Water Quality Archives

Category: Water Quality

06Oct

Toxic Substances in Shrimp Ponds: Hidden Threats to Shrimp Survival

Vannamei shrimp ponds are specially designed artificial ecosystems aimed at maximizing shrimp growth and productivity during harvest. However, behind their success, there are dangerous threats from toxic substances in shrimp ponds.

Toxic substances in shrimp ponds are produced by the nitrogen cycle activity and bacterial decomposition processes. At certain levels, the presence of these substances can impact shrimp’s health and threaten their survival.

Ammonia, nitrite, plankton toxins, and hydrogen sulphide are some examples of toxic substances in shrimp ponds. Read more about them in this article!

Also Read: The Use of Dolomite Lime in Shrimp Farming: Benefits and Implementation

Toxic Substances in Shrimp Ponds

1. Ammonia

The first toxic substance in shrimp ponds is ammonia, which results from the shrimp’s metabolic processes and the decomposition of leftover feed, feces, and dead plankton. Ammonia is not toxic if its concentration remains below a certain threshold, so it should be monitored continuously.

The presence of ammonia in shrimp ponds is also important because it can be beneficial for phytoplankton. Phytoplankton plays a role in fixing dinitrogen gas conversion processes into nitrogen and uses nitrogen sources as nutrients for growth.

The ammonia level in the pond should not exceed 0.1 ppm. If it goes beyond this limit, it can negatively impact shrimp survival, leading to slowed growth, increased stress, and heightened susceptibility to diseases.

2. Nitrite

Nitrite is a toxic substance in shrimp ponds produced from partially oxidized nitrogen. It is not typically found in fresh wastewater but accumulates in aged and stagnant wastewater.

High nitrite levels can result from excessive shrimp feeding, excessive sediment density, poor water circulation, and other factors disrupting the nitrogen cycle balance.

Nitrite is highly toxic to vannamei shrimp and can lead to various negative effects, including inhibited shrimp growth and development, and even death.

Although nitrite levels are usually low in shrimp ponds, their toxicity is especially dangerous in the early stages of cultivation. During this phase, nitrite levels can increase rapidly and reach toxic levels that endanger shrimp.

Also Read: The Influence of Ion Composition on the Growth and Survival of Vannamei Shrimp

3. Plankton Toxins (Blue-Green Algae)

Plankton can also release dangerous toxins in shrimp ponds, especially cyanobacteria or blue-green algae (BGA), which can cause the death of herbivorous zooplankton. These plankton toxins are undoubtedly harmful to shrimp survival, especially in their digestive systems.

Plankton toxins typically appear during mass plankton deaths, known as plankton blooms. On the other hand, this phenomenon also reduces water transparency, preventing oxygen from reaching the pond’s bottom and causing the accumulation of toxic compounds like ammonia, nitrite, and hydrogen sulphide.

4. Hydrogen Sulfide

Hydrogen sulphide is a compound produced by bacterial activity from organic matter in anaerobic conditions, which usually occurs at the pond’s bottom. This compound usually appears in pond bottoms with a lack of oxygen supply. In shrimp ponds, the hydrogen sulphide concentration should be ≤ 0.01 ppm.

Several factors contribute to the abundance of hydrogen sulphide in ponds, including insufficient sunlight reaching the pond bottom, lack of oxygen supply at the pond bottom, and the presence of organic matter leading to sedimentation at the pond bottom.

Also Read: The Importance of Minerals in Vannamei Shrimp Farming

Trust Your Vannamei Shrimp Farming to DELOS

Toxic substances in ponds, such as ammonia, nitrite, plankton toxins, and hydrogen sulphide, pose serious threats to cultivation if not monitored and controlled. Therefore, it is crucial to regularly check water quality to address these issues.

Many shrimp farmers are unaware of the importance of routine water quality monitoring. That’s why you can choose DELOS as your partner in vannamei shrimp farming!

DELOS Laboratory Team conducts daily water quality monitoring to keep an eye on pond conditions. If any anomalies arise, specific treatments can be applied promptly to ensure the successful cultivation of vannamei shrimp.

