Integrated Aquaponics System for Efficient Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis Niloticus) Farming with watermeal (Wolffia spp.) Cultivation
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Abstract
This research aimed to develop an integrated aquaponics system for Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) farming combined with watermeal (Wolffia spp.) cultivation, to investigate the effects of different stocking densities on the growth of Nile tilapia and water quality in a Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS), and to evaluate watermeal biomass yield under the culture conditions. The experiment was arranged in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three treatments, namely stocking densities of 30, 40, and 50 fish per square meter, with three replications per treatment. Data on growth, survival rate, water quality, and watermeal biomass yield were recorded throughout the 60-day experimental period. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS software package.
The research findings revealed that: 1) stocking density significantly affected the growth of Nile tilapia (p < 0.05). The density of 30 fish per square meter produced the best results in terms of weight, length, specific growth rate, and survival rate; 2) the study of the effects of stocking density on water quality showed that temperature and pH did not differ among treatments, whereas dissolved oxygen (DO) differed significantly (p < 0.05), with the density of 30 fish per square meter having the highest average value; and 3) the study of watermeal biomass yield showed that the density of 50 fish per square meter produced the highest watermeal biomass yield. Overall, the density of 30 fish per square meter was the most appropriate level, as it provided the best balance between fish production and maintenance of the aquatic environment.
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