Abstract

Aim: The study was aimed to assess the effects of a daily 1 mlL^-1 EM-1 additive into aquarium water on the selected growth parameters, water pH and conductivity of juvenile Discus fish.

Method and materials:  Prior to the five-day adaptation period, forty, 45-day-old juvenile Discus (Symphsodon sp.) were split into four groups: Group 1 (control) was treated with basal ration, 2% spirulina and preventive medicine (250 mg100L^-1 metronidazole and 250 mg100L^-1 praziquantel); and Group 2 was treated with basal ration, 2% spirulina, preventive medicine and 1 mlL^-1 EM-1, Group 3 was treated with basal ration, 2% spirulina and 1 mlL^-1 EM-1, and Group 4 was treated with basal ration, preventive medicine and 1 mlL^-1EM-1.

Results: Vertical length gain rate (VLGR) and weight gain rate (WGR) were significantly lower in Group 1 and higher in Group 3 (p<0.05). Based on these findings, it was determined that supplementation of EM-1 decreased pH and increased VLGR and WGR, decreased feed conversion rate in discus juveniles comparing to control group.

Conclusion: It was concluded that use of EM-1 as a probiotic in discus feed and spirulinain juvenile discus feed improved FCR, WGR and VLGR compared to the control group. EM use in planted aquariums and effects on the mating behavior may be tested before using in these conditions.

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