Investigation of the Use of Zeolite (Clinoptilolite) As Aquarium Filtration Material for Electric Blue Hap (Sciaenochromis ahli)

Abstract

In this study, the effects of using zeolite, both inside and outside the filter, on water quality and the growth of electric blue hap (Sciaenochromis ahli) were investigated. The 3-month study consisted of 7 groups in triplicate. One of the groups was designated as the control, and zeolite was not used in this group. For the remaining 6 groups, zeolite was placed in tulle bags and used both inside and outside the filter in 3 various ratios (0.35, 0.70, 1.05 g l^-1). The statistical differences between groups for certain water quality parameters pH, NH₃) were significant (P<0.05), while the statistical differences between groups for other parameters (water temperature, dissolved oxygen) were found to be insignificant (P>0.05). Furthermore, the growth parameters, feed conversion ratio, and survival rate of the electric blue hap were determined. At the end of the study, the differences between weight gain, specific growth rate and feed conversion ratio were determined as statistically insignificant (P>0.05). At the end of the study, when the data were evaluated, no negative effects on the growth parameters and water parameters of the ahli cichlid fish were determined. Therefore, it is advisable to place zeolite in mesh bags at the bottom of the aquarium and in the aquarium filter to prevent ammonia from reaching high concentrations. Thus, when the findings on pH and NH₃ of the present study were evaluated, it can be suggested that low ratios as 0.35 g l^-1 of zeolite may be used in tulle bags on floor or inside the filter to prevent ammonia rising to high concentrations.

Keywords

• Clinoptilolite
• Sciaenochromis ahli
• Growth
• Water quality
• Adsorption
• Ammonium

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