Intro to RAS: How it works (recirculating aquaculture system)

A Hatch Hives Perspective on Recirculating Aquaculture Systems

What Is a Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS)?

A Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) is an advanced aquaculture technology that enables the cultivation of aquatic species in a fully controlled, land-based environment. By continuously treating and reusing water, RAS minimizes water consumption while maximizing productivity, biosecurity, and sustainability.

At Hatch Hives, RAS is more than a system — it is a platform for scalable, circular, and climate-smart aquaculture, designed to meet the future demand for sustainable protein.

How a RAS Works

RAS operates through a closed-loop process where water is continuously filtered, treated, and reused. Each component plays a critical role in maintaining optimal conditions for aquatic life.

1. Culture Tanks

Aquatic species are raised in purpose-designed tanks where feeding and growth occur. Waste generated in this stage must be removed efficiently to protect animal health and performance.

2. Mechanical Filtration

Solid waste such as uneaten feed and fecal matter is removed through mechanical filtration systems. Early removal prevents organic breakdown and reduces biological load on the system.

3. Biological Filtration (Biofiltration)

The biological filter is the core of RAS performance. Beneficial nitrifying bacteria convert toxic ammonia into nitrite and then into nitrate, maintaining safe water quality and stable production conditions.

4. Oxygenation & Gas Management

RAS integrates precise oxygen delivery and carbon dioxide removal. Stable dissolved oxygen levels are essential for high growth rates, feed efficiency, and animal welfare.

5. Environmental Control

RAS allows full control over:

• Temperature
• pH
• Dissolved oxygen
• Salinity (for marine systems)

This stability significantly reduces stress and enables year-round, predictable production.

6. Water Recirculation

More than 90–99% of water is reused, with minimal replacement to compensate for evaporation and waste removal — making RAS one of the most water-efficient food production systems available today.

Why Hatch Hives Builds on RAS

Traditional aquaculture systems face challenges related to water use, disease risk, land availability, and environmental impact. RAS addresses these challenges by design.

Key Advantages

• Ultra-low water consumption
• High biosecurity and disease control
• Consistent production independent of climate
• High stocking density with strong welfare outcomes
• Reduced environmental discharge

At Hatch Hives, RAS is integrated into modular, containerized, and circular systems, enabling deployment in diverse locations — from urban centers to remote communities.

Species Suitable for RAS

RAS supports a wide range of species, including:

• Tilapia
• Catfish
• Shrimp
• Crawfish (Cherax quadricarinatus)
• Salmon (nursery and grow-out)
• Ornamental fish

Controlled environments allow each species to reach optimal performance potential.

RAS: Not Magic — Smart Science

RAS does require technical expertise, monitoring, and investment. However, when designed and managed correctly, it delivers unmatched efficiency, sustainability, and scalability.

RAS isn’t magic — it’s science. Efficient, sustainable, and powerful when managed right.

The Future of Aquaculture

As global pressure on water, land, and marine ecosystems increases, RAS represents a critical pathway forward. With advances in automation, data analytics, and circular resource use, RAS will continue to redefine how food is produced.

At Hatch Hives, we see RAS as the foundation for resilient, future-ready aquaculture ecosystems.

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