The effect of media type on ammonia levels and growth performance of guppy (Poecilia reticulata) in recirculating systems

Abstract

Removing ammonia in recirculating systems is necessary to increase efficiency and reducing ammonia toxicity. So, the select appropriate type of media to reduce is very important. In this study, four different materials (bio-Ball, wood flake, seashell, and natural pumice) as media and guppies as fish sample were used for 40 days. The results showed that the level of ammonia decreased in all media, but this reducing was higher in wood flake than other treatments. Also, the growth indices showed that the fish in the aquarium with wood flake and seashell had a better performance than other media. Accordingly, it can be concluded that due to the better performance of wood flake to reduce ammonia and make more optimal environmental conditions than other media, it can be an appropriate media for bio-filters.