10 Water Quality Parameters in Tilapia Farming: Technical Guide

Modern fish farming demands precision. For the producer seeking high performance, water is not just the environment where fish live; it is the main production input. Success in tilapia farming is directly linked to the ability to maintain a stable and safe aquatic environment. In this context, knowing and monitoring the 10 water quality parameters is what distinguishes amateur production from a professional and profitable one.

Many economic losses could be avoided if monitoring were carried out with rigor and consistency. Below, we detail the indicators that must be on every producer’s radar to ensure efficiency.

The Foundation of Productivity: Physical and Chemical Factors

Pond stability depends on a delicate balance. Sudden changes can be fatal or compromise the fish’s immune system, opening doors to diseases. Therefore, understanding the 10 water quality parameters begins with the basics.

1. Temperature

Tilapia is a tropical fish, and its metabolism is governed by temperature. The ideal range lies between 26°C and 30°C. Outside these limits, feed consumption drops drastically, and growth is interrupted. In winter, feed management must be rigorously adjusted to avoid waste and bottom pollution.

2. Dissolved Oxygen (DO)

This is arguably the most urgent parameter. Levels below 3 mg/L cause severe stress and hypoxia. To maximize feed conversion, the goal should be to maintain DO above 4 or 5 mg/L. Mechanical aeration must be sized not only for emergencies but to maintain pond homogeneity. To learn more about optimizing this resource, consult our guide on aeration and water renewal.

3. pH (Potential of Hydrogen)

The ideal pH for tilapia ranges between 6.5 and 8.5. Values that are too acidic or too alkaline cause damage to gills and skin. Furthermore, pH influences the toxicity of other compounds, such as ammonia.

4. Ammonia (NH3)

Ammonia is the main product of fish excretion. It exists in two forms, and the non-ionized form (NH3) is extremely toxic. Monitoring must be daily in intensive systems, as ammonia spikes can cause mass mortality in a few hours.

Chemical Balance and Pond Health

In addition to the basic indicators, there are factors that act as the “immune system” of the water, protecting the culture against sudden variations. These complete the list of the 10 water quality parameters.

5. Nitrite (NO2)

Nitrite is a byproduct of ammonia decomposition. When absorbed by fish, it competes with oxygen in the blood, causing “brown blood disease.” It is a silent killer that should be kept close to zero.

6. Alkalinity

Alkalinity acts as a buffer, preventing large pH fluctuations between day and night. For tilapia, it is recommended to maintain alkalinity above 50 mg/L of CaCO3, with the ideal being above 80 mg/L.

7. Total Hardness

This refers to the concentration of calcium and magnesium ions. These minerals are essential for bone formation and physiological processes. Waters that are too “soft” can hinder fry development.

8. Transparency and Turbidity

Transparency, measured by the Secchi Disk, indicates the amount of plankton or suspended solids. A transparency between 30 and 40 cm is generally considered ideal. This indicates good natural food production without excessive risk of nocturnal oxygen depletion. Excess organic matter on the bottom can alter this turbidity, requiring attention to pond bottom management.

9. Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

High levels of free CO2 (above 10-15 mg/L) can anesthetize fish and hinder respiration, even if oxygen is available. This frequently occurs in waters with high stocking density and poor circulation.

10. Salinity and Conductivity

Although tilapia is a freshwater fish, some strains withstand certain salinity. Electrical conductivity is an indirect indicator of water fertility and dissolved salt concentration, and it should be monitored to avoid osmotic shocks.

Intelligent Data Management with Despesca

Knowing the 10 water quality parameters is just the first step. The real challenge lies in the interpretation and history of this data. Measuring ammonia today is useless if you do not know how it behaved last week. This is where technology becomes indispensable.

Using management software like Despesca allows the producer to record every measurement in an organized way. The system transforms isolated numbers into trend charts, allowing the clear visualization of problems before they become critical. For example, by crossing feed data with oxygen levels, it is possible to adjust feeding to improve feed conversion and reduce costs.

Precision aquaculture does not allow for guesswork. According to renowned researchers like Claude Boyd, most fish diseases are secondary to water quality problems. Therefore, investing in the monitoring and management of this data through a specialized platform is not a cost, but insurance for your harvest.