In tilapia fish farming in ponds, pH is an important parameter in measuring the level of water quality in fish farming ponds. Fish pond water quality monitoring is an activity used to monitor or manage water quality in fish ponds.
The purpose of monitoring pond water quality is to ensure that the water quality in the fish pond remains optimal and in accordance with the planned standards. This activity involves data collection, data analysis, and necessary actions to improve water quality if needed.
The pH of water is the degree of acidity used to express the level of acidity or basicity possessed by an aqueous solution. The pH scale consists of numbers 1 to 14, where a pH value of 7 indicates a balance between acids and bases, while a pH value below 7 indicates acidic properties and a pH value above 7 indicates alkaline properties.
In monitoring the water quality of fish ponds, pH is one of the parameters measured to ensure that the water quality in fish ponds remains safe and in accordance with established standards. Tilapia requires good water quality for its growth and life. If the pH value of the water is not in accordance with what is needed by the fish, the growth of the fish will be disrupted. The ideal water pH value for tilapia fish ponds ranges from 6.5 - 8.5.
The pH value of water can be measured using a pH measuring device or material. To measure the pH value of fish pond water, you can use a pH meter. pH meter is a tool used to measure the level of acidity or basicity (pH) in water. Currently there are several types of pH meters available, such as digital pH meters, portable pH meters, and litmus paper pH meters. The use of this measuring device can be adjusted according to your needs.
If the pH value of the water in the tilapia farming pond is too acidic or too alkaline, the fish kept in it will experience several health problems. The effects that may occur to fish if the pH value of the water is too acidic or too basic include:
1. Tilapia will experience stress.
Tilapia kept in ponds can experience stress when the pH of the water is too acidic or too alkaline. These stressed fish can affect the immune system and make the fish more susceptible to disease.
2. Will cause death to tilapia.
If the pH of the water is too acidic or too alkaline, the fish can die. This happens because a pH that is too low can disrupt the electrolyte balance in the fish body.
3. Fish growth will be inhibited.
If the pH value of the water in the tilapia farming pond is too acidic or too basic, it can slow down the growth of tilapia.
4. Tilapia reproduction will be inhibited.
Water pH that is too acidic or too alkaline can also affect fish reproduction. Tilapia may not reproduce well if the water pH is too acidic or too alkaline.
Therefore, it is very important to monitor the pH of the fish pond water regularly and ensure that the pH of the water remains within a safe range for the fish.
To keep the pH value of the water stable, you should regularly measure the pH value of the pond water. If the pH value of the pond water is less than 6.5 or too acidic then we can increase the pH value of the pond water by liming.
If the fish pond water is too alkaline, there are ways that can be done to reduce the pH of the pond water, which can be done by adding natural ingredients. Some natural ingredients such as ketapang leaves (Terminalia catappa) or orange peels can be used to lower the pH of pond water.