This document describes a low-cost recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) for farming Pangasius fish. RAS allows for high-density fish farming using minimal water by filtering and reusing water. The system requires less land and water than traditional pond aquaculture while producing higher yields. Key components include culture tanks, mechanical and biological filters, pumps, and environmental controls. Capital costs include construction, equipment, and infrastructure. Operational costs include electricity, maintenance, and labor. The system is projected to produce 42.7 metric tons annually at a total cost of Rs. 56.15 lakh and benefit-cost ratio indicating profitability.

1. Low cost Re-circulatory Aquaculture System (RAS)
(for Pangasius fish production)
Model DPR
Draft Copy

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Contents Index
S.No Particulars Page No.
1 Introduction 3
2 Advantages of RAS 4
3 Disadvantages of RAS 4
4 Components of RAS 5
5 Design Parameters 6
6 Total Project Cost 6
7 Capital Cost 7-8
8 Operational Expenditure 9-10
9 Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR) 11-12
10 Detailed Estimates 13-16

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Introduction
Re-circulatory Aquaculture System (RAS) represents a new and unique
way to grow fish at high density under controlled environmental conditions.
Generally, farmers adopt a more intensive approach (higher densities and more
rigorous management) in RAS than other aquaculture production systems.
Instead of the traditional method of growing fish outdoors in open ponds and
raceways, this system rears fish at high densities, in indoor tanks with a
"controlled" environment. Recirculating systems filter and clean the water for
recycling back through fish culture tanks. The technology is based on the use of
mechanical and biological filters, and the method can in principle be used for
any species grown in aquaculture. New water is added to the tanks only to make
up for splash out and evaporation and for that used to flush out waste materials.
Re-circulatory aquaculture is essentially a life support system for fish. It is
generally defined as intensive aquaculture in which the water is reconditioned
as it circulates through the system and no more than 10% of the total water
volume of the system is replaced daily. In order to compete economically and
efficiently use the substantial capital investment in the recirculation system, the
fish farmer needs to grow as much fish as possible in his system. The level of
intensity in recirculation aquaculture is expressed as weight of fish per unit of
water.
Given the fact that traditional methods of fish farming in India is able to
produce just between 8-10 tons of fish per hectare of land and at the same time
uses more than 20 liters of water per kgs of fish. Contrary to this re -circulatory
Aquaculture System may need 1/8th of a hectare & 1/6th of water and still
would be able to produce up to 60 tons of fish per year. According to FAO by
2030 our fish consumption requirements would be 4 times of our current

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production. Re-circulatory aquaculture systems are closed-loop production
systems that continuously filter and recycle water, enabling large-scale fish
farming that requires a small amount of water and releases little or no pollution.
Advantages of RAS
 Very low water requirements as compared to pond aquaculture system
or raceways.
 Flexibility in site selection and independence from a large water source.
 Reduced land needs due to the high stocking density
 Reduction in wastewater effluent volume and environment friendly.
 Increased biosecurity and ease in treating disease outbreaks if any.
 Ability to closely monitor and control environmental conditions to
maximize production efficiency. Similarly, independence from weather
and variable environmental conditions. Can be used in extreme weather
zone also with ease.
 High output fish from minimal area with fish density ranging upto 50-
150kg/m3 under perfect conditions
Disadvantages
 Constant uninterrupted power supply
 A need for highly trained staff to monitor and operate the system
 High upfront investment in materials and infrastructure.
 High operating costs mostly due to electricity, and system maintenance

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Components of RAS
There are a wide range of RAS designs and many options for water
treatment components. Components can be divided into the following
categories:
• Essential components: These include water supply, mechanical filtration,
biological filtration, disease control elements, culture tanks, pumps, plumbing,
environmental control, elements to manage dissolved gases (oxygen and carbon
dioxide), and back-up power supply.
• Supporting infrastructure and equipment: This includes the shed (or other
structures to house the system), water quality monitoring equipment, alarm
system, feeding system, storage facilities, staff amenities, administration and
workshop facilities.
• Additional systems to enhance production: These may include quarantine,
purging and weaning systems, and auto-monitoring and control systems.
Planning and Implementation
The idea of building a recirculation fish farm is often based on very
different views on what is important and what is interesting. People tend to
focus on things they already know or things they find most exciting, and in the
process forget about other aspects of the RAS.
Five major issues should be addressed before launching a project:
• Sales prices and market for the fish intended for production
• Site selection including licences from authorities
• System design and production technology
• Work force including a committed manager
• Financing the complete project

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I. Design Parameters:
1. Production capacity :42.70 MT
2. Capacity of each culture tank :81.93cum
3. Total number of Tanks :8 Nos
4. Total capacity of all tank :655.44cum
II. Total Project Cost: ₹56,15,038
1. Total Capital Cost: ₹30,67,233
2. Total Operational Cost : ₹25,47,805

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Capital Cost-
Abstract Estimate

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A. Capital Cost
S.No Description Unit Rate Total Cost
1 Construction of tanks of each size –
(7.65mX7.65m X1.5m) with capacity of
81.93cum each - Total 8 Nos- Including
drainage, shallow bore well and motor
13,30,898.00 ₹13,30,898.00
2 Construction of shed- 33.55m X 17.79
m- for the above 8 tanks=596.85 sqm
716225.00 ₹716225.00
3 Construction of Store & Office room -
53.37 sqm
320220.00 ₹320220.00
4 Bio Filters - Civil work 131512.00 ₹131512.00
5 Cost of Pumps & Filter materials-2
Units
131512.00 ₹131512.00
6 DG set -Power Generator 250000.0 ₹250000.0
7 Aerators-2 Nos 30000.00 ₹30000.00
8 Electrification 129556.00 ₹129556.00
9 Water supply 51822.00 ₹51822.00
10 Water quality testing equipment 10000.00 ₹10000.00
Total ₹ 30,67,233

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Operational
Expenditure

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Benefit Cost Ratio
(BCR)

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Detailed Estimates

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