Effect of addition of carbon and probiotics on water quality, production performance, and health of catfish (Clarias gariepinus) in biofloc systems

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the use of organic carbon and probiotics on water quality, production performance, and haematological status in sangkuriang catfish. This experiment used a completely randomized design with four treatments: addition of organic carbon (C), the addition of probiotics (P), the addition of organic carbon and probiotics (CP), and control (K), each treatment with three replications. Catfish seeds measuring 1.86±0.60g 500 tails were stocked in a 1m3 pond. The seeds were fed commercial feed with a dose of 5% of the biomass. The results showed that the four treatments pH, dissolved oxygen, nitrite, and the bacterial population, had no significant effect. In contrast, TSS, TAN, and floc volume had a significant effect but were still in a good range of growth catfish. Specific growth rate, absolute growth, and final weight were higher in adding organic carbon (C) and (CP), survival, and the best feed conversion ratio in addition to organic carbon and probiotics than in control. Low haemoglobin and erythrocyte values were indicated as the cause of fish death. Based on the study's results, it can be concluded that adding organic carbon to the experimental pond can increase the specific growth rate. Adding organic carbon and probiotics increased survival and final weight but decreased the best feed conversion ratio compared to controls. Therefore, from the study results, it is enough for fish cultivators to utilize the addition of organic carbon to provide the best growth for fish cultured in a biofloc system.