Application of Zeolite (Clinoptilolite) Combine with Leonardite for the Removal of Ammonia in Different Sizes Microparticulate Fish Feed

In this study, the effect of feed size on ammonium release from non-consumed feed in aquaculture systems were investigated. In the 11-day study, nine experimental groups were formed in triplicates. Three different sizes of microparticule feed (F1: 100-200 µm, F2: 200-300 µm and F3: 300-400 µm) with the same nutrient content were used in the experiment. The first three groups (CF1, CF2, CF3) were organized as control groups and no adsorbent mixture was added to these groups during the experiment. In the other three groups (ABF1, ABF2, ABF3), the adsorbent mixture was added at the beginning of the experiment together with 3 different sizes of feed used in the experiment. In the last three groups (AF1, AF2, AF3), the adsorbent mixture was added to the experimental environment after the 7th day together with 3 different sizes of feed. At the end of the 11-day experiment, the highest and lowest mean ammonium levels were identified in the CF1 (25.85 ± 2.93 mg L-1) and ABF1 (4.47 ± 0.71 mg L-1) groups, respectively. The study concluded that the size of the fish feed was correlated with the release of nitrogenous compounds from the feed. Consequently, it can be recommended that larger particles should be preferred in fry fish farming, provided that the feed size is suitable for the mouth opening. Furthermore, it was determined that the use of adsorbent mixtures, particularly at the outset of the experiment (when nutrient concentrations were low), was highly effective in reducing ammonia values.