AquaMats

By: Jos Ignacio Curiel, AquaMats for Aquaculture Division, MERIDIAN Aquatic Technology, http://www.aquamats.com, email: jcuriel@aquamats.com

The following information was obtained from the AquaMats.com newsletter. The MTAN is very interested in AquaMats because they bring cutting edge technology directly to your fish hatchery production programs.

Are "SuperBugs" Coming To Your Hatchery Facility?

By: Robert Gianos, Eagle Tec. Water Management Systems, Appleton, WI, 888-933-8711, or 877-999-9374, www.enviro-reps.com

BRF-1A - SUPERBUGS (Liquid)

Product Data: BRF-1A is designed for use in fish and shrimp ponds, lakes and lagoons where organic odors and accumulations are a problem. It is designed as an easy, Ready-To-Use (RTU) liquid product for application in small aquariums and up to 100,000 gallon ponds. (For larger water systems. BRF-2 dry is more economical.) BRF-1A contains naturally occurring beneficial bacteria that have been selected and produced for their ability to degrade organic matter and reduce ammonia accumulations through a natural, safe and highly effective process. When added to water, BRF-1A creates a biological chain reaction by producing greater and greater quantities of natural bacteria and enzymes.

* Controls blue-green pea soupy water.
* Helps maintain proper pH and speeds up the natural process of breaking down waste.
* Helps eliminate offensive odors and off flavor.
* Works in fresh or salt water.
* Safe and beneficial for fish and plants.
* Dissolves leftover foods, waste matter and other decaying organics (sludge).
* Helps reduce biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) making more dissolved oxygen (DO) available for higher stocking density and increased growth rates.
* Helps reduce ammonia, nitrite, hydrogen sulfide and other obnoxious gasses.
* Contains a wide variety of beneficial bacteria, long proven the most effective at organic waste and sludge digestion.

Application: The application rate for BRF-1A is determined by the nutrient load of the water. Intensive fish culturing and densely populated fish ponds will have higher levels of organic waste than a backyard pond with few fish, high oxygen levels, good circulation. Your conditions will vary from source to source due to the number of variables related to each system. It is also important to know that changing conditions like fish growth and subsequent increases in feed levels, will increase the levels of organic waste in the system. An appropriate increase in the dosage of BRF-1A will be required to degrade higher levels of waste matter at the same rate at which the previous levels had been degraded. Dosages will range from 3-5 ounces of BRF-1A per 1,000 gallons of water for small ponds (100 - 7,500 gallons). For larger water bodies, refer to the BRF-2 Product Information sheet or contact Enviro-Reps International at 805-383-4422.

At 260 to 300 billion (approx.) bacteria per gallon, this is the most concentrated RTU product on the market. Our unique preservation methods allow for shelf lives of over 1-1/2 years when kept cool (preferably refrigerated). Apply 1/2 of the dosage into the bio-filter (if the system has one) and the other 1/2 directly into the pond, preferably near circulation in order to spread the beneficial bacteria throughout the water. If spraying the BRF-1A, caution is advised regarding possible pesticide residues in the sprayer that would be harmful to the bacteria.

BRF-2 - SUPERBUGS (Dry)

Product Data: BRF-2 is designed for use in fish and shrimp ponds, lakes, and lagoons where organic odors and organic accumulations are a problem. BRF-2 contains naturally occurring beneficial bacteria that have been selected and produced for their ability to degrade organic matter and may also help reduce ammonia levels through a natural oxidation process. These bacteria digest organics naturally and safely. When added to the water, the bacteria quickly seek out a nutrient source, which puts them in direct competition with the algae. Through this natural environmental process, the algae begins to diminish, leaving the pond/lake in a clearer and healthier condition.

* Controls blue-green pea soupy water.
* Helps maintain proper pH and speeds up the natural process of breaking down waste.
* Helps eliminate offensive odors and off flavor in catfish, tilapia, and other species.
* Works in fresh or salt water.
* Safe and beneficial for fish and plants.
* Dissolves leftover foods, waste matter, and other decaying organic matter (sludge).
* Helps to reduce biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) making more dissolved oxygen (DO) available for higher stocking density and increased growth rates.
* Helps in the reduction of ammonia, nitrite, hydrogen sulfide, and other obnoxious gasses.
* Contains a wide variety of bacteria and enzymes designed to effectively biodegrade the waste matter found in most aquatic environments.

