Since 95% of all aquaculture problems, including disease, are caused by poor water quality and, in turn, 99% of poor water quality is solvable by proper aeration (oxygenation), it is clear that aeration plays a crucial role in this process.

Oxygen is the first limiting factor in recirculating aquaculture systems; with less than the required levels, most fish and other aquatic organisms will die in a very short period of time. It is also important that the biofilters used in

aquaculture have access to adequate oxygen. Additionally, nitrification (the conversion of ammonia to non-toxic nitrate by bacteria) cannot occur without the presence of oxygen.

When planning for the proper aeration of an aquaculture system, there are many points to consider:

• Stocking density (the number of pounds of fish per gallon of water)
• The type of fish your system is growing
• The amount of feed being applied to your system
• The daily feeding schedule
• The amount of ammonia being generated by your system
• The type of system (hatchery, recirculating system, grow-out pond, etc.)
• The type of water in your system (green, clear, fresh or salt)
• The surface area of your system
• The size of your grow-out tanks

Colorite AeroTube™ aeration tubing offers these distinct advantages:

• Cuts energy costs by up to 75%
• Maintains higher dissolved oxygen (DO) levels
• Allows for higher stocking densities
• Allows for higher quantities of food per feeding
• Allows for more frequent feedings
• Helps to promote faster fish growth
• Low start up cost
• Low replacement cost