Disease Prep
Pond Preparation for EMS Prevention
01 — Overview
What this protocol is for
This protocol prepares ponds to prevent Early Mortality Syndrome (EMS) by suppressing Vibrio spp. It applies to both earthen and plastic-lined ponds. Follow the correct cleaning steps for your pond type in Step 1. Post-stocking feed supplementation with ViGuard*L is included.
Primary Objective
Suppress Vibrio spp. through disinfection and bioremediation, establish a stable microbial community, and support early post-stocking survival.
02 — Indications
When to use this protocol
Earthen and plastic-lined ponds in EMS-prone areas or with prior Vibrio history, both White Shrimp and Tiger Shrimp.
Important Notes
- !
This protocol covers both earthen and plastic lined ponds. Follow the correct initial cleaning steps for your pond type.
- !
Do not use antibiotics or pesticides during culture.
- !
Do not use lime, dolomite, or zeolite with this system.
- !
Water exchange is not recommended. Top up with treated water only.
03 — Procedure
Step-by-step instructions
- 1
Drain and clean pond
Earthen ponds: drain completely, remove all sludge and debris, and sun dry for 7 to 10 days until cracks appear. Plastic lined ponds: drain, remove sludge with soft tools, and clean all biofilm from walls.
- 2
Incoming water disinfection
Disinfect pond water with AlphaSep at 1 to 2 ppm (10 to 20 kg per hectare). Leave for 1 day.
- 3
Activate and distribute VibriGo
Dissolve VibriGo with sugar at 5 kg per hectare. Aerate in a shaded area for 4 hours. Distribute evenly using paddlewheel aerators.
- 4
VibriGo application: 3-day schedule
Apply VibriGo for 3 consecutive days. Day 1 at 500 g per hectare. Days 2 and 3 at 250 g per hectare. Keep aerators running at all times.
- 5
- 6
Alkalinity correction
One to two hours later, apply AlkaSet at 1 ppm (10 kg per hectare). Repeat for 2 to 3 consecutive days until Secchi disk reads 50 cm.
- 7
- 8
Stock 1 day after FytoShade
Stock 1 day after FytoShade application.
- 9
Post-stocking feed supplement
After stocking, add ViGuard*L at 3 to 5 mL per kg of feed daily. Mix with Guar gum at 1 g per kg of feed. Coat feed evenly. Air dry for 30 minutes before feeding.
04 — Parameters
Key parameters to monitor
Parameter
Target / Range
AlphaSep (water disinfection)
1 to 2 ppm (10 to 20 kg per hectare)
VibriGo: Day 1
500 g per hectare
VibriGo: Days 2 and 3
250 g per hectare
MinGro
1 ppm (10 kg per hectare)
FytoGro
1 ppm (10 kg per hectare)
AlkaSet
1 ppm (10 kg per hectare), 2 to 3 days
Secchi disk target at stocking
50 cm
FytoShade trigger
Secchi above 50 cm after 7 to 10 days
ViGuard*L (post-stocking)
3 to 5 mL per kg of feed daily
Guar gum (post-stocking)
1 g per kg of feed
DO (pond bottom)
at least 3 to 4 ppm
05 — Products
Products used in this protocol
Each product name links to its Blue Aqua product page for specifications and purchasing.