Proven Benefits in Aquaculture
Scientific studies demonstrate efficacy in tilapia, catfish and shrimp
Higher Growth
Increase in growth rate and final biomass, mainly through improved water quality and nutrient absorption
Ammonia Removal
Drastic reduction of total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) in recirculation systems
Heavy Metal Removal from Water
Removal of heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Cu, Zn) from culture water by cation exchange
Water Quality
Increase in dissolved O₂, pH restoration and reduction of turbidity
Applications in Aquaculture
Solutions for nutrition and aquatic environmental control
Feed Additive - Tilapia
Inclusion of 1-5% in tilapia feed (optimum: 5%). The zeolite improves growth and carcass composition, and in the water removes heavy metals (60-80%). Effective regardless of stocking density. Reduces mortality when combined with probiotics.
Feed Additive - Catfish and Shrimp
Addition of 1-3% in African catfish and shrimp feed. The high CEC (150-190 meq/100g) improves external and internal fish indicators. Heavy metal removal by ion exchange prior to absorption. Gut microbiota modulation. Applicable in intensive systems.
Aquatic Environment Control - Tanks/Ponds
Application of 2.5-5 kg/m³ in tanks and ponds. The zeolite removes ammonia (TAN) by cation exchange (NH₄⁺ ↔ Na⁺/Ca²⁺), increases dissolved O₂, restores pH, and removes heavy metals. Reduces TAN from lethal levels (>1 mg/L) to safe levels (0.34-0.36 mg/L). Essential for intensive recirculation systems.
Live Fish Transport
Use of zeolite in sealed plastic bags for live fish transport. Controls ammonia during transport, reducing stress and mortality. In vitro comparison demonstrated superior efficacy of clinoptilolite vs. activated carbon. Validated commercial application.
Technical Specifications for Aquaculture
| Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) | 150-190 meq/100g |
| Mechanism of Action (Water) | Cation exchange NH₄⁺ ↔ Na⁺/Ca²⁺ |
| Mechanism of Action (Feed) | Toxin adsorption + heavy metal removal by ion exchange |
| Compatibility (Feed) | Does not interfere with vitamins/minerals |
| Dosage Tilapia (Feed) | 1-5% of the feed (optimum: 5%) |
| Dosage Catfish/Shrimp (Feed) | 1-3% of the feed |
| Dosage Tanks/Ponds (Water) | 2.5-5 kg/m³ |
| Safe TAN for Tilapia | < 1 mg/L (lethal above this level) |
| TAN Achieved with Zeolite | 0,34-0,36 mg/L |
| Species Studied | Tilapia, Catfish, Carp, Shrimp |
| Safety | Anti-caking agent GRAS (FDA); no withdrawal period required |