The current research was performed to study the interaction of algae in biofloc. The experimental group consists of 4 treatments – T1- Biofloc, T2- Chlorella vulgaris and Nannochloropsis sp. (1:1), T3- Biofloc + Chlorella vulgaris and Nannochloropsis sp (1:1), T4- Biofloc + Chlorella vulgaris and Nannochloropsis sp. (2:1). The experiment is conducted in 500L FRP Tanks in Red Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) with a stocking density of 10/m3 for a period of 60days in triplicates. Parameters such asfloc characteristics (Fortnightly), Growth parameters (fortnightly), Algal count, Total plate count and water quality (weekly once) and Sludge characteristics, Total carotenoid (TCC) in tissues and chlorophyll a, b and carotenoidin water will be analyzed at the end of the trail. Highest floc volume was found in T1 whereas higher weight gain was found in T3 where biofloc was fed along with the algae Chlorella vulgaris and Nannochloropsis sp .in the ratio-1:1. No significant difference was found in survival in all the treatments. Algal count was higher in T4 for all the experimental days observed. Reduced bacterial population was found in T2 when compared with other experimental groups. Calcium and Magnesium levels increased significantly in T3 with the days of culture period. Higher suspended solid concentration was found in T4 (360mg/L). TCC in water (0.39µg/ml) as well in tissues (37.2µg/g) was found to be higher in T3.Chlorophyll a (0.67µg/ml) and b (1.73µg/ml) was found to be higher in T4 when compared to other treatments. The results from the study iterate the fact when algae at the ratio of 1:1 added to biofloc improved the animal performance in terms of weight and carotenoid levels and proved the importance of algae in biofloc.
Keywords: Biofloc, Red Tilapia, Chlorella vulgaris, Nannochloropsis sp, Chlorophyll