Closed or Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS)

Closed systems can be thought of as a more advanced semi closed system. They take the semi closed system to the next level. In a closed system very little of the water is returned back to the environment each day. This is achieved using all types of filters, regulators, heaters, and oxygen devices.

The main advantage of a closed system is that the organism density in the vessel can be extremely high as long as the created environment has the proper conditions. That makes controlling the growing conditions the top priority to any closed system manager.

If the environment could speak which a lot of people would say it has over the past decade, it would be an advocate for closed aquaculture systems. This is because closed systems reuse the water over and over again which in turn lessens there ecological footprint. The use of hydroponics and other non-environmentally hazardous waste removal methods have also made closed systems the best choice when considering the environment. The concern over future water supplies and pollution make closed systems a very interesting topic of study.

When compared to open and semi closed systems, closed systems present the biggest challenge to maintain and operate. This is mostly because of the high densities of fish in the system which can lead to mass deaths if present diseases and conditions are not kept in check. Closed aquaculture systems are also the most expensive system to operate; the use of expensive pumps and other technologies result in higher operating cost than what is found on other farms.

There are many closed systems in operation through out the world. Future posts will allow us to investigate and study these facilities.

To learn more about the other systems click below
Open Aquaculture Systems
Semi Closed Aquaculture Systems

Or to read more about closed systems checkout the other posts in the category or checkout the related posts below.

Related Posts

1. Open Aquaculture Systems
2. Semi Closed Aquaculture System
3. Recirculating Aquaculture Systems: Principles of Design and Operation

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Mike

I created AquacultureTalk.com to bring the aquaculture community together. I have a vision for an international website that allows all members to both submit articles and take part in article discussions. I look forward to seeing what everyone has to say in the world of aquaculture.

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