Below are a few common types of aquaculture systems

Inland Pond Culture

This usually involves inland artificial ponds of about 20 acres in size and about 6-8ft deep. It is common to see aeration systems connected to the pond, to introduce air into the ponds. This enhances the supply of oxygen and also reduces ice formation in the winter season.

In China, over 75% of the farmed freshwater fish are produced in constructed ponds, and in the U.S. nearly all of the farmed catfish are raised in ponds.

Recirculating systems

This involves a closed set of chambers (units) where fish is kept in one and water treatment is kept in another. It is highly dependent on the power supply, as water has to be pumped constantly through the fish chambers. As water flows through the treatment chamber, particulate matter is filtered out, and air is introduced. This closed system helps to control the salinity, temperature, oxygen, and anything that can cause harm to the fish.

It is considered an environmentally friendlier system because very little new water is introduced to replace water that evaporates. The residue from the filters is also disposed of in a responsible manner.

Open-net pen and Cage systems

This system is often found offshore and in freshwater lakes. Mesh cages of between 6 and 60 cubic feet (pens) are installed in the water with the fish inside it. With a high concentration of fish in the pens, waste, chemicals, parasites, and diseases are often exchanged in the immediate water environments. The fish also attract predatory animals (bigger fish), which are often entangled in the nets. This system uses public water, therefore environmental regulations and some authorization protocols must be respected.

Flow-through / raceway

This is a system made of long units stocked with fish. The units have feeding stations attached to them. Water is diverted from flowing water and fed into the raceway units flowing downstream. Down the end of the unit, waste is collected and disposed of. Raceways are common for culturing trout.