users\u2019 needs. The pump\ntype should be selected according to the air flow required at the actual\noperating pressure,\u201d Bambang said.<\/p>\n<p>Ultimately, successful aquaculture still requires regular monitoring\nof water parameters such as temperature, pH and ammonia.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSuccess in fish farming is not just about feeding the fish, but also\nabout maintaining water quality and oxygen supply at all times,\u201d Bambang\nconcluded.<\/p>",
        "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/understanding-biofloc-and-ras-technologies-for-optimising-modern-fish-farming-1791813207",
        "image": ""
    },
    "sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
    "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}