ARS | Publication request: SOME PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH THE USE OF WELLWATER IN HATCHING EGGS AND HOLDING FISH.

Submitted to: Aquaculture Magazine
Publication Type: Trade Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: April 15, 1998
Publication Date: N/A

Technical Abstract: Wells are the main source of water for hatching fish eggs and holding fish in vats or tanks. Although wells are a good source of water there are several problems associated with their use. Well water containing ammonia from decaying organic material in the aquifer can adversely affect fish health. The precipitation of dissolved iron often found in well water can smoother fish gills and fish eggs. Carbon dioxide levels can be high and dissolved oxygen levels can be low leading to the suffocation of both fish and eggs. Calcium deficiencies in the water can lower the hatching percentage of eggs and fry survival. Acidic water can leach toxic metals from pipes delivering water to the fish and from some metal containers that hold the fish. In addition to this, water borne solutions can change making previously good water unacceptable for use on fish. This necessitates the need for constant water quality monitoring of wells.