DefinePK

Abstract

The optimum fish production is totally dependent on the physical, chemical and biological qualities of water. Optimal water quality varies by species and must be monitored to ensure fish growth and survival. The effects of different dose of zeolite to improve the water quality and growth performance of Red Hybrid Tilapia (Oreochromis Niloticus) were investigated in the present study. Twenty tilapia fry were placed in an aquarium with capacity of 30 liter of water. Natural zeolite (clinoptilolite) with different dose of 0 (control), 5, 10, 15, 20 g/L added into the water and the experiment was carried out in 60 days. The obtained result showed that ammonia, nitrite, and nitrite levels were significantly reduced in treated water compared with control. The lowest ammonia levels recorded in 15 g/L treatment of zeolite, consistent with nitrite and nitrate. However for total phosphorus and organic phosphorus (orthophosphates), the lowest concentration obtained was from addition of 10 g/L of zeolite. At the end of study, the growth performance of fish treated with addition of 20 g/L and 15 g/L of zeolite were significantly more compared to other groups. According to the results, it showed that optimum growth of fish can be obtained with a good water quality. In conclusion, the addition of zeolite is significant for the improvement of water quality and growth performance of Red Hybrid Tilapia (Oreochromisniloticus).