Case Study: Using MBBR Media To Reduce Ammonia in Aquaculture Ponds

In daily aquaculture, changes in water quality can have a bigger impact than you might expect. High ammonia levels can slow fish growth and even cause illness. MBBR (Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor) media uses a natural biological process to effectively reduce ammonia, keeping pond water clean and healthy. This article will take you through real-world examples of MBBR media applications in aquaculture.

In aquaculture, fish waste and uneaten feed can easily accumulate in pond water, leading to elevated ammonia levels. When ammonia concentrations become too high, fish experience stress, weakened immunity, slower growth, and in severe cases, even death. Many farmers try to manage this by frequently changing water or using chemical treatments, but these methods are labor-intensive, costly, and often fail to maintain long-term water stability. Therefore, to ensure healthy fish and maximize production, it is essential to effectively control ammonia levels in aquaculture ponds.

MBBR (Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor) uses specialized carrier media to provide a surface for beneficial microorganisms to attach and grow. These microbes form a biofilm on the media, which can break down and convert ammonia and other organic substances in the water into harmless compounds. Moreover, the media continuously moves within the water, allowing the biofilm to come into contact with the water evenly, achieving efficient purification.

1. Location

A 500 m³ freshwater aquaculture pond

2. Challenge

Ammonia levels in the pond often exceeded 1.2 mg/L, affecting fish growth and increasing health risks. In the past, farmers tried frequent water changes or chemical treatments, but the results were limited and the water quality remained unstable.

3. Solution

Aquasust MBBR media was introduced into the pond, where microorganisms formed a biofilm on the media surface and naturally metabolized ammonia and organic substances in the water.

4. Results & Discussion

• After four weeks, ammonia levels dropped from 1.2 mg/L to 0.3 mg/L, a reduction of approximately 75%.
• Water quality became more stable, fish growth improved, and feed conversion rates increased.
• The system was easy to operate and maintain, providing a sustainable, long-term water quality management solution for the pond.

This case demonstrates that MBBR media offer several key advantages in aquaculture applications:

1. Efficient Ammonia Removal

MBBR media provide a stable surface for microorganisms to grow, allowing them to continuously break down ammonia and organic matter. This helps maintain clean and stable water quality in the pond.

2. Improved Overall Production

As ammonia levels decrease and the water becomes more stable, the fish are able to grow in a safer and more comfortable environment, which improves their growth rate and survival - ultimately boosting overall production.

3. Easy Operation

MBBR systems require no complicated management. The media move and renew themselves naturally, and farmers only need to maintain basic water circulation, with little need for frequent maintenance.

4. Flexible for Different Scales and Systems

MBBR media easily fit into different aquaculture setups, whether it's a small pond, a medium- or large-scale farm, or a RAS (Recirculating Aquaculture System). And as your farming operation grows, you can flexibly add more media to increase the treatment capacity.

MBBR media effectively reduce ammonia levels in aquaculture ponds through the natural biodegradation process of the biofilm, providing a healthier environment for fish growth. For farmers looking to improve water quality management, reduce farming risks, and increase production, MBBR media offer a reliable and long-term solution.

Aquasust offers high-quality MBBR media and customized solutions for aquaculture, helping farmers effectively reduce ammonia levels and maintain a healthy water environment for fish. Contact us today to get professional technical support and guidance, and make your aquaculture ponds more efficient and sustainable.