Integrated Culture of Oncorhynchus mykiss (Rainbow Trout) in Pre-Cordilleran Sector under a Recirculation System in Northern Chile

Abstract

An experience of integral farming of Oncorhynchus mykiss (rainbow trout) is carried out in Copaquilla, 90 kilometers inland from the city of Arica at 3,000 mamsl. The system used was the Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS), which had six ponds of 40 mt3 each, two decanters with a capacity of 3.5 mt3 and a biofilter of 3.5 mt3 with substrate for the fixation of ammonium and nitrite transforming bacteria. The three latter ponds were buried below the lowest level of the fattening ponds. Three pumps, two running and one 1.5 hp. backup, plus a 1 hp. blower, were the water and air equipment utilized in the system. Each pump had a flow capacity of 450 lt min−1. This water was sucked from the biofilter and transferred to the accumulator tank with a capacity of 10 mt3. From there it was distributed by gravity to the fattening ponds. In addition, the juvenile system had a particular SAR with a 0.5 hp. pump, a small 0.2 hp. blower and an 80 watt UV lamp. The grow-out SAR received 6,000 trout with an average weight of 15 grams. The group reached approximately 1,200 grams over a year. Thirty fish were selected for reproduction. Eggs were obtained, followed by fry, juveniles and adults. This initiative demonstrated the effectiveness of producing trout in the foothills of the interior city of Arica, Chile.