ABSTRACT The objective of this work was to assess the performance of two aeration types, splash and blower, used on a commercial biofloc technology (BFT) farm of red tilapia, Oreochromis sp., and their effect on growth performance and water quality parameters. For this, red tilapia juveniles were randomly distributed into twelve tanks. Each tank had an independent aeration system, and two experimental groups were characterized: six tanks used splash aerators (SPL group; one per tank, 1 hp), and the remaining tanks used a blower aerator (BLW group) with the same potency (1 hp). Water quality parameters were registered daily, and after 90 days of commercial culture, we obtained final growth parameters for each batch (tank). We observed no statistical differences on growth parameters, while water quality parameters showed that dissolved oxygen and oxygen saturation were significantly higher for the SPL group. Therefore, this field study corroborated indications from prior research at laboratory conditions that, at a commercial scale, splash aerators are more adequate for the production of red tilapia in BFT conditions. types (BFT sp sp. system characterized group hp, hp , hp) BLW ( hp. . daily 9 culture tank. (tank) Therefore scale (tank

Abstract Feeding accounts for 50%-60% of production costs in fish farming, and alternative raw materials are used to lower production costs. These raw materials can alter nutritional values and sensory aspects of the final product. The present study describes the results for the proximal composition, sensory, and microbiological analyses of red tilapia (Oreochromis sp.) fed with a biofloc meal (fish sediment residue). The results showed that the red tilapia biofloc meal contained protein levels over 30%, with 3% nitrogen and 6% calcium. Fish fed biofloc meal showed productive performances within the ranges established for the species. Sensory analysis revealed that the cooked product’s appearance was very characteristic, presenting a slight metallic flavor and moderate juiciness. The bromatological composition analysis indicated that each 100g of tilapia contained 16 g of protein. Finally, the microbiological study guarantees compliance with the local tandards and confirms that the product does not contain significant levels of microorganisms that could cause foodborne diseases when consumed by humans. In conclusion, the use of biofloc meal at a small red tilapia farm proved to be a sustainable alternative for feeding Oreochromis sp.