Projects > Aquaculture > Jamberoo Aquaculture

Size: 4 million litre pond

Location: Jamberoo, NSW, Australia

System Size: 2 x BioGill biofilters total 500m² treating membrane

Jamberoo Aquaculture

Situation

To validate BioGill Nano-ceramic membrane™ capability as an effective biofiltration system for Silver Perch (Bidyanus bidyanus) grow out ponds. The key measures are to: 

  • Reduce energy usage and energy costs while delivering improved water treatment results
  • Reduce levels of ammonia and other aquaculture waste to achieve optimal growth rates for Silver Perch
  • Reduce or completely eliminate the need for purging prior to harvest.

Solution

Two gravity feed, low energy, above ground BioGill biofilters for biofiltration of pond water were installed in November 2012. No external organisms have been introduced to the system; treating biology was established from existing microorganisms in the current aquaculture system.

Design

The main advantage of the technology in aquaculture environments, is that BioGill units work with the existing cultures in the pond water. No chemicals, no bacteria and no microorganisms are added.  Instead, BioGill biofilters harnesses the power of Mother Nature in a completely healthy, proven, safe and natural system for the treatment of aquaculture pond water.

Results

Below, is an extract from "BioGill Water Treatment - Aquaculture. Assessment of a BioGill water treatment plant at Jamberoo Aquaculture" by Dr Tim Charlton, Aqua Firma Solutions.

 "Installation of two BioGill biofilters on the Bottom Dam is associated with improved stability in water quality as measured by diurnal changes in dissolved oxygen levels and the removal of ammonia.

Direct comparison of dissolved oxygen and ammonia, nitrite and nitrate at the inlet and outlet of the BioGill units showed the outlet to have:

  • Higher dissolved oxygen
  • Lower ammonia
  • Higher nitrate

This result indicates active oxidation of ammonia, a toxic by-product for Silver Perch and other farmed fish species.Other indicators of good water quality for the Bottom Dam are:

  • Feeding rates were able to be increased from 6 to 30 kg/day without changing the aeration schedule for the paddle wheel
  • A low percentage of harvested fish (2%) with signs of disease or stress compared to the Top Dam with no BioGills (10%)."

If you would like a copy of Dr Charlton's full report, please contact us