Water Prep
Phytoplankton Bloom for Initial Culture
01 — Overview
What this protocol is for
Apply this protocol before stocking when the Secchi disk reading is below 50 cm. It uses FytoGro to stimulate phytoplankton growth and SoilGro with jaggery as microbial support. Do not stock until the bloom is stable. Dosages are expressed per acre.
Primary Objective
Establish a sufficient phytoplankton bloom before stocking to provide natural food for larvae and stabilise water quality.
02 — Indications
When to use this protocol
All pond types and both species when Secchi disk reads below 50 cm before stocking.
Important Notes
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Do not stock until the phytoplankton bloom is stable.
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Do not use antibiotics, disinfectants, pesticides, or herbicides.
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Maintain high dissolved oxygen at all times.
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Dosages in this protocol are expressed per acre.
03 — Procedure
Step-by-step instructions
- 1
Check Secchi disk reading
Before stocking, check the Secchi disk reading. If it reads less than 50 cm, apply this protocol before introducing PLs.
- 2
Apply FytoGro
Apply FytoGro at 1 ppm for 3 consecutive days. Keep aerators running.
- 3
Run paddlewheel aerators
Turn on paddlewheel aerators to keep the water well mixed and oxygenated.
- 4
Apply SoilGro and jaggery
Apply SoilGro at 80 g per acre with jaggery at 8 kg per acre for 3 consecutive days. Proceed to stock once the bloom is established.
04 — Parameters
Key parameters to monitor
Parameter
Target / Range
Secchi disk trigger
below 50 cm before stocking
FytoGro
1 ppm for 3 consecutive days
SoilGro
80 g per acre for 3 days
Jaggery
8 kg per acre for 3 days
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.