Water Hardness and pH on Growth of Silver Catfish

What is it about?

This study verified the optimal water hardness at different pH levels for growth and in silver catfish juveniles. Fish were maintained for 30 days at three pH levels (5.5; 7.0 and 9.0) and four water hardness levels (30, 60, 120 and 180 mg L-1 CaCO3). Water hardness of 120-180 mg L-1 CaCO3 did not significantly affect their growth in neutral water. In addition, high water hardness decreased the growth of juveniles maintained at pH 9.0. Therefore, the best water hardness for silver catfish juveniles raised in neutral pH is in the 30-60 mg L-1 CaCO3 range. Juveniles kept at pH 9.0 showed better growth performance in low water hardness (30 mg L-1 CaCO3), while a water hardness of 120 mg L-1 CaCO3 reduced the deleterious effects of acidity (pH 5.5) on growth.

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Why is it important?

Water quality