Disease Prep
Pond Preparation after Viral Outbreak: Plastic-Lined Ponds
01
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.
Main Objective
Eliminate viral particles from liner surfaces and the water column, restore microbial balance, and prepare a safe environment for restocking.
02
When to use this protocol
Plastic-lined ponds following a confirmed viral disease outbreak.
Important Notes
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This protocol applies to plastic lined ponds only. No earthen pond equivalent exists.
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Do not use lime, dolomite, or zeolite.
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Do not use antibiotics or pesticides during culture.
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Water exchange is not recommended. Top up with treated water for evaporation losses only.
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If Secchi disk exceeds 50 cm after 7 to 10 days, this indicates insufficient bloom and FytoShade is required.
03
Step by step instructions
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.
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.
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.
Incoming water disinfection
Disinfect incoming pond water with 35 ppm active chlorine. Maintain contact for 24 to 48 hours.
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.
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 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.
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
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 used in this protocol
Each product name links to its Blue Aqua product page for full specifications and purchasing.