Disease Prep
EHP Infected Pond Preparation: Plastic-Lined Ponds
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What this protocol is for
This protocol prepares plastic-lined ponds with a confirmed EHP (Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei) infection history for restocking. The first steps are specific to lined ponds and cover drain flushing, soft-tool cleaning, sludge removal, and liner inspection. The remaining steps use lime treatment and bioremediation to eliminate EHP spores. This protocol uses MinGro.
Main Objective
Eliminate EHP spores from liner surfaces and the water column using lime treatment and bioremediation.
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When to use this protocol
Plastic-lined ponds with EHP history, White Shrimp or Tiger Shrimp.
Important Notes
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Use soft tools on the liner. Scrubbing tools will damage the liner surface.
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Do not use antibiotics, disinfectants, pesticides, or herbicides. These will kill naturally occurring bacteria.
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Maintain high dissolved oxygen throughout.
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Step by step instructions
Drain and clean liner surfaces
Drain completely. Flush all valves and drainage lines. Use soft tools to remove debris and biofilm from the liner and walls.
Sludge removal
Remove and collect all sludge. Dry sludge under the sun before discarding.
Liner inspection and repair
Inspect the pond liner for damage. Repair any tears, holes, or compromised seams before proceeding.
Lime treatment and pH elevation
Apply CaO at 5 to 10 tonnes per hectare. Fill to 50 cm. Target pH at or above 8.5, preferably 9. Leave for 5 to 7 days. Discharge water.
First bioremediation step
Fill to 30 cm. Apply SoilGro 2 kg per hectare with jaggery 20 kg per hectare. Aerate. Leave for 4 to 5 days.
Second bioremediation step
Top up by 30 cm. Apply SoilGro 2 kg per hectare with jaggery 20 kg per hectare. Aerate. Leave for 4 to 5 days. Discharge water.
Fill and second lime application
Fill to culture depth. Apply CaO at 2 tonnes per hectare. Target pH 8.3 to 8.4 at stocking.
Disinfection
Apply AlphaSep at 3 ppm. Leave for 2 days.
Mineral correction and pre-stocking check
If salinity is below 15 ppt, apply MinGro at 17 kg per hectare for 3 consecutive days. Confirm Secchi disk reading is at or above 50 cm before introducing PLs.
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Key parameters to monitor
Lime: liner treatment
5 to 10 tonnes per hectare (CaO)
pH during lime phase
8.5 to 9
Lime: water treatment
2 tonnes per hectare (CaO)
Target pH at stocking
8.3 to 8.4
AlphaSep
3 ppm, 2 days contact
Mineral correction trigger
Salinity below 15 ppt
MinGro
17 kg per hectare for 3 days
Secchi disk before PLs
at or above 50 cm
DO (pond bottom)
at least 3 to 4 ppm
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Products used in this protocol
Each product name links to its Blue Aqua product page for full specifications and purchasing.