New research published in Aquaculture Reports demonstrates that ozone nanobubble treatment significantly improves survival rates in rainbow trout farming while eliminating chemical disinfectants.

A groundbreaking study published in April 2026 reveals that ozone nanobubbles (O₃NB) can achieve a 90.12% hatching rate in rainbow trout embryos—substantially higher than conventional methods. The research, conducted in Vietnam, shows that daily one-hour O₃NB treatments at 0.22-0.23 mg/L effectively reduced Saprolegnia spp. fungal infections from 5.44% in the control group to less than 1% in treated groups .

Why This Breakthrough Matters

Rainbow trout farming faces persistent challenges from fungal and bacterial diseases, particularly during the critical early life stages. Traditional control measures have relied on chemicals like malachite green (banned in the US since 1991 and in the EU since 2001) and formalin, which pose safety and environmental concerns .

Ozone nanobubbles offer a chemical-free alternative. Unlike conventional ozone treatment, nanobubbles remain suspended in water for extended periods, maintaining high dissolved gas levels and improving contact with pathogens. The research confirmed that O₃NB treatment significantly improved water quality with higher oxidation-reduction potential values and lower levels of chemical oxygen demand, ammonia, and total heterotrophic bacterial counts .

What This Means for RAS Operators

For recirculating aquaculture system operators, the implications are clear:

• Eliminate chemical disinfectants – Ozone nanobubbles replace formalin and other hazardous chemicals

• Improve survival rates – 90%+ hatching success with lower deformity rates

• Reduce pathogen pressure – O₃NB effectively controls Saprolegnia spp., the primary fungal threat to fish eggs

• Comply with export standards – Zero chemical residues support antibiotic-free seafood requirements

Recent market analysis confirms aquaculture is one of the fastest-growing ozone application segments. The global aquaculture water treatment market is valued at $2.5 billion in 2025, with ozone generators holding a 15% market share and projected 9.7% CAGR through 2033 .

FEILI Positioning

FEILI Electric supplies Aquaculture Ozone Generators specifically engineered for hatchery and RAS operations. Our systems feature precise dosing controls to deliver the low concentrations (0.2-0.3 mg/L) that research shows are optimal and safe for fish embryos.

FEILI's Ozone for Aquaculture System solutions are used in salmon farms, shrimp operations, and hatcheries worldwide. Our Ozone Machine Water Irrigation systems treat intake water, process water, and discharge.

All FEILI systems are powered by reliable Ozone Generator Machine technology, built with 304 stainless steel for marine environments and CE certified since 2011.

Ready to improve your hatchery survival rates? Contact FEILI. We will help you design the right ozone nanobubble system for your operation.