Contact DELOS at contact@delosaqua.com or click the WhatsApp icon on this page to connect with us directly. Entrust your vannamei shrimp farming to DELOS!

26Sep

Water Quality

The Influence of Ion Composition on the Growth and Survival of Vannamei Shrimp

Vannamei shrimp aquaculture has become a crucial part of the aquaculture industry in recent years due to its significant contribution to the global market. Among the cultivated species, vannamei shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) stands out as one of the most popular choices because of its adaptability and rapid growth.

The success of shrimp aquaculture relies on various factors, with one key element being water quality parameters. Specifically, water’s ion composition plays a vital role in the growth and survival of vannamei shrimp. This article explores the influence of ion composition on these critical aspects of shrimp cultivation.

Also Read: Effect of Water pH on Vannamei Shrimp Cultivation

The Importance of Ion Composition

Water quality parameters, including temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, pH, and ion composition, greatly affect the health and growth of vannamei shrimp. Ion composition refers to the types and concentrations of ions present in the water.

Essential ions in shrimp aquaculture are calcium (Ca2+), magnesium (Mg2+), sodium (Na+), and potassium (K+). These ions have a direct impact on the physiological processes and growth of shrimp.

Primary Ions in Vannamei Shrimp Aquaculture

1. Calcium and Magnesium

Calcium and magnesium are essential ions for the moulting and exoskeleton formation of vannamei shrimp. Deficiencies in these ions can result in soft shells and increased susceptibility to diseases.

The right ion composition with adequate levels of calcium and magnesium supports healthy molting and ensures that shrimp can grow and develop optimally.

2. Sodium and Potassium

Sodium and potassium ions play a crucial role in osmoregulation, maintaining the internal salt balance of shrimp. Insufficient levels of these ions can cause stress and hinder the shrimp’s ability to regulate their internal environment.

This can impact their growth and survival. It is essential to maintain the proper balance between sodium and potassium ions to support optimal osmoregulation in vannamei shrimp.

Also Read: The Importance of Minerals in Vannamei Shrimp Farming

Maintaining Ion Composition in Ponds

Achieving the ideal ion composition in shrimp ponds involves careful monitoring and management of water quality. In shrimp cultivation efforts, farmers heavily rely on controlling water quality to ensure an optimal environment for shrimp growth and health.

One common approach is the use of specialized water treatment systems designed to control ion concentrations in aquaculture ponds. These systems may include various techniques, such as adding mineral supplements or using ion exchange resins, to adjust ion levels as needed in the ponds. By doing so, farmers can ensure that the water environment in the ponds remains balanced and suitable for their shrimp’s requirements, enabling optimal growth.

Furthermore, controlling ion composition in shrimp aquaculture ponds is a key step in avoiding potential issues such as shrimp stress, poor growth rates, or even mortality. Through careful monitoring and the use of appropriate water treatment technologies, farmers can maintain the stability of the water environment, making it conducive to shrimp growth and development.

The Influence of Ion Composition on Growth and Survival

Optimal ion composition positively impacts the growth of vannamei shrimp. Shrimp cultured in water with the correct ion balance tend to exhibit faster growth rates, better survival rates, and overall improved health. The right ion composition supports the development of a strong exoskeleton, which is crucial for protecting shrimp as they grow.

The survival of vannamei shrimp is closely tied to water quality, including ion composition. In water with imbalanced ion levels, shrimp are more susceptible to stress and diseases, resulting in higher mortality rates. Maintaining the proper ion composition reduces stress, supports a healthy immune function, and ultimately enhances the chances of vannamei shrimp survival.

Also Read: Types of Feed Additives for Vannamei Shrimp and Their Benefits

Cultivate Your Vannamei Shrimp with DELOS!

Understanding the influence of ion composition is a key aspect of vannamei shrimp cultivation to optimize shrimp growth. To ensure ion composition in your pond, you can perform daily water quality checks.

