WATER QUALITY OF TUBIFEX WORM CULTURE IN VERTIQUA TECHNOLOGY

Abstract

Tubifex sp. culture is an important source of natural feed with high nutritional value for fish larvae and juveniles. The dependence on natural harvesting results in unstable availability, highlighting the need for an efficient cultivation system capable of maintaining water quality. This study aimed to evaluate the water quality of Tubifex sp. cultured using Vertiqua technology integrated with a recirculating system and a Biofical Filter. The experiment was conducted from November 2025 to January 2026 at the Bossbaster experimental pond, Sukabumi Regency, Indonesia. Observed parameters included temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, phosphate, alkalinity, turbidity, and odor indicators. Temperature, pH, and DO were measured daily, while the remaining parameters were analyzed at the beginning, middle, and end of the culture period. The results showed that the average temperature (26.4°C), pH (7.45), alkalinity (105.8 mg/L), nitrate (4.65 mg/L), phosphate (0 mg/L), and turbidity (0 NTU) remained within acceptable ranges for Tubifex culture. However, dissolved oxygen (3.51 mg/L), ammonia (1.515 mg/L), and nitrite (0.236 mg/L) exceeded the recommended water quality standards. Despite these limitations, the Biofical Filter integrated into the Vertiqua system maintained relatively stable water quality, reduced odor, and minimized organic waste accumulation throughout the culture period. Therefore, Vertiqua technology has considerable potential for Tubifex culture on limited land, although further optimization of the filtration system is required to improve dissolved oxygen and reduce ammonia and nitrite concentrations.