Subcategories

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  Proteins skimmers

  A skimmer (or protein skimmer) in aquaculture is an essential piece of equipment used to improve water quality by removing dissolved organic matter and impurities. These systems are particularly important in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), where water management and filtration are crucial for the health of the fish and the profitability of the operation.

  Description of a Skimmer for Aquaculture:

  Skimmers are filtration devices that work by drawing in water and removing suspended organic particles, such as proteins, oils, fats, and other organic matter. They are used in aquaculture systems to maintain water quality and reduce the risks of pollution.

  Main Types of Skimmers:

  1. Air Skimmer (or Foam Skimmer): This type of skimmer uses air injected into the water to create microbubbles. These bubbles attach to organic particles and bring them to the surface, where they are removed. They are highly effective at removing dissolved proteins and are commonly used in RAS systems.

  2. Protein Skimmer: Specifically designed to remove proteins and other dissolved organic substances from the water, this type of skimmer is ideal for high-density fish farms.

  3. Centrifugal Skimmer: Uses centrifugal force to separate impurities from the water. Less common than air skimmers, they are used in specific installations where more advanced mechanical filtration is required.

  Common Features:

  • High-Quality Filtration: By effectively removing organic matter, skimmers help maintain clean, clear water, which is essential for the well-being of the fish.

  • Nitrogen Reduction: By removing dissolved proteins, skimmers help reduce nitrogen levels in the water, minimizing the risks of ammonia and nitrite buildup.

  • Durability: Skimmers are built to last in aquatic environments and withstand the harsh conditions in aquaculture installations.

  Advantages of Skimmers in Aquaculture:

  • Improved Water Quality: By removing organic matter, the skimmer reduces the organic load in the water, maintaining adequate oxygen levels and a healthy environment for fish.

  • Pollution Reduction: Less organic matter in suspension means fewer debris and less water contamination, helping prevent diseases and improving fish growth.

  • Energy Efficiency: Modern skimmers are designed to be energy-efficient while delivering optimal filtration performance.

  Common Applications:

  • Fish Farming in Ponds: Skimmers are used to maintain water quality in fish ponds by removing excess food and organic waste.

  • RAS Systems: In recirculating aquaculture systems, skimmers play a crucial role in water management by removing pollutants and reducing nitrogen load.

  • Marine Aquaculture: Used in marine cages, skimmers help maintain clean water and prevent contamination risks.

  Skimmers play a crucial role in aquaculture environment management, helping maintain clean water and optimal fish health while improving the profitability of operations.

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  Biofilters

  Biofiltration in aquaculture is a key process in managing water quality, especially in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS). It allows for the removal of nitrogenous waste produced by fish, particularly toxic ammonia, by biologically converting it into less harmful compounds (nitrates).

  Definition of Biofiltration
  Biofiltration is a natural process that uses nitrifying bacteria to transform ammonia (NH₃), excreted by fish, into nitrites (NO₂⁻), and then into nitrates (NO₃⁻), which are much less toxic. This process is known as nitrification.

  Steps of Nitrification:

  • Ammonia (NH₃/NH₄⁺) → Nitrites (NO₂⁻)
    Carried out by bacteria of the genus Nitrosomonas.

  • Nitrites (NO₂⁻) → Nitrates (NO₃⁻)
    Carried out by bacteria of the genus Nitrobacter or Nitrospira.

  How Does a Biofilter Work?
  A biofilter is typically made up of a medium (such as plastic beads, foam, sand, or ceramic) that offers a large surface area for bacterial colonization. Water passes through this medium, allowing the bacteria to process nitrogenous compounds.

  Advantages of Biofiltration:

  • Controls toxic compounds (ammonia and nitrites)

  • Maintains water quality

  • Reduces the need for water changes

  • Provides a stable environment for fish

  Integration into Aquaculture Systems:
  Biofiltration is essential in:

  • Aquaponic systems

  • Closed or recirculating systems

  • Intensive pond farming

  • Systems sensitive to water quality (fry rearing, nurseries, hatcheries)

  • Aquariums

  AQUACULTURE France designs, sizes, and manufactures a full range of biofilters adapted to all needs (gravity-fed or pressurized systems).

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  Media de filtration...

  A biofiltration support is an element used in biological filtration systems, primarily in aquaculture installations such as Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS). It serves as a medium for microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, etc.) to decompose dissolved organic matter, such as ammonia and nitrites, into less toxic compounds like nitrates.