To streamline the monitoring of your shrimp pond’s water quality, you can opt for science and technology-based shrimp cultivation management, such as DELOS.

DELOS is an aquatech company that can help manage your shrimp farms by conducting daily water quality monitoring and analyzing the data to help your ponds achieve maximum production yields in each cycle.

DELOS farm management is also integrated with the AquaHero app, which makes it easy for you to monitor your pond’s conditions daily.

Contact the DELOS team at contact@delosaqua.com or submit an inquiry through the contact form on our website, www.delosaqua.com, to learn more about our services. Entrust your vannamei shrimp cultivation to DELOS!

23Aug

AquacultureTipsWater Quality

Prospects and Compelete Methods for Exporting Vannamei Shrimp

The export of vannamei shrimp has been carried out by various parties for years. This is because vannamei shrimp is highly sought after in the global market. However, to engage in export activities, you need to be familiar with the procedures beforehand.

Exporting vannamei shrimp is neither difficult nor easy. You need to fully understand the procedures set by the Indonesian government and the procedures of the destination country for your exports.

Well, to learn more, let’s read the article about how to export vannamei shrimp below!

Also Read: Promising Vannamei Shrimp Cultivation Prospect and Export Opportunities

What are the Prospects for Vannamei Shrimp Export in the Global Market?

Vannamei shrimp is known for its delicious meat, good texture, versatility in creating various tasty dishes, and its affordable price. It’s no wonder that the demand for this shrimp continues to rise year after year.

In Indonesia, vannamei shrimp is one of the highest exported commodities with profits reaching millions of US dollars. Vannamei shrimp has contributed up to 36% of Indonesia’s total fishery export commodities, indicating its high demand in the global market.

According to data from the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF), Indonesia’s shrimp production has consistently increased over the years. In 2022, Indonesia produced 1,099,976 tons of shrimp. This value is expected to rise in 2023, targeting 1,829,000 tons, and 2 million tons in 2024.

These targets are considered quite realistic given Indonesia’s high potential for cultivation, including a land area of at least 2.9 million hectares, favourable cultivation climate year-round, and adequate water resources.

Destination Countries for Indonesian Shrimp Exports

Indonesia ranks as the fourth-largest shrimp-exporting country in the world. This figure is expected to increase in the coming years, potentially making Indonesia the largest shrimp exporter globally. Some of the destination countries for Indonesian shrimp exports include:

1. Singapore

Singapore ranks first as the largest destination for Indonesian cultivated shrimp exports, reaching 1.89 million kg or about 8.2 million US dollars in 2021.

2. Malaysia

Besides Singapore, Indonesia’s neighbouring country, Malaysia, ranks second as a destination for Indonesian shrimp exports.

In 2021, Indonesia exported a total of 2.07 million kilograms of shrimp, equivalent to 3.38 million US dollars, to Malaysia.

3. China

China ranks third as a destination for Indonesian shrimp exports. In 2021, Indonesia exported 733.3 thousand kilograms of shrimp, valued at 13.8 million US dollars, to China.

4. South Korea

Another East Asian country that is a destination for Indonesian shrimp exports is South Korea. In 2021, Indonesia exported 69.19 thousand kilograms of shrimp to South Korea.

5. United States

The United States market is a major target for Indonesian vannamei shrimp exports. High seafood consumption in the US and the demand for quality vannamei shrimp make this market very promising.

However, Indonesia must compete with several Latin American countries like Ecuador to establish a presence in the US market.

6. European Union

Countries in the European Union are also significant markets for Indonesian vannamei shrimp exports. Stringent regulations regarding quality and food safety in the EU require Indonesian shrimp producers to meet strict standards to enter this market.

7. Japan

As the largest consumer of shrimp in the world, Japan is also a destination for Indonesian vannamei shrimp exports. This is because Japan does not have a production area for shrimp cultivation.

Some commonly consumed shrimp varieties in Japan are giant tiger shrimp (udang windu) and white leg shrimp (udang vaname).

