Abstract

The sustainability of aquaculture depends on maintaining optimal water quality and ensuring favorable conditions for fish growth. This study compared the growth performance of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) and water quality in two distinct systems: a traditional pond incorporating water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) and a media-based aquaponic system with pepper plants (Capsicum spp.). The study aimed to assess fish growth rates and health, evaluate key water quality parameters (pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, ammonia, and nitrate), and determine their impact on nutrient cycling and overall aquaculture sustainability. Two experimental setups were created using 1m x 1m x 0.8m plastic IBC tanks, designated as Pond A (water hyacinth) and Pond B (pepper-based aquaponic system). Each tank was stocked with 20 post-juvenile African catfish of similar size, averaging 0.035 kg. Regular measurements were conducted to monitor fish growth and water quality. Statistical analyses, including t-tests and ANOVA, were employed to compare results. The study was conducted at a fish farm in Nike Layout, Enugu State, Nigeria. Preliminary findings indicate that the aquaponic system offered more stable nutrient conditions, promoting slightly higher growth rates. Fish in Tank B (aquaponic system) achieved an average weight of 0.83 kg, compared to 0.69 kg in Tank A (water hyacinth) over four weeks. The aquaponic system demonstrated superior water quality, with lower ammonia (3.8–25 mg/L) and nitrate levels (0.01–2.95 mg/L), likely due to nutrient uptake by the pepper plants. In comparison, the traditional pond system with water hyacinth also improved water quality but showed higher ammonia (5.4–33 mg/L) and nitrite levels (0.01–0.56 mg/L). ANOVA results revealed no statistically significant difference (p = 0.05) in fish growth or water quality parameters between the two systems, despite the aquaponic system’s higher fish growth performance. These findings highlight the potential of both systems for sustainable aquaculture, offering valuable insights for practitioners to select appropriate technologies based on specific goals and resources. This research contributes to advancing sustainable and efficient aquaculture practices.

Keywords: Aquaculture sustainability, Water quality management, African catfish (Clarias gariepinus), Traditional pond system, Media-based aquaponic system, water hyacinth