  Description of a Biofiltration Support:

  Biofiltration supports are often made from materials with a high specific surface area, allowing microorganisms to attach and grow effectively. These supports can come in various forms, such as balls, cylinders, plates, or matrices made of plastic or ceramic. Their primary function is to provide a surface for the colonization of microorganisms that play a key role in the nitrogen cycle.

  Types of Biofiltration Supports:

  1. Plastic Supports: These are commonly used in modern RAS systems due to their lightweight, durability, and ease of maintenance. These supports can be in the form of balls, plates, or cylinders.

  2. Ceramic Supports: These are very effective due to their large surface area and are often used in smaller-scale aquaculture systems or for specific applications.

  3. Foam or Polyester Supports: They offer good bacteria retention while being easy to handle, but may require more frequent maintenance to prevent excessive debris buildup.

  Function and Benefits:

  • Improved Water Quality: Biofiltration supports promote the breakdown of toxic nitrogen compounds in the water, thereby improving water quality for the fish.

  • Reduction of Toxin Levels: By transforming ammonia and nitrites into nitrates, which are less harmful to fish, biofiltration supports contribute to a safer aquatic environment.

  • Regulation of Water Parameters: Biofiltration supports play a crucial role in balancing water parameters by regulating nutrient concentrations and maintaining proper oxygenation.

  Common Applications:

  • Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS): Used to maintain clean and healthy water in recirculating systems, where water is continuously reused.

  • Marine and Freshwater Aquaculture: Used in ponds, tanks, or floating cages to support biological filtration and maintain optimal conditions for fish growth.

  Biofiltration supports are essential for maintaining ecological balance in aquaculture facilities, reducing the need for chemical treatments, and ensuring a more natural and sustainable aquatic environment.

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  Autres systèmes

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  Water sterilization...

  Water sterilization systems in aquaculture are designed to eliminate harmful microorganisms, bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens from water, ensuring that it is safe for consumption or industrial use. Commonly used in aquaculture and aquariology, drinking water treatment, and food and beverage industries, these systems employ various technologies such as UV radiation, ozone, and chemical disinfectants to achieve optimal sterilization.

  These systems are crucial for maintaining water quality in sensitive environments like Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS), where water cleanliness directly impacts the health of aquatic life. They provide an eco-friendly, efficient, and reliable method to ensure safe water in both large-scale and small-scale applications.

  Key Features:

  • Effective pathogen removal: Eliminates harmful bacteria, viruses, and microorganisms.

  • Eco-friendly: Uses sterilization methods without chemicals, like UV and ozone.

  • Wide application: Suitable for aquaculture, drinking water, and food industries.

  • Reliability and efficiency: Offers consistent sterilization with minimal maintenance.

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  Bactéries (filtre bio)

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  Sand filter

  The sand filter is a mechanical filtration device used to remove solid particles present in water. It operates using a bed of sand or granular media (sand or gravel) through which water flows.

  In aquaculture, it is used to eliminate suspended solid particles in the water, such as organic debris, uneaten feed, and fish waste.

  Operating principle:

  • Water loaded with particles flows through a bed of sand (or another granular filtering medium).

  • Solid particles are trapped on the surface or between the grains of sand, while clean water continues to flow through.

  • When the filter becomes saturated, a backwash is performed to remove the accumulated impurities and restore the filter’s efficiency. This backwashing can be manual or automated.

  Benefits in aquaculture:

  • Improves water clarity and reduces turbidity.

  • Protects downstream water treatment systems (e.g., biofilters, UV sterilizers).

  • Reduces disease risks by lowering organic load.

  • Simple, cost-effective, and durable operation.

  • Suitable for both open systems and RAS (Recirculating Aquaculture Systems).

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  Dégrilleurs

  Description of the Grit Filter in Aquaculture

  A grit filter is a filtration device used in aquaculture to remove solid debris such as leaves, algae, organic matter, and other impurities that can contaminate the water in aquaculture systems. It is mainly used in Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS), ponds, tanks, and other aquaculture installations. The grit filter helps maintain optimal water quality by intercepting particles before they affect the health of fish and other aquatic organisms.

  How the Grit Filter Works:

  The grit filter works by using a grid or screen to trap solid particles in the water. Contaminated water is directed towards the grit filter, where it passes through a series of grids or fine meshes that retain the debris while allowing the clarified water to flow out. The trapped debris is then removed from the system to prevent accumulation.

