KEY
Note Taking Guide
Topic # 3073
Water Testing for Aquaculture Systems
Created by Edward C. Meisel III
Importance of water testing for aquaculture systems- High quality
is the most important thing in a
aquaculture
food, oxygen , an excretory site, maintains
body
water
system. Water provides
temperature
and may
hold disease causing __organisms___.
pH- Water with a pH of 7 is ___neutral___ while water
with a pH of below 7 is___acidic___ and water with a pH of above 7 is
___basic____.
Dissolved Gases- Dissolved gases determine _fish__ __survival__. Tests for
dissolved oxygen must be taken __on__ __site__ because shipping can cause
dramatic _changes_ in gas levels.
Carbon Dioxide- _Carbon_ __dioxide__ is soluble in __water__. Most carbon
dioxide occurs from __respiration__. Temperature, light, algae, and
___population___ affect dissolved oxygen levels. ___Aerating___ water is a must
in order to keep oxygen levels up and driving of carbon dioxide.
Ammonia- Ammonia is tested with _test__ __kits___. Algae use ammonia as a
nitrogen source for making __proteins__. The __majority__ of ammonia in water is
present in the _non_-__toxic__ ionized form. __Ammonia__ is generally non-toxic
to fish but should be monitored to make sure levels do not get too _high_.
Hardness- Hardness of water is determined by the levels of __calcium__ and
__magnesium__. The ideal level is between _30__ and __300__ mg/L.
Testing Methods- The two most common methods are __colormetric__ and
__electronic__. ___Colormetric___ uses a concentration reaction to show test
colors that can be read on a scale. __Electronic__ testing is done with an electronic
device that can give _accurate_ reading for all aspects of water quality. Most
aquaculturists use _electronic_ testing.