Dedicated To The Tribal Aquaculture Program
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March 2004-Volume 47 |
http://www.fws.gov/midwest/ashland/mtanhome.html
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Coordinator: |
Edited
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Topics Of Interest:
Ultraviolet Radiation (germicidal) Energy
SCI-62
Algicide/Bactericide
By: Don
Peters Representative for
Chem-A-Co, Inc.
(574) 583-4368 ~ PO Box 1099 ~ Monticello, IN 47960
If algae and/or bacteria problems become an uncontrollable battle, SCI-62 is a proven and reliable solution with a variety of applications. SCI-62 is an innovative, low pH algicide/bactericide designed for use in lakes, ponds, reservoirs, irrigation canals, waste treatment lagoons, and other water systems. The ingredient is an active form of cupric ion (Cu++). The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved SCI-62 as an algicide/bactericide. SCI-62s copper ions remain suspended indefinitely without settling out or adding to bottom sediments. Its unique self-dispersing properties allow even distribution without spraying, mixing or agitation and is non-toxic to humans or fish when used as directed.
Application:
For best results apply to your water supply before algae is present. This will save you additional expenses in labor costs and the amount of product needed. The picture shown below indicates a pond that has been completely over run with algae. SCI-62 was applied on June 21st. and cleared of the algae by July 3rd. This is an application that is common but is one that we would like to avoid. Additional product would be needed to control future out-breaks of algae. Since all the copper is being utilized on the existing algae, there is little or no product left in the water to protect against another out-break of algae. SCI-62 should be applied at a minimal rate before algae is present to prevent its spread.
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SCI-62 was applied on June 21st. and cleared of the algae by July 3rd. |
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SCI-62 is the answer to many of the problems confronting fish farmers today. Listed below are just a few of reasons why this is the favorite alternative to copper sulfate in the aquaculture industry today.
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Certified with the EPA and ANSI/NSF as an Algicide/Bactericide
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Provides a healthier environment that will yield healthier fish
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Allows for less chemical used, with better results
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Stays in solution indefinitely until the product is utilized
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Reduces toxic build up in the sediment
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May be used in biological fishponds to reduce harmful bacteria
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Leaves no untreated areas, which is often the case with other copper products
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Requires no mixing or spraying
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Is easy to apply
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Controls algae with predictable results
SCI-62 is manufactured with 20 to 25% copper sulfate pentahydrate that meets or exceeds ANSI/NSF Standards. Once the copper is dissolved and suspended in solution the product carries 5% metallic copper, which is its active ingredient.
Calculation Formula:
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1 ppm copper ion (Cu++) = 1 gallon SCI-62 / 60,000 gallons of water
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0.06 ppm copper ion (Cu++) = 1 gallon SCI-62 / 1,000,000 gallons of water
Application Guidelines:
For fish bearing lakes and ponds, drinking water reservoirs, irrigation canals and other applications, the dosage rate is 0.06 ppm copper maximum, or 1 gallon SCI-62 for each million gallons of water. Before applying, check your water parameters for pH and alkalinity.
Safe Dosage Where Fish must Be Protected:
The greatest danger to fish life resulting from the use of SCI-62 is not from the chemical itself, but from dead algae. SCI-62 kills algae that can cling to the fishes gills, reducing the oxygen supply needed for survival. Anytime a body of water becomes heavily infested with algae, there is a possibility of fish loss when the algae are killed.
This can be avoided if the algae are controlled from the beginning of the season
and are not allowed to reach a prolific stage of growth.
SCI-62 treatment should be started in the early spring except in warmer climates where treatment at regular intervals is necessary year round. If a reservoir is allowed to become heavily infested will algae, starting chemical treatments at very low levels can protect fish life. This will allow the killing of algae to take place at lesser amounts and create a slower kill. Treatment must be repeated on a regular basis when lesser amounts are used. When control is reached, a regular schedule must be followed. Even in warmer climates algae is less prevalent during certain times of the year. This would be the ideal time to begin treatment.
The MTAN wanted to discuss the importance of properly handling fish food and the results when food is handled improperly or if the quality of the food is diminished. The cost of fish food can represent 30 to 90 percent of the total cost of raising fish. In some situations (like indoor culture), manufactured feed must provide 100 percent of the complex nutritional requirements fish need.