  Features of Grit Filters:

  1. Grids or Fine Screens: Use of grids with different mesh sizes to adapt to the types of debris present in the water.

  2. Ease of Cleaning: Grit filters are often equipped with an automatic or semi-automatic cleaning mechanism for easy maintenance.

  3. Adaptability: Grit filters can be adjusted to fit the capacity of aquaculture systems, from small ponds to large industrial installations.

  4. Debris Reduction: An effective grit filter eliminates a large amount of solid debris, ensuring healthier water conditions.

  Benefits of the Grit Filter in Aquaculture:

  • Improved Water Quality: By filtering solid particles, the grit filter helps maintain clear water, reducing the risk of diseases and promoting healthy fish growth.

  • Reduced Contamination Risks: It removes contaminants before they reach other parts of the system.

  • Time and Effort Savings: The automation of cleaning and debris collection reduces the need for frequent manual intervention.

  • Prevention of Filtration System Clogging: By removing large particles, the grit filter protects other filtration equipment, extending their lifespan.

  Applications of Grit Filters in Aquaculture:

  1. Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS): In RAS, the grit filter is essential for removing solid matter before it contaminates the other filtration systems.

  2. Pond and Tank Fish Farming: Used to clean water in fish farming ponds for species like trout, tilapia, or carp, the grit filter is key to maintaining optimal water quality.

  3. Marine and Freshwater Aquaculture: Grit filters are used in both freshwater and saltwater aquaculture to remove debris that could harm water quality.

  Types of Grit Filters:

  1. Mechanical Grit Filter: Uses fixed or moving grids to separate debris from the water. Often automated, it may include cleaning systems for convenience.

  2. Rotary Grit Filter: Uses a rotating drum with fine meshes to filter water. This type is especially efficient for large water volumes and industrial installations.

  3. Belt Filtration Grit Filter: Uses a continuous filtering belt that moves to capture debris, especially suitable for large systems with constant water flow.

  The grit filter is therefore a key component for ensuring water quality in aquaculture systems, while improving the efficiency of other filtration systems and reducing the risks of contamination and diseases.

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  Centrifugal water...

  The hydrocyclone is a physical and mechanical separation device used to remove suspended solids from water without using filters or moving parts. It operates based on the centrifugal force generated by a spiraling water flow.

  How It Works:

  1. Tangential Inlet: The water enters tangentially, creating a rotational flow inside the conical chamber.

  2. Density-Based Separation: Centrifugal force pushes heavier particles toward the outer walls, moving them downward in a spiral.

  3. Solids Discharge: These particles are collected and discharged through the bottom outlet (also called purge or underflow).

  4. Clean Water Outlet: The cleaner water rises through the center and exits from the top of the unit.

  Advantages in Water Treatment:

  • No moving parts: minimal maintenance, high reliability.

  • Effective removal of sand, sludge, mineral or organic particles.

  • Reduces load on secondary filters (e.g., sand or mechanical filters).

  • Easy to install, low operating cost.

  • Continuous operation without flow interruption.

  Use in Aquaculture:

  • Pre-treatment in RAS (Recirculating Aquaculture Systems) to reduce solids before biofiltration.

  • Protects downstream equipment (UV sterilizers, pumps, biofilters).

  • Ideal for separating fine particles like waste, uneaten feed, or sediments.

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  Self-cleaning rotating...

  The drum filter is an automatic mechanical filtration system used to remove fine suspended solid particles from water. It is especially valued in RAS (Recirculating Aquaculture Systems) for its high efficiency, low water consumption, and continuous operation.

  Operating principle:

  • Contaminated water enters the rotating drum covered with a fine mesh filter (typically between 20 and 100 microns).

  • Solid particles are trapped on the outer surface of the drum.

  • When the mesh begins to clog, sensors trigger an automatic backwash using high-pressure nozzles.

  • Waste is discharged through a waste chute, while clean water passes through the mesh into the outlet tank.

  Advantages in aquaculture:

  • Fine and efficient filtration: captures particles not retained by coarse filters (feces, uneaten food).

  • Automatic maintenance: reduces the need for human intervention thanks to the automated rinse system.

  • Low water loss: cleaning is quick and targeted.

