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TAAT e-catalog for private sector
https://e-catalogs.taat-africa.org/com/technologies/flow-through-and-recirculatory-water-systems-for-fish-tanks
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Flow-Through and Recirculatory Water Systems for Fish Tanks

Enhance fish farming efficiency with sustainable water systems, reducing resource wastage and ensuring robust fish growth.

The recirculatory aquaculture system (RAS) technology is an innovative method used in fish farming that optimizes water usage by continuously recycling and purifying water within a closed-loop system. In RAS, water from the fish tanks is filtered to remove waste products and then recirculated back into the tanks, reducing the need for large volumes of fresh water. This technology enables higher fish stocking densities, leading to increased productivity and efficiency compared to traditional aquaculture methods. RAS also allows for better control of water quality parameters such as oxygen levels, temperature, and pH, resulting in healthier fish and reduced environmental impact. Overall, RAS represents a sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to fish farming that maximizes resource utilization and minimizes waste.

This technology is TAAT1 validated.

7•8

Scaling readiness: idea maturity 7/9; level of use 8/9

44000 USD

Recirculation System (130 m3) treatment

1.5—5 USD

Settling of square meter pond construction

IP

Open source / open access

Problem

  • Limited access to land and water: Traditional fish farming requires large areas for ponds and reliable access to water, which limits production where these resources are scarce.
  • Limited access to reliable water and electricity: Flow-through systems depend on a continuous supply of clean water and electricity for pumps and filtration equipment.
  • Poor water quality: Maintaining suitable water quality and oxygen levels is difficult in densely stocked fish tanks and ponds.
  • Fish health risks: Poor water quality creates conditions that increase fish stress and disease outbreaks, reducing fish growth and farm performance.

Solution

  • Efficient use of land and water: The system supports higher fish densities in smaller areas and recycles water, reducing the amount of fresh water required.
  • Better water management: Recirculatory systems filter and purify water continuously, reducing dependence on large volumes of fresh water.
  • Improved water quality: Filtration and conditioning units help maintain suitable water conditions for fish growth.
  • Better fish health: The system regulates water temperature, oxygen levels and pH, helping reduce stress and maintain healthier fish

Key points to design your business plan

Maximize fish production, minimize expenses, and ensure top-tier product quality through RAS technology. Enhance operational efficiency, mitigate environmental impact, and stimulate economic progress within your locality. Position yourself as a pioneer in sustainable aquaculture methods and innovation.

Regarding expenses, take into account the estimated costs for recirculation pumping and piping, approximately USD 22,000, and mechanical, physical, biological, and chemical treatment, around USD 44,000 for a 130 m3 tank. Additionally, factor in water supply and treatment expenses, influenced by drainage specifics. Contractor fees for constructing a settling pond typically range from USD 1.5 to 5 per square meter, depending on soil type and lining materials.

Given the widespread availability of this technology, consider delivery expenses to the project site and account for any import-related fees.

Collaboration with agricultural development institutions and agro-dealers can facilitate effective implementation.

Furthermore, explore the incorporation of complementary technologies like All Male Tilapia Fingerlings with Greater Yield and Uniformity and Fast Growing and Hybrid African Catfish to maximize overall efficiency.

Adults 18 and over: Positive high

Increased employment opportunities in aquaculture management, maintenance, and system operation. Potential for entrepreneurial ventures in fish farming with reduced land and water needs.

The poor: Positive low

Opportunity for small-scale farmers to adopt sustainable fish farming, improving income and livelihoods.

Under 18: Positive medium

Improved food security by increasing fish production, providing a reliable source of affordable protein.

Women: Positive medium

Economic empowerment through involvement in aquaculture businesses, which can be managed in smaller spaces. Increased income and livelihood opportunities, contributing to household financial stability.

Climate adaptability: Highly adaptable

Allows consistent fish production in climates with fluctuating water availability

Farmer climate change readiness: Significant improvement

Prepares farmers to adapt to water and land limitations caused by climate change

Environmental health: Greatly improves environmental health

Prevents pollution of nearby ecosystems by controlling waste and nutrient discharge.

Water use: Much less water used

Recycles water, significantly reducing freshwater consumption. Requires less water compared to traditional open-pond aquaculture systems.

Scaling Readiness describes how complete a technology's development is and its ability to be scaled. It produces a score that measures a technology's readiness along two axes: the level of maturity of the idea itself, and the level to which the technology has been used so far.

Each axis goes from 0 to 9 where 9 is the “ready-to-scale” status. For each technology profile in the e-catalogs we have documented the scaling readiness status from evidence given by the technology providers. The e-catalogs only showcase technologies for which the scaling readiness score is at least 8 for maturity of the idea and 7 for the level of use.

The graph below represents visually the scaling readiness status for this technology, you can see the label of each level by hovering your mouse cursor on the number.