A less than complete diet will show up as a poor feeding response,
slow growth, and/or disease problems.Poor water quality can also be a result of bad feed. All fish feed should be used within the normal
6-month shelf life. In very few instances do you ever want to overfeed. In general, give fish a little less than they will eat (stop feeding them before they stop feeding).
Nutritional Diseases of Fish
Submitted By:
Becky A.
Lasee, US Fish & Wildlife Service,
La Crosse Fish Health Center, La Crosse, WI.
Proper nutrition is vital to fish health. Undernourished or malnourished fish exhibit nutritional diseases and may be more susceptible to other disease agents. Proper diets can speed recovery from infections, slow progress of a disease or allow fish to overcome environmental stresses. Inadequate diets can cause nutrient imbalances, deficiency diseases, toxicoses or may introduce infective agents. Strategies for supporting healthy fish through diet include: (1) supply all the nutrients; (2) make sure each nutrient is available (digestible); and (3) feed at optimal rates and levels for the fish species being raised.
Most commercially available feeds for cultured fishes are formulated to meet specific recommended dietary requirements. However, special care must be taken to avoid spoilage and damage to feed by improper handling and storage. Due to the high levels of protein and oils present in formulated fish feeds, they are usually soft and fragile and prone to rapid deterioration. Optimal storage conditions must be provided and several factors should be avoided that may spoil the feed, such as physical conditions (excessive moisture, heat or light), oxidation, microorganisms (molds, bacteria or yeasts), and enzymatic activity.
In general, bagged feed should be stored in a cool, dry area. Low humidity must be maintained to deter mold growth. Molds can cause spoilage and produce toxins. High temperatures can cause rancidity of oils and deterioration of vitamins. Rancid oils can be toxic, may destroy other nutrients, cause an off-flavor of the feed and produce an undesirable flavor in the fish eating the feed.
Dietary deficiencies of various nutrients, vitamins and minerals result in a variety of physical and behavioral disorders, and growth deformities in fish. The table below lists many of the pathological conditions and their associated dietary deficiencies.
Nutritional Gill Disease: Nutritional gill disease or pantothenic acid deficiency is a condition affecting the gills of fish. It is recognized by the hyperplasia of the proximal portions of the gill filaments, causing the gill filaments to become extremely swollen and bulbous. Filamentous bacteria frequently encountered with bacterial gill disease are absent. Fish with this condition exhibit loss of appetite and are less active.
Affected salmonids swim against the current or congregate near water inlets. Nutritional gill disease is associated primarily with hatchery raised fish and is due to pantothenic acid deficiencies in the diet. Nutritional gill disease will not usually be encountered if fresh food is being fed. Dry pelleted feeds which have been stored for extended periods or exposed to high temperatures can usually be blamed. To correct the problem, feed a fresh diet and provide additional fresh water and aeration. The disorder is reversible, although recovery may be a gradual process.
Sunburn: Sunburn (back peel or back sore) is a condition of salmonids that is characterized by a peeling or sloughing of the outer layer of the skin. Lesions usually occur on the dorsal skin surfaces, between the head and dorsal fin. Outbreaks occur when fish in clear water are subjected to high levels of ultraviolet radiation. Niacin is important in protecting the skin against the effects of ultraviolet irradiation. Therefore, dietary deficiencies of niacin contribute to this disease. Placing sunshades over ponds or decreasing intensity of sunlight in other ways can eliminate this problem.
Aflatoxicosis: A wide variety of feedstuffs are added to fish rations as protein supplements, including cottonseed meal, peanut meal, wheat products and corn products. Aflatoxicosis is caused by the contamination of feedstuffs by the fungus, Aspergillus flauus. The toxins produced by the fungus are collectively known as aflatoxins.
There are no early external signs of the disease. Later, as the disease progresses, the liver may enlarge and become visible through the body wall. Fish may lose weight and become emaciated. Tumors can be recognized as small graywhite or yellow nodular lesions within the liver. The nodules enlarge as the disease develops. There is no treatment for affected fish. Eliminating aflatoxins from the feed will prevent additional disease outbreaks.
