Evaluación de la eficiencia de un sistema de producción acuícola con biofloc y filtración mecánica y biológica en el cultivo de tilapia negra (Oreochromis niloticus): comparación entre un sistema testigo y un sistema tratado

Abstract

Abstract: This study evaluated the comparative efficiency of two closed aquaculture systems for the culture of Oreochromis niloticus (Nile tilapia): (I) an experimental system integrating biofloc technology with mechanical and biological filtration, and (II) a conventional system without these technologies. The experiment was conducted in the greenhouse of the Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja, using two 1000 L tanks stocked with 100 fish each. The treated system used biofloc prepared with molasses, rice, yogurt, sugar, and yeast, along with artisanal filters: a mechanical filter using polyester fiber and a biological filter composed of pumice stone, ceramic, brick, and clay. Water quality parameters including temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, total dissolved solids, ammonium, nitrites, and nitrates were monitored, together with fish weight, length, condition factor (K), specific growth rate (SGR), feed conversion ratio (FCR), feed consumption percentage, and survival every 15 days. Results showed that the biofloc system provided greater water stability, higher dissolved oxygen levels, and lower nitrogenous compounds, reducing water exchange to one event compared to four in the control system. Fish achieved higher final weight, greater length, and 92% survival versus 78% in the control, with improved feed conversion (1.55 vs. 1.84). These findings indicate that integrating biofloc with filtration improves water quality, growth performance, and production sustainability.