Zeolite in Fish Farming
One of the most valuable natural products, with numerous beneficial properties for both humans and the environment, is the mineral zeolite. The crystalline structure of natural zeolite gives it a number of beneficial properties, which are primarily relevant to agriculture, livestock farming, as well as fish farming and mussel farming. However, zeolite can even be used in aquariums or swimming pool filters. During fish rearing in fish farms, as well as in tanks used to transport live fish, it is natural for ammonia to build up, which can quickly contaminate an aquatic environment. Ammonia is produced by the gills and urine of fish, as well as by the bacterial decomposition of uneaten feed and faeces. The toxicity of ammonia reduces haemoglobin’s ability to bind oxygen and also damages the fish’s gills, thereby reducing the amount of oxygen they can utilise. However, once the ammonium and phosphate ions enter the zeolite’s lattice structure, they are bound by it, reducing the ammonia content by at least 90 per cent.
Natural zeolite also absorbs chlorides, iron and manganese. It is also used to remove heavy and toxic metals such as silver, mercury, nickel, chromium, cobalt, antimony, arsenic, cadmium and others. In this way, the water is enriched with extra oxygen, making life better and more comfortable for the fish, resulting in an increase in their growth rate and development, whilst at the same time zeolite helps to control unpleasant odours. The use of zeolite in aquariums binds ammonia and phosphorus and removes over 90 per cent of viruses and bacteria.
The ion-exchange properties of zeolite help to remove salts from the water, resulting in water softening and the adjustment of its pH to neutral.
Zeolite is a 100% natural, insoluble, durable product with antibacterial properties.
The European Union, in accordance with Directive 70/524/EEC (Commission Regulation (EC) No 1810/2005), has officially authorised the use of sedimentary clinoptilolite as a binding and anti-caking additive in feed for poultry, for cattle, pigs and salmon.
Some of the beneficial properties of natural zeolite in fish farming:
- It filters the water and absorbs ammonia.
- It removes heavy metals.
- It increases oxygen levels in aerated fish farm waters and in live fish transport tanks.
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