Aller Aqua Zambia provides guidance on water quality management
An unfavourable water quality exposes cultured fish to stress. This reduces their appetite and they become more susceptible to diseases. On broodstock, this has a negative impact on the reproduction capacity.
Fish farmers need to consider that no single water quality parameter can be sidelined to be superior to others because all parameters are interlinked. It is the good management of all critical water parameters on a fish farm that ensures optimal fish growth and fecundity.
Water Quality is a function of the following:
1. Quantity of fish feed added to the rearing unit - feeding according to response and recommended rations are encouraged; feeding in excess is costly and deteriorates water quality.
2. Dissolved oxygen level in the water – above 5 mg/L is recommended; sharp shortages in the level of dissolved oxygen can lead to higher fish mortality and financial losses.
3. Water temperature – temperatures above 20 degrees Celsius stimulate appetite; farmers agree with us that for the past 3 months fish has not been eating reasonable amounts of feed because of the winter period we just experienced in Zambia.
4. Quantity of organic waste and settled solids in the pond – it is encouraged to flush ponds from time to time; this prevents accumulation of organic wastes which in turn increases ammonia levels in the pond.
The stocking density and the expected productivity need to be planned in dependence of the water quality and the expected feed input.
Contact our Technical Support
+260762027940 (Emmanuel Nyirenda – Technical Services Representative) to get the most out of your pond.
