Understanding Fish Cultivation Using Biofloc Pond System

Biofloc pond is a fish farming system that relies on microorganism-based technology to process organic waste into flocs or clumps that can be consumed again by fish. This system relies on a balance between bacteria, oxygen, and carbon sources to create an optimal environment for fish growth.

Background of Using Biofloc System in Fish Cultivation

Conventional fish farming often faces various challenges, such as high feed consumption, rapidly declining water quality, and high risk of disease due to accumulated organic waste. Therefore, the biofloc system is a more efficient and environmentally friendly solution. This technology was first developed in developed countries and is now increasingly in Indonesia, especially for freshwater fish farming such as catfish, tilapia, and patin.

Advantages of Biofloc System Compared to Conventional System

1. Save Water – Biofloc systems can reduce the need for water changes by up to 80-90% compared to conventional methods.
2. Feed Efficiency Mikroorganisme In biofloc it can be a protein-rich additional feed, thereby reducing feed costs.
3. Increased Stocking Density – Fish can be cultured at high densities without increasing the risk of mortality.
4. Maintaining Water Quality – Microorganisms help recycle organic waste into nutrients that are beneficial to fish.
5. Improve Fish Health – Biofloc contains natural probiotics that increase fish resistance to disease.
6. Environmentally Friendly – ​​This system reduces water pollution and negative impacts on the surrounding environment.

With these various advantages, the biofloc system has become one of the fish farming technologies that is highly sought after by both small and large scale farmers.

2. Principles and How the Biofloc System Works

Basic Concept of Biofloc and the Role of Microorganisms. The biofloc system is a fish farming method that relies on the activity of microorganisms to recycle organic waste in ponds. These microorganisms convert leftover feed and fish waste into floc, which are small clumps that are rich in protein and can be re-consumed by fish. The main principle of biofloc is to create a balance between nitrogen, heterotrophic bacteria, and carbon sources so that waste in the pond does not pollute the water, but becomes a source of nutrition for fish. This system significantly reduces the need for water changes and allows fish to be raised at high densities.

Biofloc Formation Process

1. Pool Preparation
   • Ponds must use an aeration system (blower or aerator) to maintain oxygen circulation and water movement.
   • Water filling and preparation by providing probiotics and carbon sources before spreading fish seeds.
2. Providing Carbon Sources
   • Carbon sources such as molasses, tapioca flour, or additional bran to balance the C:N (carbon and nitrogen) ratio.
   • The ideal C:N ratio helps heterotrophic bacteria grow and process ammonia waste into floc.
3. Floc Formation by Microorganisms
   • Heterotrophic bacteria decompose organic waste (leftover feed and fish waste) into floc clumps.
   • Floc contains high protein and can be eaten by fish, thus reducing the need for additional feed.
4. Biofloc Management
   • The aeration system must continue to run so that the floc remains suspended in the water and does not settle.
   • If the floc is too excessive, some of it can come out or be filtered so as not to reduce water quality.

The Role of Bacteria in Maintaining Water Quality and Fish Health

1. Decomposing Ammonia – Heterotrophic bacteria (such as Bacillus dan Pseudomonas) converts toxic ammonia into compounds that are safer for fish.
2. Suppress Pathogens – Probiotics in biofloc compete with pathogenic bacteria, thereby reducing the risk of disease in fish.
3. Improve Fish Health – Floc rich in protein and probiotics improves fish’s immune system and accelerates growth.
4. Minimizing Water Changes – With biofloc, waste in the pond is recycled naturally, so the water does not get dirty quickly and does not need to be changed frequently.

With this principle, the biofloc system is an efficient, cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution for fish farmers.

Main Components of Biofloc Ponds

Cultivation ponds in the biofloc system are specially designed to accommodate fish in high densities while supporting the development of microorganisms.

Type of Pool Used

1. Tarpaulin Pool
   • Most commonly used because it is cheap and easy to make.
   • It can be round or square with an iron or bamboo frame.
2. Concrete Pool
   • More durable and stronger, but costs more.
   • Requires a special layer to prevent leaks and still support biofloc growth.
3. Fiberglass Pool
   • The material is lighter and more durable than concrete.
   • Easy to mobilize the place and more hygienic, but more expensive.

