UV Disinfection System Applied for Aquaponics / Aquaculture / Freshwater Fish Farming

Aquaculture farming techniques like fish farming and aquaponics need a means of sterilization for water quality. UV treatment is a water purification technique that can be used for freshwater aquariums. Ultraviolet technology is non-harmful to the marine world and very effective in sterilizing water. In this way, the crops live in a healthy environment and greatly reduce the outbreaks of disease that crops can suffer.

If you want to equip yourself with an effective disinfection system for Aquaponics / Aquaculture / Freshwater Fish Farming, the complete range of UV reactors for freshwater can be consulted online, and the sizing can be done on this page.

UV Disinfection Applied to Aquaponics Aquaculture Freshwater Fish Farming – 1H2O3

Disinfection system benefits

In addition to guaranteeing healthy water free of any risk of contamination by microorganisms, UV treatment of water is also part of an environmental approach:

  • In terms of health, the water treatment, without the addition of harmful pool products, guarantees swimming without the risk of allergies and respiratory diseases (non-chemical)
  • It is also of interest in terms of comfort by ensuring clear, crystal clear and odorless water.
  • The absence of chlorine makes for a safe, environmentally-friendly process.
  • UV treatment makes it possible to achieve real savings thanks to a long service life of the installations and simple, reliable, and long-lasting equipment.
  • Last but not least, the system can be installed and maintained quickly and easily.

Sizing advice: UV disinfection applied for Aquaponics / Aquaculture / Freshwater fish farming

On the page dedicated to UV reactors for fresh water, many solutions are offered (up to a unit flow rate of 130 m3/h). For higher flow rates, up to 130 m3/h, please contact us!

  • Select “Freshwater”
  • Select the source of water to be purified, for example “Aquariums and ornamental ponds in freshwater”.
  • Enter the flow rate to be treated (for example 25 m3/h)
  • Adjust the cost of electricity in your country (for example 0.09€ for France; 0.23€ for Germany)
  • Leave 30 mJ/cm² (or adapt)
    Specify the temperature of the water (normally, between 5 and 40°C is sufficient)
  • Please enter your email address, we will send you the design right away

In any case, to ensure optimal disinfection and decide if pre-filters are necessary, it is recommended to carry out an analysis of the water source with these parameters:

  • Iron
  • Hardness
  • Turbidity
  • Manganese
  • Suspended solids (TSS)
  • Transmittance UV

FAQ

Is UV treatment effective in preventing bacterial and viral diseases in aquaponics and fish farming?

Yes, UV treatment is particularly effective in reducing pathogen load in aquaponic and fish farming systems. UV-C rays destroy the DNA of microorganisms, thus neutralizing bacteria, viruses and parasites present in the water. This prevents common diseases such as columnaria or viral infections, without the use of chemicals, thus preserving the biological balance essential to these systems.

The lifespan of a UV lamp typically ranges from 8,000 to 10,000 hours of continuous operation, or about 9 to 14 months of use. Even if the lamp still emits light, its germicidal effectiveness decreases over time. It is therefore recommended to replace it annually to ensure optimal disinfection. Some signs, such as less clear water or an increase in diseases, may indicate a decrease in the effectiveness of the lamp .

Yes, UV disinfection systems are compatible with aquaponics. They treat circulating water without affecting essential plant nutrients. However, it is crucial to properly size the UV system to avoid over-sterilization that could impact the beneficial microorganisms needed for nitrification. A balance between disinfection and maintenance of microbial biodiversity is essential for the proper functioning of an aquaponic system .

The maintenance costs of a UV system in aquaculture mainly include the annual replacement of the lamp (about 50 to 150 € depending on the model) and the regular cleaning of the quartz sleeve to avoid deposits reducing the effectiveness of UV radiation. Overall maintenance of the water treatment and filtration system can account for about 10-15% of a fish farm’s total operating costs .

The sizing of a UV system depends on several factors: the water flow, the total volume of the system, the organic load, and the specific disinfection objectives. Choosing a suitable UV reactor for your facility’s flow rate is essential to ensure sufficient exposure of microorganisms to UV rays. Online calculation tools or professional advice can help determine the appropriate model for your system.

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