Reduction of Ammonia and Nitrite in Shrimp Larviculture in a Recirculation System

Abstract

Shrimp Penaeus monodon postlarvae (PL12) were cultured in a static and a recirculation system with and without adding nitrifying bacteria, respectively. Ammonia nitrite, nitrate, sulfide, chemical oxygen demand (COD), and growth and survival of the shrimp were monitored. The concentration of total ammonia-N, nitrite-N, nitrate-N, sulfide and COD in the recirculation systems were much lower than those in the static systems. The appropriate use of nitrifying bacteria could help reduce ammonia and nitrite concentration in both static and recirculation systems. The postlarvae reared in the recirculation systems had better growth and survival than those in the static system. A new system employing recirculated water for commercial hatchery and growout use is suggested.