How Do Floating and Sinking Fish Feed Machines Differ?

Fish farmers and aquaculture feed producers often struggle with selecting the right equipment for producing floating or sinking fish feed. The type of machine used directly affects feed quality, fish health, and farm profitability. While both floating and sinking feed machines produce high-quality fish pellets, they differ in design, operation, and the final characteristics of the feed. Understanding these differences is essential for optimizing fish farming operations.

A floating fish feed machine uses high-pressure extrusion and steam cooking to expand the feed, making it buoyant, while a sinking fish feed machine applies lower pressure and compacting techniques to produce dense, fast-sinking pellets. The choice between them depends on the species of fish being farmed, feeding behavior, and production costs.

While both types of machines serve the aquaculture industry, the right choice depends on fish species, water conditions, feed conversion efficiency, and budget constraints. Read on to explore the detailed differences, advantages, and considerations for each type.

1. Working Principles of Floating and Sinking Feed Machines

Floating Fish Feed Machine Working Principle

Floating fish feed machines operate on the extrusion process, where feed ingredients undergo high heat, pressure, and expansion to create buoyant pellets.

1. Pencampuran Bahan: Raw materials (e.g., fish meal, soybean meal, vitamins, and minerals) are finely ground and blended.
2. Pre-conditioning: Steam and moisture are added to soften the ingredients.
3. Extrusion Cooking: A screw mechanism applies high pressure and heat to gelatinize starch and expand the feed.
4. Expansion & Drying: The extruded feed expands, forming porous, lightweight pellets that float.
5. Cooling & Coating: Pellets are dried and optionally coated with oils or nutrients.

Sinking Fish Feed Machine Working Principle

Sinking fish feed machines use pelleting or cold extrusion, producing dense, compact pellets.

1. Mixing & Grinding: Ingredients are finely ground and blended.
2. Pelleting Process: The mixture passes through a pelleting press with moderate pressure.
3. Compression & Molding: The feed is compressed into uniform, non-expanded pellets.
4. Drying & Cooling: Pellets are dried to achieve the right moisture content and density.

2. Advantages and Disadvantages of Floating vs. Sinking Feed Machines

Floating Fish Feed Machine: Pros & Cons

✅ Keuntungan

• Better feed visibility: Farmers can monitor feeding activity and adjust quantities.
• Less water pollution: Uneaten feed remains on the surface instead of sinking and decaying.
• Improved digestibility: The extrusion process enhances starch gelatinization, making nutrients more bioavailable.
• Longer shelf life: Floating pellets tend to stay fresh longer due to lower moisture content.

❌ Disadvantages

• Higher production costs: Requires more energy due to steam and high-pressure extrusion.
• Not suitable for bottom-feeding species: Some fish (e.g., catfish, shrimp) prefer feed that sinks.

Sinking Fish Feed Machine: Pros & Cons

✅ Keuntungan

• Better for bottom-feeding fish: Essential for species like catfish, shrimp, and eels.
• Lower production costs: Does not require high-temperature expansion or steam pre-conditioning.
• More compact feed: Can contain a higher concentration of nutrients without expansion.

❌ Disadvantages

• Higher risk of feed waste: If not consumed quickly, feed may sink into sludge and pollute water.
• Lower digestibility: Pelleting does not gelatinize starch as effectively as extrusion.

3. Cost and Production Comparison

The operational costs and investment needed for floating and sinking feed machines vary significantly. Below is a comparative analysis:

4. Which Machine Should You Choose?

Choose a Floating Fish Feed Machine If:

✔️ You are feeding surface-feeding fish like tilapia, trout, or carp.
✔️ You want to monitor feeding behavior and reduce feed waste.
✔️ You prefer better water quality management in ponds or tanks.
✔️ You need nutrient-dense feed with higher digestibility.

Choose a Sinking Fish Feed Machine If:

✔️ You are farming bottom-feeding fish like catfish, shrimp, or eels.
✔️ You need a low-cost feed production system.
✔️ You prefer dense, high-protein pellets without expansion.
✔️ You have a controlled feeding system where feed waste is minimal.

5. Conclusion: Choosing the Right Feed Machine for Your Farm

Both floating and sinking feed machines have distinct advantages depending on fish species, water conditions, and production goals. If you farm surface-feeding fish, a floating feed machine ensures better monitoring, digestibility, and water quality. However, if you raise bottom feeders, a sinking feed machine is more suitable and cost-effective.

Before making a decision, consider your fish species, farm size, feed conversion efficiency, and budget. Investing in the right machine can maximize fish growth, reduce waste, and improve profitability.

👉 Need expert advice on fish feed machines? Contact us today to get the best solution for your aquaculture business!