Water Quality

Control of water quality is the key factor for a successful culture of aquatic animals. An open water system with sufficient good water quality may ensure successful aquaculture. However, if proper quality or sufficient quantity of water is not available, purification of water by eliminating polluting substances including toxic metabolites and growth inhibiting substances which originate mainly form shrimp excretion and excessive feed is necessary. Under this lower water quality conditions there are chances for occurrence of mortalities by diseases due to viral, bacterial, protozoal and fungal pathogens. High populations of aquatic animals can be kept healthy under successful semi-closed and closed systems by maintaining proper water quality. The increased demand in water quality and quantity in shrimp aquaculture has resulted in a growing interest in using water quality enhancing products.

So, one of the most common reasons for disease and mortality in land-based aquaculture is due to problems with water quality.

• Source
• During culture
• Discharge

“Water quality issues should be taken into account at every point of the aquaculture cycle.” - Dr. Claude E. Boyd

Water quality for Aquaculturists refers to the quality of water that enables successful propagation of the desired organisms. The required water quality is determined by the specific organisms to be cultured and has many components that are interwoven. Sometimes a component can be dealt with separately, but because of the complex interaction between components, the composition of the total array must be addressed. Growth and survival, which together determine the ultimate yield, are influenced by a number of ecological parameters and managerial practices.