Fatty Infiltration of the Liver: Feeding of high fat diets may result in infiltration of fat into the liver and excessive obesity. The livers of fish with this condition are yellow to pale orange in color, swollen and sometimes greasy in appearance (or greasy to the touch). Histologically, there are intracellular fat droplets which are absent in normal fish livers. Edema (retention of body fluids) often accompanies this condition and is due to altered liver and kidney function. To treat this condition, dietary fats should be reduced, especially if they exceed 18-20% of the diet. Increasing choline may also help the fish in metabolizing intracellular fat.
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Pathological Conditions
and their |
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Ultraviolet Radiation
(germicidal) Energy
The following information was obtained from
Aquatic Eco-Systems, 1767 Benbow Court, Apopka, FL 32703, (407)
886-3939, 24 Hour Fax (407) 886-6787,
Email info@aquaticeco.com
In
order to protect fish held in ponds, aquariums or holding systems, biologically
treated water must be adequately disinfected before returning it to the tanks
from the filter system.
Ultraviolet radiation (germicidal) energy is unmatched
in its efficiency, simplicity and dependability
when applied as a microorganism disinfectant.
It is most effective for its germicidal value in a water application at a wavelength of 265 n meters. Ultraviolet radiation at a wavelength exceeding 280 n meters has little germicidal value when used as a disinfectant for living microorganisms. With proper exposure, ultraviolet radiation energy (ultraviolet light) penetrates a waterborne microorganisms cell wall. It then destroys the nuclear material, causing abrupt modification and bringing about their destruction quickly and effectively.
At Aquatic Eco-Systems (AES) we hear from a lot of people who have ultraviolet (UV) sterilizers and are still experiencing disease problems. This can almost always be traced back to inadequate UV irradiation. Because it is so difficult to measure the intensity of UV energy hitting the water, many buyers have improperly sized their UV sterilizers by simply following the maximum gpm flow rate published for 15,000 mws.
Be careful! You cannot compare UV sterilizers by the watt ratings alone. That would be like comparing cars by their engine size alone. The watt rating is just the starting point for comparisons.
The full amount of UV energy required to kill a microorganism must hit the organism after it leaves the lamp, after it leaves the quartz sleeve, after the lamp has aged, and after it has passed by any turbidity and particulates that is blocking the light.
Low pressure mercury type UV lamps are best suited to germicidal action because the primary radiation generated by these lamps consists almost exclusively of a spectral wavelength of 254 n meters, which is close to the maximum peak germicidal effectiveness wave length of 265 n meters. This gives the low-pressure mercury type lamps an exceptional 40 percent UV energy efficiency rate between input watts and UV output watts.
Medium and high pressure mercury type lamps are best suited for treatments involving chemical by-products associated with industrial waste water, not germicidal action. Medium and high-pressure UV lamps simply offer a poor relative spectral radiant power distribution in the germicidal effectiveness curve. The bulk of their power is in the 320 to 440 n meter ranges, well outside the germicidal effectiveness curve. This gives the medium and high-pressure mercury type lamps an exceptionally poor UV energy efficiency of approximately 8 percent between input watts and UV output wafts.
Ultraviolet light can be very effective at eliminating viruses, bacteria, algae and fungi.
Since it is the intensity of light that is doing the killing, we must know how much light energy to use and how much is reaching the target. Just as some sunglasses and sunscreens reduce UV intensity, so does discolored water, temperatures, turbidity, dirty quartz sleeves, and even some dissolved salts, such as sodium thiosulfate. Old lamps also affect light intensity. Even lamp temperatures can reduce output when operated in cold water.
To insure sterile water using UV light, first start with clear water, and have a lamp and flow rate that are sized to deliver the correct amount of irradiation for the target organism. If a UV light is flow rated for 15,000 mws and you want 30,000, either double the amount of lamps or reduce the flow by half, and so on for higher dosages.
Be aware that some lamps age rapidly and the manufacturer probably states the watts produced when the lamp is new. This wattage can be reduced by as much as 40 percent in as little as six months! We suggest further over sizing the UV sterilizer by at least 40 percent to be sure of getting the killing power required when the lamp has aged. We also suggest changing lamps at six-month intervals.
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Product and company names mentioned in this publication are for informational purposes only. It does not imply endorsement by the MTAN or the U.S. Government. |
