Oxygen and Aeration

Abstract

Oxygen is essential for the production of all species of fish and shellfish. Aeration is the most effective means of increasing the dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration of culture water. Aeration is the addition of oxygen or air to water. It is not a new process, but interest has increased tremendously over the past decade. Aeration can increase the carrying capacity of an aquaculture system when DO is the limiting factor. Unfortunately, many fish farmers, researchers , extension specialists, equipment manufacturers and others have a poor understanding of aeration principles. Consequently, they have unrealistic expectations of what benefits aeration can provide. This chapter attempts to assemble basic oxygen and aeration facts and fundamentals. This chapter also discusses aerator tests, types of aer-ators, and application practices. In addition, relatively new concepts involving the application of pure oxygen are discussed.