Effect of a Natural Adsorbent Mixture (Zeolite and Leonardite) on the Reduction of Ammonia Caused by Fish Feed

Abstract

In this this research, the utilization of zeolite (clinoptilolite) and leonardite mix, which are the natural adsorbents that can be used to provide optimum water conditions for aquaculture, was investigated. Three groups with 3 replications were formed and a commercial aquarium fish feed having 47.5% crude protein was added as the ammonia factor in three different concentrations (0.2 g feed/500 ml tap water, 0.4 g/500 ml tap water, 0.6 g/500 ml tap water). Ammonia increases resulted from 3 different amounts of feed were monitored for 7 days. At the end of this period, the adsorbent mixture, which has water-regulating properties, was added to the experimental groups at a ratio of 1:2 (clinoptilolite:leonardite) to remove ammonia, which is harmful for aquatic organisms, and ammonia decreases was determined at regular intervals. NH3 value reached its highest (0.7 mg/L) at the end of the stage where the ammonia values from the feed were measured. After this period, it started to decrease with the addition of natural adsorbents (mixed clinoptilolite-leonardite) and the lowest ammonia value was determined at the end of the 6th measurement (0.07 mg/L). As a result of this study, it was determined that the clinoptilolite:leonardite mixture has a positive influence on ammonia removal in freshwater aquariums.