Improving water quality in Nile tilapia culture using a multi-stage filtration system

Wahyu Surakusumah; Diah Kusumawaty; Restu Utari Dewina; Aisyah Belva; Fadya Oktavia; Kirey Qanita; Naneu Nurfarida; Siti Nabila

doi:10.17509/abmas.v26i1.670

Improving water quality in Nile tilapia culture using a multi-stage filtration system

Wahyu Surakusumah ^{Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia,} , Diah Kusumawaty ^{Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia,} , Restu Utari Dewina ^{Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia,} , Aisyah Belva ^{Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia,} , Fadya Oktavia ^{Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia,} , Kirey Qanita ^{Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia,} , Naneu Nurfarida ^{Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia,} , Siti Nabila ^{Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia,} ,

26 June 2026 · Vol. 26 No. 1 (2026): Jurnal Abmas · Articles

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Abstract

Algal bloom in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) culture systems based on Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) can degrade water quality and increase the risk of fish stress. This community service program aimed to implement a multi-stage filtration system as an eco-friendly and energy-efficient solution to control microalgae growth and improve water quality in Nile tilapia culture ponds. The program was conducted through a Biology Study Program consultancy project involving lecturers, students, and the Padasuka Nila Cimahi aquaculture partner. The filtration system combined mechanical and biological filtration using fishing nets, gravel, kaldness K1, filter brushes, coral stones, and zeolite. Water quality parameters, including pH, Electrical Conductivity (EC), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), and total ammonia, were evaluated before and after system implementation. The results showed that the filtration system reduced pH from 9.18 to 7.60, EC from 284 µS/cm to 212 µS/cm, TDS from 147 ppm to 115 ppm, and total ammonia from 0.5 mg/L to 0.18 mg/L. In addition, pond water became visually clearer, and microalgae growth decreased significantly. The multi-stage filtration system proved to be an effective, low-cost, and sustainable approach for improving water quality in small- to medium-scale Nile tilapia aquaculture systems.

Abstrak

Ledakan mikroalga (algal bloom) pada budidaya ikan nila berbasis Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) dapat menurunkan kualitas air dan meningkatkan risiko stres pada ikan. Kegiatan pengabdian masyarakat ini bertujuan untuk menerapkan sistem filter bertingkat sebagai solusi hemat energi dan ramah lingkungan guna mengendalikan pertumbuhan mikroalga serta memperbaiki kualitas air kolam budidaya ikan nila. Kegiatan dilaksanakan melalui program proyek konsultansi Program Studi Biologi secara kolaboratif antara dosen, mahasiswa, dan mitra budidaya ikan nila Padasuka Nila Cimahi. Sistem filtrasi dirancang menggunakan kombinasi filtrasi mekanis dan biologis dengan media jaring nelayan, kerikil, kaldness K1, filter brush, karang jahe, dan zeolit. Evaluasi dilakukan terhadap parameter kualitas air sebelum dan sesudah penerapan sistem, meliputi pH, Electrical Conductivity (EC), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), dan amonia total. Hasil menunjukkan bahwa sistem filtrasi mampu menurunkan pH dari 9,18 menjadi 7,60, EC dari 284 µS/cm menjadi 212 µS/cm, TDS dari 147 ppm menjadi 115 ppm, serta amonia total dari 0,5 mg/L menjadi 0,18 mg/L. Selain itu, kondisi visual air kolam menjadi lebih jernih dan pertumbuhan mikroalga berkurang. Sistem filter bertingkat terbukti efektif, ekonomis, dan berpotensi diterapkan secara berkelanjutan pada budidaya ikan nila skala kecil hingga menengah.

Kata Kunci: biofiltrasi; budidaya ikan nila; filtrasi bertingkat; kualitas air; mikroalga

Keywords : biofiltration , microalgae , multi-stage filtration , nile tilapia culture , water quality

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