Viability of Using a Low Energy Air Pump to Aerate Freshwater Prawn Ponds

2016 Annual Report for FNC16-1045

Project Type: Farmer/Rancher
Funds awarded in 2016: $7,477.00
Projected End Date: 01/30/2018
Grant Recipient: Don's Prawns & More
Region: North Central
State: Ohio
Project Coordinator:
Don Maloney
Don's Prawns & More

Viability of Using a Low Energy Air Pump to Aerate Freshwater Prawn Ponds

Summary

Think of an aquaculture pond as a giant fish tank. In fish tanks there is usually a stone at the bottom of the tank that emits little micro bubbles of air produced from an external air pump. The ponds must also have enough oxygen in order for the prawns to survive.

As the fish increase in size (in this case freshwater prawns) the quantity of oxygen in the water decreases. The larger they grow the more oxygen they use. External measures such as aerators are used to increase oxygen levels.

In our operation we use the Aire-02  from Aeration Industries. See aireo2.com for description. These commercial duty aerators are heavy duty and inject micro bubbles into the water, which dissolves the oxygen into the water, which in turns increases, the oxygen levels.

aero2

These entry-level aerators have a MSRP of $ 1,200.00. A 2 HP at 220 volts motor powers them. This device does well increasing oxygen levels, also known as DO (dissolved oxygen) but in turn increases the electric usage considerably. During the summer months our electric bill goes from $40.00 a month to $400.00 a month.

Objectives/Performance Targets

Our proposal will determine if a low cost unit which consumes considerably less electricity can handle the oxygen needs of one of our ponds throughout the entire season.

We can build an aeration system that uses off the shelf components. Based on input information from the air pump manufacturer, our energy cost should be $120.00 a month or a 70% savings from the current operation.

We believe Aero-Tube aeration hose that we will use has significantly higher oxygen transfer rates, which increases higher dissolved oxygen (DO) levels over the standard air stones.

low cost 2 low cost Aerator

 

But more importantly it will consume LESS electricity. Therefore saving us money and putting less of a burden on the generating plant.

Accomplishments/Milestones

Preparations for the delivery of the post larvae prawns took place between May 15 and the beginning of June. A group of FFA students prepared the ponds, which included placement of the aerators, substrate post and substrate among other aquaculture tasks.

On June 4, 40,000 post larvae prawn where delivered. The count was done and 20,000 were distributed to each pond.

deliery

 July 19th our farm hosted a tour for the Supervisors of the Soil and Water Conservation Districts of Ohio. There were 33 different counties represented (a total of 89 people plus about 4 additional from the local staff).

SWCD tour 16

Impacts and Contributions/Outcomes

Environmental benefits:

90% of all shrimp/prawns that are sold in the US are imported! Most imported shrimp comes from Southeast Asia (Thailand, Vietnam, China and India). These and other countries are not known for following best practices in production especially with the use of “not for human consumption antibiotic drugs”.

A freshwater prawn is a product that is sustainable and would alleviate pressure on the natural environment. According to the Monterey Bay Aquarium Sea Food Watch List growing freshwater prawns fulfills both of those requirements.

“U.S. farmed freshwater prawns are a “Best Choice” and, with a green ranking in each of the criterion considered by Seafood Watch, one of the most sustainable seafood choices available”.

Producing more of a sustainable product (prawns) and utilizing the same amount of precious resources of water, land and less electricity.

This would not only lessen the environmental impact of over fishing the oceans by producing an aquaculture product which is locally grown, but helps eliminate any disruption in the food chain by creating food chain security and reducing the environmental impact on planet Earth.

Economic benefits:

The economic benefits are the potential for greater profit using fewer resources. Less electricity used, and also smaller startup costs for the aerators would increase profits. Don’s Prawns are locally grown and in return, we support other local farmers and local businesses. FFA students earn extra income and then spend it, which brings more cash into the community.

Collaborators:

Katelyn Maloney

Helper
Don's Prawns
7440 Coonpath Rd N.E.
Lancaster, Ohio 43130
Website: donsprawns.com
Dillan Maloney

Don's Prawns and More
7440 Coonpath Rd N.E.
Lancaster, Ohio 43130
Website: Donsprawns.com
12 Student TBA From Fairfield High School FFA program

Helpers
Future Farmers of America Fairfield Union High School
6675 Cincinnati Zanesville Rd NE
Lancaster, OH 43130