Is biofloc cheaper than RAS for shrimp?

Yes — biofloc shrimp farms typically cost 40–60% less than fully recirculating shrimp RAS, at the cost of slightly lower density and more management discipline.

How much land do I need?

For an intensive lined operation targeting 500 t/yr at 80 t/ha, you need ~7 ha of ponds plus 30–40% additional area for inlet/outlet, broodstock, processing and access.

What's typical payback?

5–8 years for intensive lined shrimp at current vannamei prices, faster in low-energy-cost regions.

Shrimp farm cost

Indicative CAPEX for vannamei shrimp farming ranges from $25,000 per hectare for extensive ponds to $400,000+ per hectare for intensive lined systems with full aeration and biofloc water treatment. Site, climate and biosecurity targets dominate the budget.

Indicative CAPEX

$25k – $400k / hectare

OPEX

$3–$5 / kg shrimp

Get engineered estimate Try cost calculator

Cost drivers

Intensification level

Extensive (<10 t/ha/yr) vs. semi-intensive (20–40) vs. intensive lined (60–100+) — each step roughly doubles CAPEX.

Pond construction

Earthen ponds are cheap but lose biosecurity; lined HDPE ponds are 3–5× more expensive but enable intensive yields.

Aeration

Paddlewheel + diffused aeration is the single biggest mechanical line in intensive shrimp.

Biosecurity

Inlet filtration, settling ponds, broodstock isolation and EMS/WSSV protocols add 10–20% to CAPEX but protect ROI.

Typical CAPEX by scale

Extensive earthen (10 ha)

$250k – $500k

Typical for smallholder Asia/Latin America.

Semi-intensive (20 ha)

$1.5M – $4M

Mixed earthen / lined ponds with aerators and inlet treatment.

Intensive lined (10 ha, 80 t/ha)

$4M – $10M

Full HDPE liners, intensive aeration, central drains, biofloc.

FAQ

Related cost guides

Biofloc farm cost Fish farm construction cost

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