Pool Capacity and Size

• The capacity of biofloc ponds varies depending on the type of fish being farmed.
• Generally, a round pond with a diameter of 3–5 meters and a depth of 1–1.2 meters is sufficient to accommodate a large number of fish.
• Kepadatan ikan dalam kolam bioflok bisa mencapai 50–100 ekor/m³, lebih tinggi dibandingkan budidaya konvensional.

Aeration and Water Circulation

Biofloc systems rely heavily on aeration to maintain dissolved oxygen and prevent floc from settling on the bottom of the pond.

Function of Aerator in Biofloc

• Increases dissolved oxygen levels in water.
• Helps biofloc suspension to remain dispersed and not settle.
• Facilitates bacterial activity in decomposing organic waste.

Oxygen Management in Ponds

• Use an aerator or blower with power adjusted to the pool capacity.
• Ensure even water circulation so that fish get oxygen throughout the pond.
• Check oxygen levels regularly to prevent hypoxia (lack of oxygen).

Carbon Source and Probiotics

To ensure the biofloc system runs optimally, it is necessary to add carbon sources and probiotics so that heterotrophic bacteria can grow well.

Types of Carbon Sources

Carbon sources are useful for balancing the C:N (carbon and nitrogen) ratio so that bacteria can process organic waste effectively. Some types of carbon sources commonly used include:

1. Molasses – A liquid by-product of the sugar making process that is rich in carbon.
2. Rice Bran – Contains high carbohydrates which help the growth of bacteria.
3. Tapioca Flour – An energy source that can accelerate the growth of microorganisms in ponds.

Function of Probiotics in Biofloc Ecosystem

• Helps bacteria decompose ammonia and organic waste into biofloc.
• Suppresses the growth of pathogenic bacteria that can cause fish disease.
• Increase fish endurance and accelerate growth because biofloc can be eaten again as natural feed.

With these main components, biofloc ponds can function optimally, producing high-quality fish with better efficiency than conventional farming systems.

4. Stages of Making a Biofloc Pond

To build an optimal biofloc pond, several stages are required that must be carried out systematically. Here are the steps:

1. Pond Preparation and Aeration Installation

• Choose a location that gets enough sunlight and has access to clean water.
• Prepare the appropriate type of pool (tarpaulin, concrete, or fiberglass) with ideal dimensions.
• Install an aeration system using a blower or aerator with a quantity and capacity appropriate to the size of the pond.
• Make sure the air distribution pipes are evenly distributed so that all parts of the pool get enough oxygen.
• Use a water wheel if necessary to increase oxygen circulation in the water.

2. Water Filling and Environmental Parameter Adjustment

• Fill the pool with clean water that has gone through a filtering process.
• Adjust water parameters to support the growth of microorganisms and fish, with the target of:
  • pH of water: 6.5 – 8
  • Temperature: 26 – 30°C
  • Dissolved oxygen (DO): >4 mg/L
  • Salinity (if required for certain shrimp or fish): 2 – 5 ppt
• Let the water stand for 24 – 48 hours before the microorganism inoculation process.

3. Microorganism Inoculation and Floc Formation

• Add probiotics (heterotrophic bacteria) to the water to help the waste decomposition process.
• Provide a carbon source such as molasses, bran, or tapioca flour to accelerate biofloc growth.
• Turn on the aerator continuously so that the bacteria can grow optimally and flocs begin to form.
• After 5 – 7 days, the floc will start to appear in the water as small, brownish clumps.

4. Fish Seed Distribution and Maintenance

• Select quality fish seeds with uniform size to increase survival rate.
• Carry out the acclimatization process before putting the seeds into the pond:
  • Place the seeds in a container of pond water slowly to adjust the temperature.
  • Let it sit for 15 – 30 minutes before getting into the pool.
• Make sure the aeration system keeps running to maintain water quality.
• Provide feed as needed, paying attention to biofloc as an additional feed source.
• Monitor the condition of the fish regularly, including growth, health, and water quality in the pond.