  • Improved water quality: reduces organic loads and protects downstream biofilters.

  • Continuous operation: ideal for intensive farming.

  • Long lifespan: robust design, often made of stainless steel or reinforced plastic.

  Typical applications:

  • RAS systems for fish and shrimp

  • Hatcheries

  • Aquaponics

  • Public or research aquariums

  • Pre-filtration of incoming water in fish farms

  • Effluent treatment before discharge into natural environments

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  Filtration charges

  Filter media charges for sand filters in aquaculture are designed to enhance water filtration efficiency by trapping suspended solids, organic matter, and particles. These media, typically composed of sand, gravel, or other materials with a specific grain size (such as glass), are essential for maintaining water quality in Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS).

  The media charge plays a key role in particle removal, helping to reduce the organic load and improve the performance of downstream biofilters. Depending on the aquaculture system’s needs, the media charge can be customized for optimal filtration, ensuring that aquaculture farms, shrimp farms, and hatcheries maintain clean and clear water.

  Key Features:

  • Effective particle removal: Captures both fine and coarse particles from the water.

  • Durability: Long-lasting media that can withstand continuous use in demanding aquaculture environments.

  • Improved water quality: Helps reduce organic buildup and supports better biological filtration.

  Special Cases:

  • Specific media are used for biological filtration of water (zeolite, clay, pumice).

  • Filters can be filled with media that have chemical activity (activated carbon, clay, peat, coral sand, sulfur) to treat specific water parameters.

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  Cartridge filters

  A cartridge filter is a highly efficient filtration system used to remove impurities, particles, and contaminants from water. Commonly used in aquaculture, pool filtration systems, and industrial applications, cartridge filters are designed to offer fine filtration, typically ranging from 1 to 100 microns. They consist of a cylindrical cartridge made from materials like polyester, polypropylene, or pleated paper, which trap suspended solids as water passes through.

  Cartridge filters are particularly favored for their high dirt-holding capacity and easy maintenance, requiring fewer backwashing processes compared to other filtration types. They are ideal for applications where high-quality water is essential, such as in Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS), swimming pools, and drinking water treatment.

  Key Features:

  • Fine filtration: Captures a wide range of particles, from coarse debris to fine particulates.

  • Durability: Made from robust materials for long-lasting performance.

  • Easy maintenance: Replacing or cleaning the cartridge is straightforward, saving time and labor.

  • Versatility: Suitable for various applications like aquaculture, water treatment, and pool filtration.

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  Bag filters

  A bag filter is an efficient filtration solution used to remove suspended solids, debris, and contaminants from water and liquids. This type of filter consists of a fabric bag that traps particles as the fluid flows through it. Commonly used in aquaculture, water treatment, and industrial applications, bag filters are ideal for medium to high-flow filtration, offering fine filtration in a compact and cost-effective design.

  Bag filters are favored for their easy replacement and low maintenance. Available in various materials such as polyester, nylon, and polypropylene, the bags are designed to withstand different chemical environments and temperatures. The filter system can be customized with different mesh sizes to suit specific filtration needs, making it suitable for a wide range of applications, including Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS), food and beverage industries, and pharmaceutical production.

  Key Features:

  • Efficient filtration: Traps particles, debris, and contaminants effectively.

  • Easy maintenance: Simple to replace the filter bags without complex procedures.

  • Versatile applications: Ideal for aquaculture, water treatment, and industrial uses.

  • Durable materials: Available in multiple materials to meet specific requirements.

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  Filtres gravitaires

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  Substrates and...

  Substrates and filtration media are essential elements in water treatment, used to remove contaminants, solid particles, and sometimes pathogens. Below is a description of the main types of substrates and filtration media:

  1. Sand

     • Description: Sand is one of the most common and oldest filtration media. It is used in sand filters to remove suspended solid particles in water.

     • Advantages: Inexpensive, effective for medium and larger particles, easy to maintain.

     • Applications: Rapid sand filters, slow sand filters.

  2. Activated Carbon

     • Description: Activated carbon is a porous material derived from coal, wood, or other organic substances. It is used for adsorbing chemical contaminants, odors, and unpleasant tastes.

     • Advantages: Effective for removing organic chemicals, heavy metals, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.

     • Applications: Activated carbon filters, potable water filtration systems, air purification.

  3. Zeolite

     • Description: Zeolite is a natural mineral with a microporous crystalline structure. It is used to adsorb certain cations like ammonium and can be used in biological filters for water.

