Catfish Aquaponics & Water Lettuce Biofilter Simulator

Preset Scenarios:

Total Ammonia Nitrogen (TAN)

0.42 ppm

Toxic Unionized NH3

0.018 ppm

Nitrate (NO3-)

12.4 ppm

Dissolved Oxygen (DO)

6.3 mg/L

Plant Nutrient Uptake

315 g/day

Fish Health Index

96 %

Pond Management Controls

Water Lettuce Coverage 35%

Catfish Stocking Density 40 fish

Daily Feed Rate 1.5 kg/day

Bottom Aeration Flow 120 L/min

Water Temperature 28 °C

Water pH Level 7.5

Biochemical Mechanics of Water Lettuce (Pistia stratiotes) Biofiltration

High-density catfish farming releases substantial organic nitrogen through metabolic excretion (excreted directly via gills as toxic Total Ammonia Nitrogen) and unconsumed feed decomposition. Without biofiltration, accumulation of unionized ammonia (NH3) damages gill membranes and disrupts oxygen transfer in catfish.

Water Lettuce provides rapid phytoremediation through its extensive submerged feathery root architecture. The root surfaces act as biological attachment sites for nitrifying bacteria (converting NH4+ into NO3-) while the roots directly absorb nitrate and ammonium for plant biomass growth.