Biofloc fish farming can be disastrous if not maintained properly. Recently, a farmer in Mararikkulam of Alappuzha had to face a loss of Rs 2 lakh after the oxygen supply to the fish pond was disconnected by some anti-socials. In biofloc fish farming, about 3000 fish can be cultivated in a fish tank that has 2 metre area. It also ensures high profit for the farmer.
Fish farming can be continued for many years in the tank which has a life of upto 5-10 years. It does not require large ponds and frequent changing of water. Fish can be harvested within 4-5 months. But oxygen has to be pumped through water all the time. If motor got damaged at night or oxygen pumping is blocked, all fish will die together.
A bacteria called Lactobacillus is grown in the fish tank in the first 15 days. They absorb ammonia and other pollutants and will help keep the tank clean always. So, once the tank is set up, the water need not be changed or pumped out. The cost of making a tank is about Rs 50,000.
In the incident occurred in Mararikkulam, the farmer had to face the loss as somebody switched off the oxygen cylinder in the farm. Following this, 2500 tilapia fish to be harvested in a month died. The farmers have to monitor the functioning of motor and oxygen pumping in view of similar accidents.
