Density dependent ambient ammonium as the key factor for optimization of stocking density of common carp in small holding tanks

Advanced fry of common carp (1.6 ± 0.2 g) were reared in experimental outdoor tanks (4500 l; 3 × 1.5 × 1 m) for 312 or 151 days under six stocking conditions of 8, 13, 16, 32, 48 and 64 fish per tank for ascertaining the threshold and critical levels of ammonium and, hence, to recommend the optimum stocking density of common carp for culture under rearing stage conditions. The samples of water were monitored from each tank at regular intervals for water quality parameters as well as for ammonium concentrations. Fishes were harvested at the end of the experiment. The results revealed a significant decrease in fish growth as stocking density increased. Absence of mortality and favorable growth resulted in maximum fish biomass at the stocking density of 16 fish/tank, but the heavy mortality and stunted growth caused the poor total fish biomass in the highest stocking density employed. The interactions between ammonium and fish growth were expressed at three different concentration levels of ammonium: (a) favorable concentration range (0.262-0.294 mg l^− 1), (b) growth inhibiting concentration range (0.313-0.322 mg l^− 1) and (c) lethal concentration range (0.323-0.422 mg l^− 1). The ambient ammonium concentrations of 0.313 mg l^− 1 (or equivalent ammonia concentration of 0.0342 mg l^− 1) and 0.323 mg l^− 1 (or equivalent ammonia concentration of 0.043 mg l^− 1), observed for stocking density ranging from 17 to 19 fish per tank, were considered to be the threshold and critical levels of ammonium that caused growth inhibition and mortality of fish. Fish mortality was higher when the ratio of DO to ammonium remained quite low (< 15), but no mortality occurred with higher ratio. Considering the economic viability of the production system, this appears that the optimum fish stocking density would be around SD 16 (equivalent to 210 g m^− 3).