Disease Prep
Pond Preparation after Viral Outbreak: Plastic-Lined Ponds
01 — Overview
What this protocol is for
This is a high-intensity preparation protocol for plastic-lined ponds following a confirmed viral disease outbreak. Incoming water is treated with 35 ppm active chlorine. Liner surfaces are sprayed with a 1% AlphaSep solution and the treatment is repeated after 2 to 3 days. This protocol applies to plastic-lined ponds only.
Primary Objective
Eliminate viral particles from liner surfaces and the water column, restore microbial balance, and prepare a safe environment for restocking.
02 — Indications
When to use this protocol
Plastic-lined ponds following a confirmed viral disease outbreak.
Important Notes
- !
This protocol applies to plastic lined ponds only. No earthen pond equivalent exists.
- !
Do not use lime, dolomite, or zeolite.
- !
Do not use antibiotics or pesticides during culture.
- !
Water exchange is not recommended. Top up with treated water for evaporation losses only.
- !
If Secchi disk exceeds 50 cm after 7 to 10 days, this indicates insufficient bloom and FytoShade is required.
03 — Procedure
Step-by-step instructions
- 1
Drain and clean liner
Drain completely. Flush all valves and drainage lines. Use soft tools to remove debris and biofilm from the liner and walls.
- 2
Sludge removal
Remove and collect all sludge. Dry sludge under the sun before discarding.
- 3
Liner inspection and repair
Inspect the pond liner for damage. Repair any tears, holes, or compromised seams.
- 4
Liner surface disinfection
Prepare a 1% AlphaSep solution. Spray on all surfaces or soak surfaces in contact with pond water. Repeat after 2 to 3 days.
- 5
Incoming water disinfection
Disinfect incoming pond water with 35 ppm active chlorine. Maintain contact for 24 to 48 hours.
- 6
Fill pond and activate VibriGo
Fill with disinfected water. Dissolve VibriGo with sugar at 5 kg per hectare. Aerate in a shaded area for 4 hours. Distribute evenly using paddlewheel aerators.
- 7
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.
- 8
- 9
Alkalinity correction
One to two hours after step 8, apply AlkaSet at 1 ppm (10 kg per hectare). Repeat for 2 to 3 consecutive days until Secchi disk reads 50 cm.
- 10
- 11
Stock 1 day after FytoShade
Stock 1 day after FytoShade application.
- 12
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
Incoming water chlorination
35 ppm active chlorine, 24 to 48 hours
Surface disinfection
1% AlphaSep solution, repeat after 2 to 3 days
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.