Characterisation of the Bacterial Flora Associated with the Biofilter in Fresh Water Home Aquarium

Mohamed Hatha A.A.; Sreenath M.L.; Mujeeb Rahiman K.M.

doi:10.56093/ft.v42i1.16860

Authors

Mohamed Hatha A.A. School of Environmental Sciences, Mahatma Gandhi University, kottayam
Sreenath M.L. School of Environmental Sciences, Mahatma Gandhi University, kottayam
Mujeeb Rahiman K.M. School of Environmental Sciences, Mahatma Gandhi University, kottayam

https://doi.org/10.56093/ft.v42i1.16860

Keywords:

Home aquaria, biofilter, microflora, water quality

Abstract

The role of filter bed soil bacterial flora on maintenance and improvement of environmental parameters of the fresh water home aquarium has been analysed. The study was carried out as a preliminary step to develop a microbial consortium for use in the biofilters of freshwater home aquaria. The results showed considerable improvement in the water quality, particularly significant improvement in the dissolved oxygen content. There was two log increase in the total heterotrophic bacterial (THB) load of the filter bed soil and the characterisation of the microflora showed selection of gram positive microorganisms, especially of the genera Bacillus towards the end of the experimental period.