Each experimental unit was stocked with 12,000 larvae in M1, hich
represents a stocking density of 200 larvae L − 1 . The experiment
was conducted until the larvae reach the postlarvae stage 5 (7 days
after stoking). The water in the biofloc experimental units was not
exchanged during the experimental period, but evaporated water
was replaced with fresh water in order to maintain salinity. No suspended solids were removed from the water during the experiment. To keep total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) below the established maximum of 1 mg L − 1 , the water of the control units
was exchanged at rates that ranged from 50% per day at the start
of the experiment to 200% in the final stage of cultivation. Water samples were taken from the control units after each water exchange. C. muelleri was counted in the water samples. In
order to provide food for larvae and to maintain water quality, C.
muelleri was added as needed to maintain a concentration of
5 × 10 4 cells mL − 1 .