Paddle wheel is one of the crucial tools that must be available in shrimp farms, especially farms with intensive cultivation systems. It helps ensure the availability of oxygen sources in the pond in the form of dissolved oxygen (DO) by raising its levels. Sufficient oxygen level will optimize shrimp metabolism, resulting in faster growth.
In addition, paddle wheel also has other functions, such as
- Stabilizing the pond’s water flow.
- Eliminating differences (destratification) of DO concentrations at certain water depths or spots.
- Setting where the sediment should be deposited.
- Optimizing feeding area.
- Minimizing dead spots in the pond.
Given the many functions of paddle wheels, farmers need to install this tool to improve shrimp production. However, farmers cannot just choose any paddle wheels. There are several factors to consider, including quality, power, durability, and cost.
5 tips to choose paddle wheels for shrimp farms
To avoid making mistakes in choosing paddle wheels for shrimp farms, there are five (5) tips that farmers can implement. Take a look at the explanation below.
1. Choose paddle wheels that have proven quality
There are a lot of paddle wheels made by domestic and international factories that offer superior quality at affordable prices. Farmers can do a little research to compare the quality and prices of each paddle wheel factory.
2. Make sure the paddle wheel is rust-proof
The paddle wheel needs to be made of robust construction and materials since it will often be exposed to pond water. The dynamo or machine part is the important main component. It is best to make sure that this part can withstand prolonged exposure to water and is resistant to rust.
3. Make sure the power of the paddle wheel fits the pond
Oxygen requirements in each pond can vary depending on stocking density, pond dimensions, and shrimp’s Day of Culture (DoC). Ponds with high stocking densities require more paddle wheels than ponds with low stocking densities. To ensure adequate oxygen distribution, choose paddle wheels that fit the dimension of the pond. Likewise with DoC. Less paddle wheels are needed when shrimp are still in the form of fry than if they are bigger.
Make sure that the paddle wheel you choose will adequately and evenly raise the pond’s oxygen levels. A paddle wheel with 1 Horse Power (HP) is ideal for supplying up to 500 kg of shrimp. To calculate the amount of paddle wheels needed, the estimated shrimp biomass must be known first.
4. Choose paddle wheels that has lots of holes on its paddles
The paddle part serves to produce oxygen bubbles in the water. It is best to choose paddle wheels with a lot of holes on their paddles and in an identical diameter. The more identical the hole diameter, the more consistent the oxygen bubbles produced.
5. Ensure the availability of spare parts
When choosing a paddle wheel, make sure that spare parts for the wheel are accessible. If there is a problem or damage to the paddle wheel, you can repair and do maintenance as soon as possible.
Measure DO and ORP levels regularly using the right device
Paddle wheels can help raise DO levels in ponds. To remain within the ideal range, DO needs to be monitored regularly. Therefore, make sure to use a convenient, robust, and accurate measurement device like JALA Baruno.
JALA Baruno helps you to measure 4+1 water quality parameters at once, such as DO, pH, salinity, temperature, and oxidation-reduction potential (ORP). These five parameters significantly affect shrimp growth. The measurement results will later be stored in JALA cloud, where you can access it at any time and from anywhere through JALA App. Without regular measurements of DO concentrations and other parameters, cultivation will not run in a productive and sustainable way.
Use the right paddle wheel for a productive cultivation
Paddle wheel is necessary in a pond. Besides increasing DO levels in water, paddle wheels also serve to stabilize water flows, eliminate differences in DO concentration, set sediment position, optimize feeding areas, and minimize dead spots in ponds.
Therefore, it is important to choose the right paddle wheel for farms. Choose paddle wheels that have proven quality, are rust-proof, whose power fits to the pond, have paddles with lots of holes, and whose spare parts can be obtained easily. By choosing and using the right pond wheel, farmers can increase the productivity of their cultivation.
Reference
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