Kicking off the first day of VIV Asia, Peter Blyth, Director of AQ1-Systems, discussed how sound technology can be used to deliver fish feed effectively.
The SF200 feeder uses a hydrophone to listen to the activity and feeding behaviour of shrimp in the pond.
The feeder allows time and money to be saved as it notifies the farmer when it is best to feed and, when feeding should be stopped due to deteriorating conditions, such as temperature and oxygen changes. Thus, this technology also saves on the amount of feed used. The feeder also helps standardize the size of shrimp, speed up the growth rate, and improves water quality.
Projects undertaken by AQ1-Systems has shown that in comparison to hand feeding and blower/automated feeding systems, the SF200 results in a better shrimp size, a lower feed conversion ratio of 1.42 and a much bigger biomass.
The feeder should be placed mid depth in the pond away from nosiy appliances and in the area where shrimp feed. The feeder is connected to a central office which then sends data via the internet, allowing for an immediate response. As feeders are connected to a central office, multiple feeders for more then one pond can be used.
The feeder works best for around 500,000-600,000 shrimp per pond. Dosing of roughly 20-30g/sec is sufficient and a wide adjustable spread of 5-16 meters radius works best.
Also promoting feeding systems at the show is Arun International. Arun's Hatchery Auto Feeder uses a remote controller to control up to eight feed machines, situated above the tanks.
Available word wide, One feeder can feed around 1,000,000 shrimp, reducing feed waste by 30 per cent and saves labour power by up to 80 per cent.
The company's larger auto feeder also comes with a solar panel, meaning it can be used in areas without a power supply. With multiple feed channels, one feed machine can be used to feed up to four ponds.