Application: The application rate for BRF-2 is determined by the nutrient load, temperature, pH and dissolved oxygen levels of the water. Intensive fish culturing and densely populated fish ponds will have higher levels of organic waste than lakes with few fish, high oxygen levels and good circulation. Your condition will be different from any other water source due to the number of variables related to your system. It is also important to realize that changing conditions like fish growth and subsequent increases in feed level, will increase the levels of organic waste in the system. An appropriate increase in the dosage of BRF-2 will be required to degrade the higher levels of waste matter at the same rate at which the previous levels had been degraded.

Dosages: Double or triple the following weekly maintenance dosages on initial (first time or "seeding") treatment if water quality has deteriorated. Ponds under 1,500 gallons reconstitute 1 oz of BRF-2. Ponds over 1,500 but under 20,000 gallons should reconstitute 3 oz of BRF-2. Larger ponds and small lakes should reconstitute 3 oz per 20,000 gallons. Lake managers of larger water environments should reconstitute 5 lbs per 1,000,000 gallons of water. Aquaculture customers should call for specific treatment schedules.

NEW BRF-2 Aquakits are now available. Large-scale users can culture their own bacteria at a substantial savings over ready-to-use products. A 1-1b. Aquakit will yield 25 gallons of ready-to-use product and treat up to 5 million gallons.

BRF-2 - AQUAKITS

Product Information: Lakes, ponds, and aquaculture systems require appropriate water quality control. Sludge, feces, uneaten fish food and other types of decaying organic matter all contribute to conditions that are favorable to disease and overall unhealthy water quality. Disease and pathogenic bacteria are much more prevalent in aquatic systems that are low in beneficial waste degrading enzymatic-bacteria. Applications of algaecides, antibiotics, and other toxic chemicals will inhibit not just the undesired elements of the system, but will non-selectively prey on the healthy beneficial elements of the system, including beneficial waste degrading enzymatic-bacteria.

Utilization of the BRF-2 Aquakit will provide an inexpensive, highly effective means of maintaining high water quality and healthy aquatic stock. The 4 lb BRF-2 Aquakit will yield 100 gallons of viable, beneficial bacteria, up to 15 trillion per gallon. Not only does the end customer receive the freshest, most concentrated bacteria product available, they also receive all of the freight savings. Instead of shipping 100 gallons of liquid bacteria weighing over 900 lbs, we ship a 4 lb BRF-2 Aquakit.

Each resealable kit is comprised of 50% BRF-2 dry and 50% high yield proprietary nutrient broth. The BRF-2 Aquakit is comprised of the same high yield regular BRF-2 dry known throughout the world. However, for the large end user, the BRF-2 Aquakit provides shrimp and fish farmers, lake maintenance companies, and large pond owners the opportunity to save on freight and save additional money by brewing their own bacteria.

1 lb (yields 25 gallons), 2 lb (yields 50 gallons), 4 lb (yields 100 gallons), 50 lb (yields 1,250 gallons), 100 lb (yields 2,500 gallons). Store in a dry, dark area free of moisture or excessive heat (above 100 F).

BRF-2A - TINT-IT-BLUE

BRF-2A is comprised of a harmless blue dye that blocks ultraviolet rays from reaching the lower regions of aquatic environments, thus starving the algae of the sunlight that they thrive on. TINT-IT-BLUE also turns your water an aesthetically pleasing shade of sky-blue while it blocks UV rays. Used in combination with BRF-1A Superbugs or BRF-2 Superbugs, TINT-IT-BLUE safely and effectively eliminates pea-soupy green water. When used in treated lakes, this product is not harmful to aquatic life or swimmers.

Regular Strength: Use 2 tbs. of BRF-2A Regular Strength for every 1,000 gallons of water in your pond or lake. Distribute uniformly over the surface of the water. The water color should be a light (sky) blue after the correct application. Do not over-dose, as an over-application can be harmful to submerged aquatic plants and green growth.

Industrial Strength: Use 1 tbs. of BRF-2A Industrial Strength for every 1,000 gallons of water in your pond or lake. Use a sprayer to distribute uniformly over the water's surface. The water color should be a light (sky) blue after the correct application. Do not overdose, as an over-application can be harmful to submerged aquatic plants and green growth.

