The use of different air diffusers on whiteleg shrimp, Penaeus vannamei in recirculating aquaculture system: effects on water quality and shrimp growth

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different air diffusers on the oxygen transfer rate, water quality, and growth performance of the whiteleg shrimp, Penaeus vannamei, for 60 days using a recirculating aquaculture system. The first experiment was conducted with six treatments applying two different air diffusers regarding two treatments (TRT): (i) rubber aeration tube and (ii) airstone at three different air pressures (0.025, 0.05, and 0.075 Mpa), respectively. Based on the first experiment's results, the second experiment was designed with two treatments: TRT1 - rubber aeration tube and TRT2 - airstone. Results indicated that the standard oxygen transfer rate increased as the pressure increased. The rubber aeration tube and air stone showed no significant difference at pressure levels. Therefore, the second experiment used a pressure level of 0.025 Mpa for TRT1 and TRT2. The results from the second trial showed that the dissolved oxygen in TRT1 did not differ significantly from that in TRT2. At the same time, the other parameters, such as temperature, pH, and alkalinity, remained steady throughout the culture period. The survival rate and biomass had the highest values in TRT2, but no significant differences were found in growth performance compared to TRT1. The results of this study suggest that either rubber aeration tubes or air stones are feasible and effective alternatives to improve the water quality and growth performance of P. vannamei in experimental conditions.