By following these steps, the biofloc pond can function optimally, producing healthy fish with better feed and water efficiency.

5. Advantages and Challenges of Biofloc Ponds

Water Saving and Environmentally Friendly

• The biofloc system reduces the need for water changes by up to 80-90% compared to conventional cultivation.
• Organic waste in water is decomposed by microorganisms, so it does not pollute the surrounding environment.

Feed Efficiency and Faster Fish Growth

• The biofloc formed can be consumed again by fish as an additional source of protein.
• Reduces feed costs by up to 20-40%, increasing the efficiency of cultivation efforts.
• With a stable water environment and additional feed from biofloc, fish grow faster and healthier.

Reduces the Risk of Disease

• Probiotics in the biofloc system help suppress the growth of pathogenic bacteria.
• Cleaner, more stable water reduces stress on fish, resulting in a lower risk of disease.
• It does not require excessive use of antibiotics, so it is healthier to consume.

Biofloc Pond Challenges

Higher Initial Costs

1. • Building a biofloc pond requires initial investment for aerators, filtration systems, and probiotics.
   • Compared to conventional pools, initial equipment and operational costs can be more expensive.

Microorganism Management Requires Technical Understanding

1. • Farmers must understand how to manage biofloc so that it is not too excessive or too little.
   • The C:N (carbon and nitrogen) ratio must be maintained so that heterotrophic bacteria can grow optimally.
   • Mistakes in management can cause flocs to settle or water quality to decline, adversely affecting fish growth.

Despite the challenges, the advantages of the biofloc system are much more profitable in the long run, especially for farmers who want to increase their harvest efficiently and sustainably.

6. Types of Fish Suitable for Biofloc

The biofloc system is suitable for various types of fish and shrimp that have the ability to adapt to environments rich in microorganisms and high stocking densities. Here are some types that most often use the biofloc system:

1. Catfish (Clarias sp.)

• Suitable Reasons:
  • Catfish have high resistance to water quality fluctuations.
  • Can survive in water conditions with low oxygen levels.
  • Able to utilize biofloc as additional feed, thus saving feed costs.
• Cultivation Advantages:
  • Harvest time is relatively fast (2.5 – 3 months).
  • Market demand is high, both for fresh and processed consumption.

2. Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

• Suitable Reasons:
  • Nila has fast growth and good resistance to disease.
  • Can consume biofloc as an additional source of protein.
  • Suitable for biofloc systems because they can live in high densities.
• Cultivation Advantages:
  • Stable harvest with high economic value.
  • Can be cultivated for local and export markets.

3. Catfish (Pangasius sp.)

• Suitable Reasons:
  • Patin has a high tolerance to environmental changes.
  • Can live in water with lower oxygen levels.
  • Able to utilize biofloc as additional feed.
• Cultivation Advantages:
  • Fast growth with large harvest weight.
  • High demand in domestic and international markets, especially for catfish fillets.

4. Vaname Shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)

• Suitable Reasons:
  • Vaname shrimp require a stable water environment, and can be done with a biofloc system.
  • Biofloc helps improve water quality and reduce organic waste.
  • Microorganisms in biofloc can be an additional source of feed for shrimp.
• Cultivation Advantages:
  • Fast growth and high selling value.
  • Suitable for intensive cultivation with high production.

With the biofloc system, fish and shrimp farming becomes more efficient and productive, resulting in higher yields with lower feed and water costs.

7. Business Prospects and Marketing of Biofloc Cultivation Results

1. Potential Profits from Biofloc Fish Cultivation

Fish farming with the biofloc system has promising business prospects because:

• Production Cost Efficiency
  • Saves water usage up to 80-90% compared to conventional systems.
  • Reduce feed costs by 20-40% because fish can utilize biofloc as an additional source of nutrition.
• High Productivity
  • The fish stocking density is higher (50–100 fish/m³) compared to the normal system.
  • Faster harvest time due to optimal cultivation environment.
• Stable Market Demand
  • Fish such as catfish, tilapia, and patin are always in high demand in both local and international markets.
  • The harvest can be sold fresh or as processed products.