BRF-2A is recommended for ornamental ponds and lakes, and is most effective in water that is deeper than 2 feet. Rubber gloves are recommended in handling this product in order to avoid discoloration of the fingers and hands. If the hands should become stained with BRF-2A, wash in cold water and soap or scouring cleanser, followed by a little hand-cream.

BRF 18 - RAPID KLEAR

Product Description: BRF-18 is a coagulant designed to drop the pea-soupy green, suspended matter to the bottom of your aquatic environment. It is safe and environmentally friendly. No adverse affects exist when the water source treated is used for irrigation purposes (for golf courses, fields).

Commercial Grade: This grade is designed for the large-scale application dealing with lakes, lagoons, and other large bodies of water.

Application: One gallon of Rapid-Klear (commercial) will treat approximately 120,000 gallons of water based on the application rate of 1 ounce of Rapid-Klear per 1000 gallons of water.

Regular: This grade is designed for the smaller bodies of water commonly associated with backyard ponds that require a less concentrated product.

Application: One gallon of Rapid-Klear (regular) will treat approximately 60,000 gallons of water based on the application rate of 2 ounces of Rapid-Klear per 1000 gallons of water.

When applying Rapid-Klear, optimal results will be achieved if the BRF-18 is completely circulated throughout the water. BRF-18 should be sprayed on the surface of the water. Pouring the BRF-18 into the inlets of the recirculating pump is also a suitable means by which to disperse the product. NOTE: If you only pour the product into a limited area with little or no circulation, the results will be reduced. Results will occur within 6 hours in most cases. Repeat if needed.

Re-application rates will vary due to the nutrient load in the water. If a large amount of sludge is present, the nutrients therein will usually contribute to additional algae blooms. We recommend reducing the sludge layer with BRF-2 DRY SUPERBUGS (enzymatic-bacteria) which will degrade the dead organic matter. BRF-18 will not be effective on filamentous, stringy, hair-like matter. Rapid-Klear is designed to coagulate (work) only on suspended pea-soupy green matter.

BRF-27 - GREEN WATER INHIBITOR

BRF-27 works aggressively against pea-soupy green water in temperatures above

50 F and pH between 5.5 and 10. Effective in fresh, salt, or brackish water. Not harmful to aquatic plants or fish. Available in 1 gallon, 15 gallon, and 55 gallon containers.

Application: Spray over pond surface or directly onto green infested areas. Repeat treatments as required. Be sure that no toxin residues remain in sprayer before using.

Dosage: 9-18 ppm (3 - 6 gallons per acre foot of water) Dosage will vary depending on severity of infestation. Pretreatment prior to appearance of blue green algae is recommended. Double dosage if water condition has deteriorated. Repeat in 5 days if necessary.

PBD-31 and 32 - PROBIOTIC CULTURE KIT

PBD-31 is a dry, stable aquatic probiotic product containing naturally occurring, nonpathogenic, beneficial microorganisms. Combined with a special nutrient broth, the PBD-31 kit is ready for on-site brewing. Once brewed, the probiotic culture contains trillions of colony forming units (cfu) ready to be added to aquaculture ponds to improve the microbial balance favoring enhanced bioremediation (water pollution reduction). These particular Bacilli were selected for their ability to produce more CO2 than biomass from organic carbon pollutants, whereas indigenous pond bacteria often generate an excess of biomass, usually mucoid or slimy, which increases pond pollution.

The Bacilli in the PBD-31 kit originated in natural aquatic environments that were undergoing rapid and efficient bioremediation; they have not been mutated or genetically engineered. By reducing pond pollution, PBD-31 assists in reducing aquatic diseases associated with dirty water -- resulting in reduced mortality of the farmed species.

How to use the PBD-31 culture kit: The brewing process is a simple on-site culturing process which results in the controlled, low cost production of many trillions of colony forming units of probiotic bacteria. A 2 lb kit will produce 50 gallons of fresh probiotic culture.

PBL-44 - PROBIOTIC CULTURE FOR AQUACULTURE

PBL-44 is a stable concentrate of beneficial bacteria species and proprietary ingredients in water suspension. PBL-44 is a dual function formula. First, it assists natural processes that result in the breakdown of organic waste to carbon dioxide and water. Secondly, it colonizes the external slime layer of fresh and salt water crustaceans and fish. PBL-44 is used to inoculate aquaculture hatchery and nursery water prior to transfer of juvenile species to outgrowth ponds. Used in this way, it acts as an external probiotic that helps alleviate the harmful effects of transfer stress. It is also used to add protection to tropical and ornamental fish prior to shipment.

