Maintaining pond water quality is a crucial aspect in shrimp cultivation that every farmer needs to know. One of the key water quality parameters affecting shrimp growth and survival is pH.
However, pH levels can become too high, exceeding the ideal range of 7.8-8.5 due to feed input and high phytoplankton density. An overly high pH, especially above 10, increases the toxicity of ammonia in water and triggers shrimp death. This also occurs during periods of extreme pH fluctuations, such as fluctuations above 0.5 in a day. To avoid this, farmers need to lower the pH of their pond water. Learn how to lower the pH in vannamei shrimp ponds here!
How to Decrease Pond Water pH
1. Changing the water
Changing the water should be done if the increase in daily pond water pH exceeds 0.5. Before adding water, sterilize it and conduct water quality measurements to ensure that the new water has fulfilled the required parameters. Then, homogenize it using paddle wheels and discard water from the bottom of the pond. The recommended water volume to change is 10%, but in cases where the pH is too high due to excessive ammonia, changing the water at a volume of 25-50% is advisable. Changing the water should be done gradually to avoid stress in shrimp.
2. Controlling phytoplankton growth
An overly high phytoplankton population may cause changes in water quality due to their photosynthetic activity, which reduces water CO₂ levels and increases pH. One way to control phytoplankton population is by cleaning the bottom of the pond through siphoning, along with pond water circulation by discarding water in the morning and adding new water in the evening. Another step that can be done is treatment of Bacillus bacteria culture in the morning. Also, limit light intensity in the farm by installing a roof or black net over the pond if possible.
3. Avoiding overfeeding
Overfeeding or administering excessive feed can increase the accumulation of waste products such as ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate. These compounds increase pH and pose a danger to shrimp. Avoid overfeeding by giving feed according to the shrimp’s DoC and needs. Check feeding trays routinely to monitor shrimp appetite and determine feed doses accurately.
4. Giving probiotic treatments
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria in shrimp cultivation. One role of probiotics such as Nitrosomonas and Nitrobacter is breaking down compounds such as ammonia and nitrite, thereby controlling water pH. To give probiotic treatment, apply them by mixing in feed or water media.
5. Installing pond liners
This final step can be conducted if you are cultivating in earthen ponds. The mineral content in the soil can cause the water pH to rise too high, which can be mitigated by installing a liner.
Conclusion
Those are the ways to decrease water pH in vannamei shrimp ponds. Regularly monitor the pH to ensure that the value is still within ideal levels for shrimp. Also, record every water quality measurement result on JALA App. Aside from facilitating water quality recording, JALA App is helps you:
- Record 40+ other shrimp farming parameters
- Monitor pond conditions in real time
- Receive pond performance analysis in graphical form
- View estimates of total biomass, feed requirements, and harvest revenue
- And many more!
Register yourself now on app.jala.tech and download the mobile version from Google Play Store and App Store to start a more convenient and efficient cultivation management journey with JALA!
