Feed formulation for aquaculture systems

A method of reducing phenol in an aquaculture system via regulating the feed, the method comprising:

• providing an aquatic environment including a captive area for cultured animals and one or more of a filter for solid waste removal from the cultured water, a biofilter configured for ammonia remediation, an aeration system for regulating oxygen, and a filter for regulating carbon dioxide from the cultured water;
• introducing a granular activated carbon (GAC) into the feed of the cultured animal as a toxin binder at a rate of about 0.025% to about 3% of the protein content of the feed to adsorb a substantial amount of the phenol produced by bacteria in the gut of the animals prior to excretion into the aquatic environment;
• and
• removing the GAC via filtration or sedimentation from the cultured water of the aquatic environment.