Tilapia can be grown at high density in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), tarpaulin-lined ponds and concrete tanks, as long as aeration runs continuously and waste is removed. PC Farm Thailand's grower's handbook recommends 20–40 fish per m² for tarpaulin ponds and RAS, and a 100–150% daily water exchange for concrete tanks. PC Farm Thailand (Farm Story Co., Ltd.) runs its own patented RAS, developed with NSTDA and Premier Products.
· PC Farm Thailand (Farm Story Co., Ltd.) · Chachoengsao, Thailand
At a glance
| Systems covered | Recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), tarpaulin-lined ponds and concrete or cement tanks |
|---|---|
| Recommended density | 20–40 fish per m² for tarpaulin ponds and RAS, grow-out to about 500–600 g (handbook value) |
| Aeration | Continuous — required at all times |
| Water treatment | Filtration and recirculation |
| Concrete tanks | Exchange 100–150% of the water every day |
| Management level | Intensive |
| Water targets | Dissolved oxygen above 4 mg/L (critical below 3) · ammonia below 0.05 mg/L · nitrite below 0.5 mg/L · pH 6.5–8.5 |
| Feeding | By fish weight — see the feeding table |
| Fingerlings | Sex-reversed (all-male) Giant Black and Giant Red, screened in an ISO 17025 laboratory |
| PC Farm RAS | Patented system developed with NSTDA and Premier Products |
Figures marked as handbook values are reference ranges from PC Farm's grower's handbook for Giant Black & Red tilapia under good conditions in Thailand. They are planning targets, not guarantees — adjust to your own sampling and water readings.
Ask about fingerlings for RASHigh density
Closed systems give control over the water, but they leave no margin for missed checks.
At 20–40 fish per m² the fish use oxygen faster than the water can supply it. Aeration must run continuously.
Filtration and recirculation remove solids and ammonia. Without them, exchange water instead — heavily and every day.
Keep dissolved oxygen above 4 mg/L, ammonia below 0.05 mg/L and nitrite below 0.5 mg/L. Problems develop in hours, not days.
Feed by observation and never leave feed uneaten. Leftover feed fouls a closed system fast.
Sample-weigh every 2 weeks and sort big from small. Uniform fish compete less and use feed better.
Quarantine new fish before mixing. Give a 0.1–0.3% salt bath when fish are stressed or after handling.
Concrete tanks
Concrete and cement tanks hold no natural buffer or plankton, so waste and ammonia build up fast. A full daily water change, or more, is essential to keep oxygen high and ammonia near zero.
The handbook figure is 100–150% of the tank volume every day. Compare that with the 10–20% per week used in dense earthen ponds, where the pond's own biology does much of the cleaning.
Our own system
PC Farm's recirculating aquaculture system cultures tilapia at high densities for grow-out production. The system is patented and was developed in collaboration with NSTDA, Thailand's National Science and Technology Development Agency, and Premier Products.
External reference: BIOTEC (a research centre of NSTDA), “Collaborative MOU on RAS between BIOTEC, Premier Products Public Company Limited and Farm Story Company Limited”.
Evidence
Our published growth data is from earthen ponds: our growth data page shows 0.65 g to 1,000 g in 4.5 months at a feed conversion ratio of 1.2. We have not published RAS data on this site, and results in closed systems depend heavily on system design, density and daily management.
Tell us your tank volume, filtration and target harvest weight and we will discuss stocking and expected performance with you.
Good to know
Yes. Tilapia tolerate high density well, which makes them a common choice for recirculating aquaculture systems. PC Farm Thailand operates its own patented RAS, developed with NSTDA and Premier Products, to culture tilapia at high density for grow-out.
PC Farm's grower's handbook recommends 20–40 fish per m² for tarpaulin ponds and RAS, for grow-out to about 500–600 g, with continuous aeration and filtration or recirculation.
Exchange 100–150% of the water every day. Concrete tanks hold no natural buffer or plankton, so waste and ammonia build up fast. That is far more than the 10–20% per week used in dense earthen ponds.
Giant Black is our hardy, fast-growing Nile tilapia and the workhorse strain for pond, cage and RAS farms. Giant Red suits premium, live-fish and export markets. Both are supplied sex-reversed (all-male) and screened in an ISO 17025 laboratory.
Our published growth data is from earthen ponds: 0.65 g to 1,000 g in 4.5 months at FCR 1.2. We have not published RAS data on this site. Contact us to discuss expected performance for your system.
Yes. PC Farm Thailand supplies fry and fingerlings for pond, cage and RAS farms across Thailand, and exports by air to more than 20 countries.
Tell us your system type, volume and target harvest weight — we'll advise on stocking and confirm availability and a quote in THB or USD.