This study was carried out to investigate the effect of water which used in aquaculture on growth performance of mono sexed Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) reared in earthen ponds. Experimental period was from 15 April to 15 November 2009 at Central Laboratory of Aquaculture Research Central - Abbassa – AbouHamad –Sharkia Governorate - Egypt The study was conducted in three treatments each in triplicate. 1- Fresh water 2- fertilized fresh water 3- Agricultural drainage water. Area of each ponds 5 feedan area was stocked with 40000 fish/pond and fish were fed on 25% CP diet at a daily rate of 3% of the total fish biomass.
Obtained results are summarized in the following:
1- Water temperature, Dissolved Oxygen, Secchi Disk, pH, PO4, NH3,total Alkalinity and total hardens were within the acceptable levels required for growth of Nile tilapia.
2- Plankton abundant (Phytoplankton and Zooplankton) count was higher in agriculture drainage water followed by fertilized fresh water.
3- The highest final body weight, weight gain, daily gain and specific growth rate were significantly higher in the agriculture drainage water type.
Based on obtained results in this study it could be concluded that Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) can be cultured in earthen ponds and growth parameters of fish improved in agricultural drainage water at the same of experimental conditions.
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