POND BASED AQUACULTURE SYSTEM
These is the traditional system, requiring less capital and extensive management. Cost of production is less and fish grows mostly depending on the natural productivity of the water body. But you require larger area, say 0.5 acre or above for an economical production. Here the production level can be around 10000 kg. per Ha. or 1 kg. per m2. Climatic factors, predatory animals, fishing expenses etc. are problems here.
FLOW THROUGH THROUGH SYSTEM
This is one of the most suitable system for the small scale operators in Kerala. This system can be established near rivers, lakes, larger ponds, canals, clay mines, rock mines, hill streams etc. System is very simple. A tank of 50 m3 or 100 m3 is erected near the water source and water is continuously replaced from the fish tank by pumping or by gravity, so that water gets changed. A production of 2500 kg. fish can be attained from a 100 m3 tank by this system.
BIOFLOC AQUACULTURE SYSTEM
There are two systems practiced in Kerala. One is pond based Bio floc and the other is tank based Biofloc system. In pond based system we get a production of 10 to 15 tones from 0.5 acre area in 6 to 7 months period. In tank based system we get around 1500 kg. from a 100 m2 tank. This require little more capital and good management. The beginners require the support of a professional consultant for doing Bio Floc aquaculture.
RECIRCULATION AQUACULTURE SYSTEM
In this system water, electricity, and land requirement is less but capital requirement is more. The production can be around 50 to 100 kg. per m3 of fish tank. For large scale operation this system is very attractive. A small unit at 25 cents of land can produce around 25 tons of fish in a batch of 6 months with a capital investment of around Rs. 40 lakhs.
AQUAPONICS
World over aquaponics is considered as a hobby rather than a commercial operation. Aquaponics provide us good vegetables and fish for our own personal use. The production level can be around 15 kg. per m3 of fish tank.
