Suggested chemical values for water sources. Concentrations are in parts per million except for pH. Source for of information in this table is from Fish Hatchery Management. U.S. Department of Interior. From Table 2, it should be mentioned that parameters such as dissolved oxygen, carbon dioxide, chlorine, and chloramines will vary widely among water sources. Initial examinations for oxygen and carbon dioxide are normally meaningless because each can be easily manipulated through mechanical means.
Nitrate levels are a combination of ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate.
Chlorine and chloramines are used in municipal water supplies as disinfectants and are very toxic to fish. Heavy metals, such as mercury and lead, and pesticides are two other groups of contaminates in water sources. If present, the source should not be used. The quantity of water needed for a commercial aquaculture facility varies with the production method used, type of aquaculture chosen, scale of operation, and species being produced. For example, the water requirement for a trout farm using raceways will be different than the water required to produce yellow perch in ponds.