ANALYSIS OF WATER QUALITY IN ORNAMENTAL FISH FARMING GROUPS (POKDAKAN) IN PANGKALPINANG CITY

Abstract

Water quality is an important factor affecting the success of ornamental fish cultivation, especially in small cultivation containers with high density. The objective of this study was to evaluate the quality of water in ornamental fish cultivation ponds in five Fish Cultivation Groups (Pokdakan) in the City of Pangkalpinang and compare it with the water quality standards of Class 2 as per Government Regulation Number 22 of 2021. Descriptive quantitative approach was employed in this study. Air samples from five Pokdakan (Cg Bukit Intan, Gerunggang Betta, Said FM Aquafish, Pangkalpinang Fancy Guppy and Adi Fish Farm) were analyzed at the UPTD Environment Laboratory of the DLHK Province of Bangka Belitung for parameters such as dissolved oxygen (DO), pH, temperature, ammonia and detergents (methylene blue active substances/MBAS). DO levels were in the range of 4.00–5.30 mg/L and met the quality standard (minimum 4 mg/L), but three locations were just at the minimum threshold. The pH values ranged from 4.90 to 6.57 and were below the quality standard (6–9) in three Pokdakan, with the lowest value observed in Pangkalpinang Fancy Guppy. The ammonia levels varied from 0.069 to 0.329 mg/L, and exceeded the quality standard (0.2 mg/L) at Said FM Aquafish, with a similar temperature of 29.6 °C. The detergent levels were within safe limits below 0.012 mg/L at all locations.  Only one of the five Pokdakan, namely Adi Fish Farm, meets all quality standards on the parameters tested. Water quality improvement can be done by gradual pH adjustment, routine water exchange, feed management and increased aeration as well as water quality monitoring periodically.