EVALUATION OF GRAVEL AS A GROWTH MEDIUM ON WATER QUALITY, FISH PERFORMANCE AND GREEN PEPPER YIELD IN A MEDIA BASED AQUAPONICS SYSTEM IN AWKA, ANAMBRA STATE

Abstract

Aquaculture has been a sustained source of food security and poverty alleviation for Nigerian families. While fish and 
vegetables have long been staples of Nigerian meals, aquaponics is a relatively recent practice in the country. The 
objective of this research was to examine the impact of gravel as a growth medium on water quality metrics, plant 
output, and fish production in a media-based aquaponics system. The fish tanks were stocked with catfish (Clarias 
gariepinus), while the gravel growth bed was filled with pepper (Capsicum annuum) plants. Over the course of the 
24-week research period, weekly observations of pH, dissolved oxygen, nitrate, nitrite, ammonia, and temperature 
were made in order to assess the water quality parameters. Data on biomass accumulation, fruit yield, and plant 
development were recorded every week. The height of green pepper started from week 1 at 20.5cm to 32 cm at week 
11 showing a steady growth, the number of leaf started from 4 in week 1 to 45 at week 11, and showing growth as 
well. On the other hand, the leaf area grew from 5cm2 at week 1 to 42cm2 at week 11. At the conclusion of the study, 
fish growth, feed conversion ratio (FCR), and survival were measured. Green pepper showed a steady growth 
suggesting that gravel is a good medium. The gravel media maintained a steadier pH range of 6.92. Gravel kept its pH 
more constant, which would be advantageous for fish culture.