The aeration rate used in a pond must be adjusted to maintain the proper concentration of dissolved oxygen. The biochemical oxygen demand of a feed is 1.2 kg/kg. The average oxygen transfer efficiency of an aerator is 80%. It is possible to use an aquaculture aerator with a low power consumption for shrimp farming, which eat plankton at the bottom of the pond.

There are several factors that influence the energy consumption of an aerator. In shrimp farming, disease is one of the most common challenges. Aeration will increase energy consumption, so it is important to monitor dissolved oxygen concentrations regularly. The dissolved oxygen concentrations in the water should be between 10 and 15 gJ/t of shrimp. However, dissolved oxygen levels are not monitored in all shrimp farms. Nonetheless, an aerator must be used if the yield of shrimp is low.

There are several different types of aerators, including paddlewheel and vertical pumps. The propeller-aspirator-pump aerator is based on the venturi principle. Diffused air aeration systems include a diffused air blower with an air diffuser on the bottom of the pond. They all have their advantages and disadvantages. It is up to you to choose the best option for your needs.

The energy consumption of an aquaculture aerator depends on its size. Aeration systems of the same size and power can be used for shrimp farming. Most aerators can run at about half of their capacity during the day, which is sufficient for most farming operations. Some aerators can handle as much as four kilograms of shrimp, which is considered an acceptable standard. The average operating time of an aerator is 7.5 hours a day.

Most producers use aeration to increase the respiration rate of their culture species. This is done by providing oxygen to decomposing waste such as uneaten feed, dead plankton and feces. On the other hand, living plankton need oxygen in order to survive and grow. However, during daylight, algae generate more oxygen than they use for respiration. During night time, photosynthesis ceases, and algae continue to respire.

The rate of oxygen transfer is highest when the measured dissolved oxygen concentration is low. Waiting until dissolved oxygen concentration falls to zero mg/L prior to aeration increases oxygen-transfer rates. This strategy, however, has obvious drawbacks. First, aeration at saturation is wasteful. It is also not efficient. Aeration efficiency is much lower when the water is super-saturated. Therefore, it is better to use aerators with a lower SAE.

Another type of aeration is paddle wheels. Paddle wheels add more oxygen to water per dollar of electricity than other types of aerators. Moreover, they work in shallow ponds. They consist of a motor mounted on a floating platform and a large rotating drum or cylinder with broad plastic or metal flaps. Paddle wheels generate a considerable amount of surface circulation, which disperses oxygenated water throughout the pond.