01 — Overview
What this protocol is for
This protocol covers standard preparation for earthen ponds stocked with White Shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). Use it between crop cycles to clear pathogens, reset the pond environment, and prepare the pond for stocking. Most farms follow the MinGroX version. Some farms use MinGro at the same dose.
Primary Objective
Eliminate pathogens and spent organic matter, establish a beneficial microbial environment, and bring the pond to safe stocking conditions.
02 — Indications
When to use this protocol
Earthen ponds stocked with White Shrimp between production cycles.
Important Notes
- !
Do not use antibiotics, disinfectants, pesticides, or herbicides during culture. These will kill naturally occurring bacteria.
- !
Maintain high dissolved oxygen at all times.
- !
Most farms follow the MinGroX version. Some farms use MinGro at the same dose. Confirm which product your farm uses before starting.
03 — Procedure
Step-by-step instructions
- 1
Full drainage and pond bottom preparation
Drain completely. Remove all sludge, uneaten feed, and debris. Sun dry for 7 to 10 days until surface cracks appear.
- 2
Lime treatment and pH elevation
Apply CaOH or CaO at 500 g per square metre. Fill to 50 cm. Target pH at or above 8.5, preferably 9. Leave for 3 days. Discharge water.
- 3
First bioremediation step
Fill to 30 cm. Apply SoilGro 400 g per acre (or 1 kg per hectare) with jaggery 8 kg per acre (or 20 kg per hectare). Aerate. Leave for 1 week. Watch for foam on the water surface.
- 4
Second bioremediation step
Top up by 15 cm. Apply SoilGro 400 g per acre (or 1 kg per hectare) with jaggery 8 kg per acre (or 20 kg per hectare). Aerate. Leave for 1 week. Discharge water.
- 5
04 — Parameters
Key parameters to monitor
Parameter
Target / Range
Sun-drying period
7 to 10 days until surface cracks form
Lime dose
500 g per square metre
pH during lime phase
8.5 to 9
AlphaSep
3 ppm
MinGroX or MinGro
1 ppm for 3 consecutive days
Water depth at stocking
1.2 m
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.