2. Marketing Strategy for Biofloc Fish

In order for the cultivation results to be sold at maximum price, an effective marketing strategy is needed:

• Selling to Traditional and Modern Markets
  • Offering products directly to collectors, fish markets and local restaurants.
  • Enter supermarkets or modern shops with branding as healthy and environmentally friendly fish.
• Digital Marketing
  • Utilizing marketplaces (Tokopedia, Shopee, Bukalapak) to sell fish in fresh or processed form.
  • Promote through social media such as Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.
• Partnership with Culinary Business
  • Establish cooperation with restaurants, catfish stalls, or seafood restaurants.
  • Providing fish in large quantities at competitive prices for the catering or frozen food industry.
• Product Diversification
  • Processing the harvest into value-added products such as fish fillets, shredded fish, nuggets, or fish meatballs.
  • Targeting a wider market with ready-to-consume products.

3. Export Opportunities and Business Partnerships

• Export Opportunities
  • Fish from biofloc cultivation have better quality, so there is an opportunity for export to countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, Japan and Europe.
  • Processed products such as patin and tilapia fillets are also in high demand in the international market.
• Partnerships with Large Companies
  • Join a cooperative or fish farming group to increase production capacity.
  • Establish cooperation with agribusiness companies that require large supplies of fish.
• Government Support and Investment
  • Government assistance programs and subsidies for biofloc development are increasingly available.
  • Investors and agritech startups are starting to be interested in supporting technology-based fisheries businesses such as biofloc.

With the right marketing strategy and utilization of export opportunities, fish farming with the biofloc system can be a profitable and sustainable business.

8. Conclusion and Recommendations

1. Summary of the Benefits of Biofloc Ponds

Biofloc ponds have been proven to be an efficient and sustainable fish farming system with various benefits, including:

• Save water – Reduces the need for water changes by up to 80-90%, making it more environmentally friendly.
• Feed efficiency – Biofloc can be useful as a natural feed source, reducing feed costs by 20-40%.
• Increased productivity – Fish density in biofloc ponds is higher than conventional systems.
• Reducing the risk of disease – Probiotics in biofloc systems help maintain fish health and reduce dependence on antibiotics.
• Promising business opportunity – With the demand for fish for consumption continuing to increase, biofloc offers high profit potential for farmers.

2. Recommendations for Beginners Who Want to Start This System

For farmers who want to start fish farming with a biofloc system, here are some recommended steps:

• Learn the basics of biofloc – Understanding the working principles of microorganisms, carbon sources, and C:N ratios is critical to the success of this system.
• Start small – Test with one or two ponds before expanding to make it easier to manage and understand the technicalities.
• Use quality seeds – Make sure the fish seeds come from a trusted hatchery to reduce the risk of death.
• Ensure optimal aeration – A good aeration system is essential to keep the biofloc suspended and the water quality stable.
• Routine monitoring – Monitor water quality, fish growth, and biofloc conditions regularly to prevent problems that can reduce productivity.

3. Future Prospects for Biofloc Development

Biofloc systems have bright prospects in the fisheries industry, especially with the trend of aquaculture increasingly moving towards efficiency and sustainability. Some of its future development opportunities include:

• Technological innovation – The use of automated sensors and IoT-based monitoring systems can increase the efficiency of biofloc management.
• Expansion to various types of commodities – In addition to catfish, tilapia, and patin, this system has the potential to be developed for other species such as freshwater lobster and ornamental fish.
• Integration with aquaponic farming – Biofloc can be combined with aquaponic systems to create a more sustainable farming ecosystem.
• Support from government and investors – As awareness of sustainable fisheries increases, opportunities for funding and technical assistance for biofloc farmers are opening up.

Overall, the biofloc system is an innovative solution that not only increases fish production but also maintains environmental balance and provides greater economic benefits. With proper implementation, biofloc can become a mainstay in the modern fisheries industry in Indonesia.