     • Advantages: Effective for removing ammonia, heavy metals, and certain ions. It has a high ion-exchange capacity.

     • Applications: Wastewater treatment, pool water filtration, potable water filtration.

  4. Polymer Media or Ion Exchange Resins

     • Description: These resins are used to remove specific ions from water, such as calcium and magnesium (which cause water hardness), or to remove other contaminants like nitrates or heavy metals.

     • Advantages: Precise and effective for removing specific cations or anions.

     • Applications: Potable water treatment, water softening, demineralization.

  5. Gravel

     • Description: Gravel is often used as a support substrate in multi-layer filters. It allows good water flow while retaining larger particles before they reach other filtration layers.

     • Advantages: Provides good drainage, does not compress easily, which helps maintain good water circulation.

     • Applications: Multi-level filtration systems, sand filters.

  6. Perlite

     • Description: Perlite is an expanded volcanic material used as a lightweight filtration substrate. It is often used in water treatment filters for its effectiveness in filtering fine particles.

     • Advantages: Lightweight, inexpensive, and offers a large filtration surface area.

     • Applications: Perlite filters, industrial filtration systems.

  7. Biological Filtration System

     • Description: In these systems, microorganisms develop on a substrate (often media like zeolite, sand, or perlite) and degrade organic contaminants.

     • Advantages: Eco-friendly solution, useful for degrading complex organic compounds.

     • Applications: Wastewater treatment, natural filtration in biological filtration systems.

  8. Shell-Based Media (Oyster Shells or Limestone)

     • Description: These materials are naturally rich in calcium, mainly used for water softening. They act by reducing water hardness by capturing calcium and magnesium ions.

     • Advantages: Naturally reduces water hardness.

     • Applications: Water softening, wastewater treatment.

  9. Synthetic Media (Polymers)

     • Description: These media are made from polymer materials and can be used for specific filtration applications. They are often designed to maximize filtration efficiency while being lightweight and durable.

     • Advantages: High efficiency, durability, resistance to extreme filtration conditions.

     • Applications: Membrane filters, industrial filtration.

  Each type of substrate or filtration media is chosen based on the contaminants to be removed, the type of water (drinking water, wastewater, pool water, etc.), and the specific needs of the treatment system.

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  Reverse osmosis

  Reverse osmosis is a water treatment technology widely used in many fields, including aquaculture, due to its ability to produce high-quality water. Below is a clear description of its working principle and relevance in aquaculture:

  Working Principle of Reverse Osmosis

  Reverse osmosis is a physical process that separates pure water from dissolved impurities using a semi-permeable membrane.

  Process steps:

  • Applied pressure: Raw water (often salty or mineral-rich) is pressurized using a pump.

  • Passing through the membrane: This pressure forces water through a semi-permeable membrane that only allows water molecules to pass, while retaining salts, bacteria, viruses, heavy metals, and other contaminants.

  • Purified water: On one side of the membrane, purified water, known as permeate, is collected.

  • Concentrate rejection: On the other side, concentrated impurities are discharged in a stream called reject or concentrate.

  Relevance of Reverse Osmosis in Aquaculture

  In aquaculture, water quality is essential for the health and growth of fish, crustaceans, and other farmed aquatic organisms. Here’s why reverse osmosis is valuable:

  Main advantages:

  • Salinity control: It allows for the production of freshwater from seawater or brackish water and enables the artificial reconstruction of seawater with an ideal composition (e.g., for shrimp, marine fish larvae, etc.).

  • Removal of contaminants: Eliminates heavy metals, nitrates, phosphates, pesticides, bacteria, and viruses that may be harmful to aquatic animals.

  • Disease prevention: Reduces waterborne pathogens, helping to limit infections and losses.

  • Adaptation to life stages: Some life stages (e.g., larvae) are highly sensitive to water quality; reverse osmosis offers a stable and controlled environment.

  Application examples:

  • Marine fish hatchery: Production of reconstituted seawater using reverse osmosis water and marine salts.

  • Aquaponics: Ensures water quality suitable for integrated plant-animal systems.

  • RAS (Recirculating Aquaculture Systems): Provides ultra-pure water to reduce toxic buildup in closed-loop systems.

  • Aquarium keeping: Supplies very soft water for specific species or for preparing artificial seawater.