For a long time, air has been the most widespread medium used to transport fish feed to the cages. Waterborne feeding can be an interesting alternative for many reasons: the challenges posed by fish lice, an increased focus on the environment and high energy prices, as well as less crushing. Among other things, a good waterborne feeding system will make it possible to feed below the lice belt, save electricity and reduce the discharge of microplastics from the feeding hoses. In addition, waterborne feeding leads to reduced noise levels as well as an expectation of less crushed feed and dust.
Long experience
The equipment supplier, Fluctus, has experienced employees who have been involved in the development and delivery of feeding systems since the 1980s – and it has delivered a total of more than 1000 feeding projects. One of those who has been on this journey right from the start is Rolf Hatlevik, project manager at Fluctus. In recent years, he has worked with Raymond Horne and Trond Vassnes to develop Fluctus’ waterborne feeding solution.
With good help from the Bergen-based company, Monmic, Fluctus has developed a system that contains a specially developed water sluice and the possibility to attach a new and unique distribution valve.
The least complicated
According to Fluctus, the system is both cost-effective and the least complicated on the market today.
-We have worked hard to make the system as simple and user-friendly as possible. Our solution has few components, which reduces sources of error and the need for service. This also makes our system well suited to retrofitting, which means we can help those who currently have airborne feeding solutions to switch to waterborne feeding without major replacements, says Rolf Hatlevik.
In water – and on land
The system has been developed for feeding in both marine and shore-based facilities.
– We are experiencing great interest from breeders with both marine and shore-based facilities. On shore-based fish farms, the reduction in noise achieved as a result of waterborne feeding is particularly important, Hatlevik continues.
Fluctus has already delivered several waterborne feeding solutions and has more under construction. It foresees a good level of activity in this segment in the future. However, Hatlevik does not expect airborne feeding systems to be phased out.
Co-existence
-We believe that air-powered and water-powered feeding systems will co-exist in the future. It is only now that the quality of waterborne feeding has reached a level that makes it a good alternative in many cases. We look forward to a dialogue with our customers to find the best solution for the needs of each individual customer and location, concludes Hatlevik.
Airborne and waterborne feeding. This is how we do it:
