AquaSetu™ | Aquaculture Knowledge Hub

Water quality is central to shrimp farming because shrimp depend on their surrounding water for respiration and other essential physiological functions. Poor water conditions can affect feeding, growth, health and survival. The challenge is that pond water changes throughout the day and across the crop cycle. A single reading cannot describe the full condition of a pond. Which parameters should farmers monitor? Dissolved oxygen: Oxygen availability can change with time of day, weather, pond productivity and the respiration of shrimp and other organisms. Temperature: Temperature influences shrimp metabolism, feeding activity and oxygen demand. pH: pH affects the chemical environment of the pond and can influence the proportion of unionised ammonia in water. Salinity: Changes in salinity may affect shrimp osmoregulation, particularly when changes occur rapidly. Nitrogen compounds: Ammonia and nitrite should be assessed as part of a broader water-quality management programme. Risk depends...

 A successful shrimp crop begins before the first post-larvae enters the pond. Pond preparation creates the conditions for effective water management, responsible stocking and better control of production risks. However, pond preparation is not simply a matter of drying the pond, applying inputs and filling it again. The right approach depends on pond design, soil condition, previous crop performance, water source and the farming system. 1. Review the previous crop Before starting preparation, review the previous crop's performance. Record the harvest result, feed consumption, mortality observations, water-quality problems and any disease investigation. These records can help identify issues that need attention before the next stocking. 2. Inspect the pond bottom After draining, inspect the pond bottom for accumulated organic matter, sludge pockets, damaged liners, erosion and blocked drainage points. Remove waste appropriately and assess whether drying or other corrective measures...