Also Read: These are 7 Tips for Successful and Profitable Vannamei Shrimp Harvest

Export Criteria for Vannamei Shrimp

For a successful shrimp export process, it’s important to meet specific quality criteria. Some criteria that must be met include:

1. Size and Weight

Exported vannamei shrimp must meet the size and weight standards set by the destination country. Uniform size and weight help maintain consistency in the shipped products.

2. Quality and Appearance

Shrimp must be in the best condition and appearance for export. Avoid physical damages like wounds, defects, or detached body parts. Additionally, ensure that the color and skin texture are normal.

3. Cleanliness and Safety

Shrimp must be clean and free from contaminants that could pose a health risk to consumers. Both shrimp cultivation and processing, up to packaging, should prioritize cleanliness and hygieness.

4. Processing and Packaging

Shrimp must be processed and packaged correctly according to international standards. This involves cleaning, peeling, freezing, and appropriate packaging without damaging the shrimp’s body parts.

Guidelines for Vannamei Shrimp Export

To ensure a successful export process for vannamei shrimp, follow the guidelines below:

1. Selection and Preparation of Shrimp

Choose shrimp that meet the export criteria in terms of size, weight, and quality. Ensure that the shrimp have undergone health and safety inspections for consumption.

2. Proper and Standardized Packaging

Ensure that you have packaged the shrimp according to standards, whether it’s frozen or fresh shrimp.

Good export packaging for shrimp involves using materials that can withstand temperature and humidity changes.

3. Set the Right Price

Before exporting, establish an appropriate price for the shrimp you intend to export. The right price is competitive in the market without being too low or too high.

An appropriate price will enhance the attractiveness of your shrimp in the export market, especially if supported by high-quality products that have a demand increase.

4. Prepare Official Documents

For a smooth vannamei shrimp export process, you need to prepare various required official documents. These documents include those needed in both Indonesia and the export destination country.

Some of the required documents include:

Invoice
Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) Certificate with at least grade B
Business Identification Number (NIB)
Trading Business License (SIUP)
Tax Statement (SKP)
Internal Audit Records
Application Letter for Registration Number
Statement of Registration Number Utilization

5. Create Export-Import Contracts

Creating an official contract between the exporter and importer is important. Contracts typically include information about the type, quantity, price, delivery schedule, and description of the shrimp to be exported.

Both parties should agree on the terms outlined in the contract.

6. Choose the Best Distribution Route

Export commodities can be distributed through two routes: sea and air. Generally, the sea route is more affordable compared to air freight. However, it does have a longer travel time.

Also Read: Aquatech Startup Delos Believes That Indonesia Will Become The Largest Shrimp Exporter

Start Exporting Vannamei Shrimp with AquaLink!

After reading the prospects and guidelines for exporting vannamei shrimp above, are you becoming interested in entering this business? If so, it’s crucial to find the right partner to embark on this journey.

For this purpose, you can choose AquaLink as your shrimp export partner! With AquaLink, you can engage in shrimp exports at the best prices.

Contact the DELOS AquaLink team at contact@delosaqua.com or submit your inquiries through the contact form on our website www.delosaqua.com. Start exporting vannamei shrimp with AquaLink!

07Aug

MineralWater Quality

The Importance of Minerals in Vannamei Shrimp Farming

In the process of cultivating vannamei shrimp, minerals become one of the crucial factors due to their vital role in many biological processes for the growth and health of vannamei shrimp. Minerals are inorganic components required by living organisms, including shrimp. Although the amount of minerals needed by shrimp is relatively small, the sufficiency of these inorganic components still needs to be considered by farmers.

Naturally, vannamei shrimp absorb some minerals not only from their feed but also from the surrounding pond environment during their growth process. The mineral requirement for vannamei shrimp ranges from 2-5% of their feed amount, but ponds with higher stocking densities require a higher supply of minerals.

