Journal of Earth & Environmental Waste Management
ISSN: 3065-8799 | DOI: 10.64030/3065-8799
Arojojoye Folashade Olivia, Ogbu Chukwuemeka Prince and Joy Chinyere Ogbu
Aquaculture has become an important means of meeting the rising demand for protein-rich food in Nigeria, with Clarias gariepinus (African catfish) being one of the most widely cultured species. However, water quality management remains a major challenge in tank-based culture systems. Recent studies suggest that tank color may influence fish performance and water quality, yet limited data exist in the Nigerian context. This study investigated the effect of tank color on the physicochemical parameters of water and the growth performance of Clarias gariepinus juveniles under controlled culture conditions in Abuja, Nigeria. Three tank colors black, Red, and white were evaluated in a completely randomized design with treatments. Key water quality parameters (temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, ammonia, nitrate, turbidity, and total dissolved solids) were monitored, alongside fish growth indicators (weight gain, specific growth rate, feed conversion ratio, and survival rate). Results revealed that Red tanks provided the most stable and favorable water conditions, with higher dissolved oxygen (5.5 mg/L), lower ammonia (0.18 mg/L), and reduced turbidity (11.5 NTU). Fish reared in red tanks exhibited superior growth performance (final mean weight 118.7 g; SGR = 2.98 %/day; FCR = 1.45) and the highest survival rate (96.7%). White tanks performed least favorably, associated with lower dissolved oxygen and higher ammonia concentrations, which negatively affected growth and survival. The study concludes that red tank coloration is most suitable for Clarias gariepinus culture, followed by black, while white tanks should be avoided. It recommends the adoption of red or black tanks by fish farmers, regular water quality monitoring, and further research on the long-term physiological and economic impacts of tank coloration.