Read more about scaling readiness ›

Scaling readiness score of this technology

Maturity of the idea 7 out of 9

Semi-controlled environment: prototype

Level of use 8 out of 9

Used by some intended users, in the real world

Maturity of the idea Level of use
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Countries with a green colour
Tested & adopted
Countries with a bright green colour
Adopted
Countries with a yellow colour
Tested
Countries with a blue colour
Testing ongoing
Egypt Equatorial Guinea Ethiopia Algeria Angola Benin Botswana Burundi Burkina Faso Democratic Republic of the Congo Djibouti Côte d’Ivoire Eritrea Gabon Gambia Ghana Guinea Guinea-Bissau Cameroon Kenya Libya Liberia Madagascar Mali Malawi Morocco Mauritania Mozambique Namibia Niger Nigeria Republic of the Congo Rwanda Zambia Senegal Sierra Leone Zimbabwe Somalia South Sudan Sudan South Africa Eswatini Tanzania Togo Tunisia Chad Uganda Western Sahara Central African Republic Lesotho
Countries where the technology is being tested or has been tested and adopted
Country Testing ongoing Tested Adopted
Benin –No ongoing testing –Not tested Adopted
Botswana –No ongoing testing –Not tested Adopted
Burundi –No ongoing testing –Not tested Adopted
Cameroon –No ongoing testing –Not tested Adopted
Côte d’Ivoire –No ongoing testing –Not tested Adopted
Democratic Republic of the Congo –No ongoing testing –Not tested Adopted
Djibouti –No ongoing testing –Not tested Adopted
Equatorial Guinea –No ongoing testing –Not tested Adopted
Ethiopia –No ongoing testing –Not tested Adopted
Kenya –No ongoing testing –Not tested Adopted
Madagascar –No ongoing testing –Not tested Adopted
Malawi –No ongoing testing –Not tested Adopted
Nigeria –No ongoing testing –Not tested Adopted
Rwanda –No ongoing testing –Not tested Adopted
Senegal –No ongoing testing –Not tested Adopted
Sierra Leone –No ongoing testing –Not tested Adopted
South Sudan –No ongoing testing –Not tested Adopted
Sudan –No ongoing testing –Not tested Adopted
Tanzania –No ongoing testing –Not tested Adopted
Uganda –No ongoing testing –Not tested Adopted
Zambia –No ongoing testing –Not tested Adopted
Zimbabwe –No ongoing testing –Not tested Adopted

This technology can be used in the colored agro-ecological zones. Any zones shown in white are not suitable for this technology.

Agro-ecological zones where this technology can be used
AEZ Subtropic - warm Subtropic - cool Tropic - warm Tropic - cool
Arid
Semiarid
Subhumid
Humid

Source: HarvestChoice/IFPRI 2009

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals that are applicable to this technology.

Sustainable Development Goal 2: zero hunger
Goal 2: zero hunger

Increases fish production, contributing to food security by providing a sustainable source of protein. Enhances local food systems and reduces reliance on overfishing.

Sustainable Development Goal 6: clean water and sanitation
Goal 6: clean water and sanitation

Promotes efficient water use through recycling and filtration, minimizing freshwater consumption. Reduces water pollution by controlling waste discharge.

Sustainable Development Goal 13: climate action
Goal 13: climate action

Helps farmers adapt to climate variability by using water-efficient and land-conserving systems.

Sustainable Development Goal 11: sustainable cities and communities
Goal 11: sustainable cities and communities

Helps farmers adapt to climate variability by using water-efficient and land-conserving systems.

  1. Installation:

    • Set up the recirculatory system components, including tanks, filters, pumps, and aeration systems, in a suitable location.
    • Ensure all connections are secure and properly sealed to prevent water leakage.
  2. Water Preparation:

    • Fill the tanks with clean water, ensuring it meets the required temperature and oxygen levels for the fish species being cultured.
  3. Initiate the System:

    • Start the recirculation system by activating the pumps. This will begin the flow of water through the filtration process.
  4. Monitor Water Quality:

    • Use water testing kits to regularly assess key parameters such as pH levels, ammonia content, and oxygen saturation.
    • Adjust the system settings or make necessary changes if any parameter falls outside the recommended range.
  5. Maintain Filtration:

    • Routinely clean and maintain the filters to prevent clogging and ensure optimal filtration efficiency.
    • Replace any damaged or worn-out filter components as needed.
  6. Fish Feeding:

    • Provide fish with appropriate feed based on their species and size. Monitor feeding schedules to avoid overfeeding or underfeeding.
  7. Observe Fish Behavior:

    • Regularly observe the fish for any signs of stress, illness, or abnormal behavior. Address any issues promptly.
  8. Record Keeping:

    • Maintain detailed records of water quality parameters, feed consumption, and fish growth. This information will aid in fine-tuning the system for optimal results.
  9. Harvesting and Stocking:

    • When fish reach the desired size for harvest, use appropriate methods to safely and humanely harvest them from the tanks.
    • If restocking is required, ensure that new fish are acclimated to the system gradually to minimize stress.
  10. Routine Maintenance:

    • Conduct regular checks on all system components, including pumps, filters, and aeration devices. Repair or replace any faulty parts promptly.

Last updated on Sep 21, 2026