When aquatic species are transferred from one environment to another, their slime layers lose a significant portion of their natural protective microflora. Exposure to large numbers of PBL-44 bacteria restores a healthy microflora. The PBL-44 bacteria compete with many pathogens, such as Aeromonas and Vibrio species, which are indigenous to aquatic environments. Exposure with PBL-44 reduces the frequency of disease caused by these bacterial pathogens. PBL-44 quickly overcomes the number of harmful bacteria in a process called competitive exclusion.

Formula Concentrations: PBL-44 is offered in two formulas. The first is our ready to use formula (RTU), designed for immediate application with no need for dilution. The second is our concentrate (4X), designed to be used as is or diluted into 4 RTU gallons using deionized water and our simple dilution formula (if deionized water is unavailable, the water used must be free of chlorine and chloramines). PBL-44 (4X) is recommended for larger systems requiring higher quantities.

BRF-13A - AMMO-DOWN

Ammo-Down effects the safe, fast reduction of ammonia and nitrite. BRF-13A does not contain nitrosomonas or nitrobacter. This all new bioformula is a warm water, biofilm producing bacteria that has a shelf life of one year or more. After producing a visible biofilm, the ammonia will begin its decline in an average time of about 48 hours. Note: This is not a drug. It is a biologically safe and effective product.

AMMO-DOWN is a dual action bioformula, meaning that it is not merely the leading nitrification product, but will also provide "Probiotic" protection for your fish. Any cuts, abrasions or scars will heal faster; and any pathogen populations will be controlled, lessening the likelihood of aeromonas, vibrio or other pathogenic diseases. You may also notice a reinfomement of the slime layer of the occupants of the pond.

Four to seven days after application the BRF-13A will form a slight biofilm layer. Within 24 to 48 hours, ammonia and nitrite levels will be reduced. A filter, preferably biological, will speed up the process. For optimal performance, a couple of conditions are required. First, do not run your ozone or ultra-violet filters during the initial 4-7 day seeding process; this will allow for the BRF-13A to colonize in the system. Second, make sure the pH is near neutral; if the pH is slightly alkaline, this is acceptable, but do not attempt to grow the biofilm forming BRF-13A in a low pH. Third, aeration is very important. Simply stated, the more the better. The final factor is the temperature of the water. The warmer the water the better. The water should be maintained between 74-80 F. The bacteria will proliferate in the warmer temperatures. Through extensive testing and careful research we have confirmed that the BRF-13A is both completely safe and effective.

Our perch training ponds are drained in the fall and the perch are removed. The average size fish at this time are between 4-5". The bigger perch are then added to our brood fish pond. The ponds are left drained thru the winter and hydrated lime is spread and raked in. From here we use two other ponds (fish are separated into two size ranges). These ponds were stocked with minnows the previous summer. The perch stay in these ponds until the next fall when they are either added to the brood fish pond or put in the fee fishing pond.

In the spring the perch are put back on feed. We are now using floating pellets. They are fed every night about the same time 4-5 pm. Around the third week in April the brood perch start to spawn. We flood the grassy shallow water areas of our brood fish pond and check everyday for the egg ribbons. Four days later we start filling the training ponds. Alfalfa pellets and hay are used along the edges and brewers yeast is added. Everything is stomped into the mud in the shallow water areas.

The perch eggs are collected from the brood fish ponds using a quart size ice-cream pail. The pail is then dipped into the water and the eggs are gently removed from the grass. Excess water is then poured out. Eggs are placed into hatching baskets that are positioned about 2' below the top of the water. Under water lights and feeders are installed and the entire system is checked. Plankton is being monitored every other night and the eggs are checked everyday (re-spreading the ribbons).

We sell our fish in the fall of the year. We also raise crappie, small mouth and large mouth bass, bluegill and walleye. We also buy trout for the fee fishing ponds. We charge $4.50 a lb. for the fee fishing and have a total of 4 ponds. We also supply bait, poles, and clean the fish for our guest. The fish for stocking are sold for $.10/inch. This year we are trying the new Aqua Max feed from Purina. We do a lot of pond/lake stocking, give fish to the local schools, help with the Wisconsin Aquaculture Association (WAA) and have helped work on the Ron Poff Report as well as the Governors Blue Ribbon Tasks Force and the Wisconsin Advisory Board. This is now the third year that we have been on the WAA board member.