Also Read: 5 Tips to Achieve Profitable Biofloc Vannamei Shrimp Farming

Mineral Classification: Micro and Macro

In the vannamei shrimp cultivation, minerals are classified into micro and macro minerals based on the volume needed. Vannamei shrimp require a smaller volume of micro minerals compared to macro minerals.

Microminerals include elements such as Iron, Copper, Manganese, Zinc, Cobalt, Molybdenum, Chromium, Selenium, Fluorine, Iodine, Nickel, and others. On the other hand, macro minerals consist of Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Potassium, Phosphorus, Chlorine, and Sulfur.

Functions and Importance of Minerals in Maintaining Shrimp Quality

1. Electrolyte Balance Maintenance

Minerals like sodium, potassium, and chloride play a role in maintaining the electrolyte balance within the shrimp’s body. Proper electrolyte balance is essential for normal organ and cell functions, optimizing shrimp growth.

2. Skeleton and Exoskeleton Formation

Minerals like calcium and phosphorus are essential components for the formation of the shrimp’s skeleton and exoskeleton.

3. Enzyme Function

Certain minerals like zinc, copper, and manganese act as co-factors in many enzymatic reactions. These enzymes are crucial for various metabolic and digestive processes in the shrimp’s body.

Also Read: Vannamei Shrimp Probiotics and Its Benefits For Cultivation

4. Detoxification

Minerals like selenium and zinc play a role in the detoxification process and protection against free radicals, which can cause oxidative stress, damaging cells and leading to shrimp diseases.

5. Osmoregulation

Minerals also contribute to osmoregulation, which is the shrimp’s ability to regulate the salt concentration within their bodies. Efficient osmoregulation is vital for shrimp survival in varying saltwater environments.

6. Reproductive Function

Certain minerals such as zinc and calcium also play a role in shrimp’s reproductive function, affecting egg quality, embryo development, and larval survival.

Mineral Deficiency in Vannamei Shrimp

Mineral deficiency or imbalance in the shrimp farming environment can have fatal consequences. It can disrupt the pond ecosystem, leading to health problems, slow growth, and decreased productivity and harvest quality of vannamei shrimp.

Additionally, mineral deficiency can hinder the proper development of microorganisms like plankton or phytoplankton, which are responsible for breaking down harmful substances in the pond. Insufficient minerals can also disturb water quality and make shrimp more susceptible to pathogens and diseases.

Also Read: Types of Vannamei Shrimp Feeds to Make Your Shrimp Grow Faster

Ensuring Adequate Mineral Levels in the Pond

To ensure sufficient minerals in the shrimp pond, several factors need to be considered. Regularly monitor water quality through routine analysis to ensure that mineral concentrations and other parameters (pH, temperature, salinity, and dissolved oxygen) are within appropriate ranges. Analyzing the soil and sediment at the bottom of the pond is also necessary to ensure sufficient mineral composition.

The feed given to the shrimp should also contain various minerals required for their growth and health. Make sure the provided feed has a balanced nutritional profile, including minerals like calcium, phosphorus, zinc, and others.

Implementing good environmental management practices can also help maintain mineral balance. Providing fresh water, proper drainage, and appropriate salinity regulation will help preserve water quality and mineral availability.

Trust Your Vannamei Shrimp Farming to DELOS!

Each pond may have different conditions, so it’s essential to regularly monitor and adjust your farming practices according to the specific needs of the pond and the type of shrimp being cultivated. Consult with shrimp farming experts to receive specific advice tailored to your pond’s conditions.

Now, you can easily run your shrimp farming with DELOS. DELOS is a leading aquatech company based on science, technology, and operational management that can assist you in pond management while enhancing your farm’s productivity.

DELOS’s pond management is also integrated with the AquaHero application, making it easier for farm owners and technicians to monitor shrimp ponds daily.

If you are facing issues related to pond requirements, DELOS also offers the AquaLink program, helping you obtain shrimp necessities at the best prices.

Contact the DELOS team through contact@delosaqua.com or submit through the contact form on our website at www.delosaqua.com to learn more about Farm Management and our integrated supply chain program. Trust your vannamei shrimp farming to DELOS!