August Aquaculture Management Priorities
In August, temperatures remain high, marking the peak growth season for farmed fish, shrimp, crabs, and other aquatic animals. The variable weather conditions bring frequent changes in water quality, making management more challenging and increasing the risk of oxygen depletion. Here are the key management priorities for aquaculture in August.
1. Strengthen Water Quality Management
(i) Ensure adequate dissolved oxygen in ponds. Regularly add beneficial bacteria and algae to stabilize the pond's algal population, as algae produce oxygen through photosynthesis. Periodically improve the bottom pollutants to reduce oxygen consumption and add fresh water as needed. Properly operate aerators to maintain oxygen levels.
(ii) Regulate pond pH levels. In August, frequent cloudy and rainy weather can cause the pond's pH to drop. Apply quicklime at a rate of 15 kg per mu every 15 days to stabilize the pH.
(iii) Maintain appropriate water levels. The water depth should be controlled at 2-2.5 meters for adult fish ponds and 1.8-2 meters for juvenile fish ponds. The optimal growth temperature for fish is 24-28 degrees Celsius. During high temperatures, deepen the water level late at night. Avoid adding water at noon on sunny days to prevent stress from temperature differences.
(iv) Monitor ponds frequently. Inspect the ponds twice daily, in the morning and evening, to check for fish surfacing, feeding behavior, and water quality deterioration.
2. Prevent Fish from Suffocating
High temperatures and increased feeding result in higher organic matter in the water, promoting bacterial activity and oxygen consumption. Fish are more prone to oxygen depletion, especially during humid and rainy weather. Before sudden weather changes, preemptively add vitamin C to the ponds and operate aerators. Reduce feeding during prolonged rainy periods to control oxygen consumption.
3. Disease Prevention
The occurrence of diseases is primarily related to pond environment, harmful bacteria, and reduced fish vitality. Prevention is key:
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Regularly adjust water quality to create a healthy environment.
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Disinfect ponds periodically to control harmful bacteria.
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Administer multivitamins and bile acids to boost fish immunity.
4. Rational Feeding
With water temperatures ranging from 25 to 30 degrees Celsius, August is a peak feeding season for fish, shrimp, and crabs. Increase feed quantity to promote growth. Adjust daily feeding amounts and frequency based on weather, water temperature, and water quality. Feed twice daily, in the morning and afternoon:
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Feed more on sunny days with high dissolved oxygen levels.
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Feed less or not at all on hot, rainy, or poor water quality days when oxygen levels are low.
Conclusion
These are the key management priorities for aquaculture in August. With high temperatures, increased water temperatures, and variable weather, ponds are prone to disease outbreaks and oxygen depletion. Focus on water quality management, disease prevention, and proper feeding to mitigate these risks.
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