Aquarium Water Waste as Alternative Water on the Growth and Yield Performance

Of Pechay (Brassica rapa)

Introduction

Today, many people are now a fish keeper. However, dirty water from aquariums are just

thrown. Fish are typically raised in indoor tanks, troughs or outdoor ponds, where they produce

excrement. The waste is toxic to the fish but is a rich fertilizer for the plants. Dirty fish tank water isn’t

healthy for fish, but it’s rich in beneficial bacteria, as well as potassium, phosphorus, nitrogen, and trace

nutrients that will promote lush, healthy plants. These are some of the same nutrients you’ll find in

many commercial fertilizers.

Pechay is an erect, biennial herb, cultivated as an annual about 15-30 cm tall in vegetative stage.

It is use mainly for its immature, but fully expanded tender leaves. Pechay is a good source of calcium,

phosphorus, iron and vitamin B. Decoction of the rhizomes and young leaves can be used for hemoptysis

and coughs (Marvin, 2010). Pechay can be grow from mid to low elevations throughout the year but

makes their best growth and good quality produced are in cool conditions. However, during the dry

season it can be grown with good irrigation in a sandy to clay loam type of soil with a pH ranging from

5.5 to 6.5 (Jimenez, Mariano, Ferrer & De Leon, 2009). This can either be sown directly in soil or

transplanted (BDPH, 2016).

The study on 11 different salt contents in wastewater at the optimal HRTs of 10, nine, and eight

days showed the existence of inhibition effects on biomass growth and substrate removal from 3.0% salt

concentration. The treated wastewater without offensive odor is feasible for its reutilization as an

environmental friendly liquid fertilizer. (Ching, Redzwan, 2017)

 This study aims to determine the effect of aquarium water waste as alternative water on the

growth and yield performance of Pechay (Brassica rapa). This research also focused on the potential of

Aquarium water waste as alternative water on the growth and yield performance of pechay that should

be explored and evaluated.

Reena Mae V. Dichopo

STE 10- Archimedes