Disease Prep
Pond Preparation for EMS Prevention
01
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.
Main Objective
Suppress Vibrio spp. through disinfection and bioremediation, establish a stable microbial community, and support early post-stocking survival.
02
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
Step by step instructions
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.
Incoming water disinfection
Disinfect pond water with AlphaSep at 1 to 2 ppm (10 to 20 kg per hectare). Leave for 1 day.
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.
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.
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.
Stock 1 day after FytoShade
Stock 1 day after FytoShade application.
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
Key parameters to monitor
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 used in this protocol
Each product name links to its Blue Aqua product page for full specifications and purchasing.