**OCT**
               MAR
				Apr13
				Next capture**2009**
               2011
				2012**4 captures**
           8 May 09 - 13 Mar 11
   Close
       Help


Ashland FWCO
 Midwest Region
 ***Dedicated To Tribal Aquaculture Programs***
      Fish Jumping
          **March 1999 ~ Volume 27****Coordinator:
                  Frank G. Stone 
                  (715-682-6185) Ext. 12
                  U.S. Fish and
                  Wildlife Service
                Email: [email protected]** Topics
  of Interest: MTAN ArrowProduct Manufactures
  MTAN ArrowNew Stuff Now on The Market
  MTAN ArrowPreparation/Application of Fertilizers For Ponds
  MTAN ArrowAquaMats - Product Applications
  MTAN ArrowWalleye Growth Using AquaMats
  MTAN ArrowFunding Sources For Tribal Hatcheries  ProductManufactures Once again its time for the MTAN to clear out all the papers  thataccumulate during the course of the year. This time the pile that deals  with productinformation is becoming unmanageable and needs to be dealt with.  Remember the time thatyou needed to buy a fish tank or pump and you wanted to  call different manufactures tofind the best price. This next article may help  you do just that. In the last issue of theMTAN we listed all the previous  articles by subject and volume number. For a listing ofthe previous MTAN=S that  has shown product manufactures you may want to look at volumes;1, 3, 5, 8, and  18. **Aeration Systems:** Air-O-Lator, 800-821-3177, www.airolator.com Aquatic Control, 812-497-2410. Arbor Research, 313-741-9199. Area, 305-248-4205, Email: [email protected] Fresh-Flo, 414-528-8236. Kasco Marine, 715-262-4488. Master Systems, 800-533-6748. Point Four Systems, 800-267-9936. The Power House, 800-242-4741. S&N Sprayer, 601-453-4524. Westmoor, 800-367-0972. **Bird Control:** Bird-X, 800-662-5021. **Disinfection/Footbath:** Nelson-Jameson, 800-826-8302. **Drumfilters/Screen and BiologicalFiltration:** Aquaculture Systems Technology, 800-939-3659,  www.beadfilters.com Bio-Con Labs, 352-376-8016. Hydrotech, 504-627-3930. Red Ewald, 800-242-3524. Water   Garden Gems,  800-682-6098. Water Management Technologies, 504-627-3930, Email:  [email protected] **Egg Incubation Systems** MariSource, 800-851-1510. Midland Plastics, 414-783-3460. **General Fish Culture Needs:** Aquacenter , 800-748-8921, www.tecinfo.com/~aqcenter Aquatic Control, 812-497-2410. Aquatic Eco-Systems, 407-886-3939, Email: [email protected] Aquaculture Supply, 352-567-8540. Eagar, 800-423-6249. Stoney Creek Equipment,  800-448-3873. Southern Aquaculture Supply, 800-850-7274, Email:  [email protected] **Fish Feed:** AquaVet, 510-782-4058. Bio Marine, 310-973-5275. Bonneville Artemia International, 800-274-1047. Burris Mill & Feed, 800-928-2782. Corey Aquaculture, 800-561-0072. Earthrise Animal Health, 209-855-3804, Email:  [email protected] Integral Fish Foods, 970-242-2798. Moore-Clark, 800-561-8881. Prime Artemia, 801-978-9337. Rangen Aquaculture Feeds, 800-657-6446. Shur-Gain, Extruded Fish Feed, 800-565-9440. Western Brine Shrimp International, 801-364-3642. Zeigler Bros., 800-841-6800. **Fish Feeders:** Sweeney, 800-443-4244. **Fish Graders:** Fresh-Flo, 800-493-3040. Magic   Valley Heli-Arc &  Mfg., 208-733-0503. **Fish Processing:** Fishmore , 519-977-5993. **Heating and Cooling Systems** Cleveland  Process, 800-241-0412. Delta Hydronics, 813-938-2225. Fridgid Units, 419-474-6971. **Nets and Seines:** ADPI Enterprises, 800-621-0275. Bayeux  Fabrics, 800-446-9611. Christianson Nets, 800-372-1142. Fitec International, 800-332-6387, Ext. 107. Fuhrman Diversifed, 713-474-1388. Innovative Net Systems, 318-856-7313,  www.net-connect.net/~trsins Internet, 800-328-8456. NSW, 800-368-3610. Nycon Products, 800-534-9266. Nylon Net, 800-238-7529. Memphis  Net & Twine, 800-238-6380. Sea-Gear, 407-728-9116. Tenax, 888-424-0965. **Net Pens:** Coosa Catfish Cages,  205-377-2463. Inqua, 212-840-3333. **Oxygen Meters:** Royce Instrument, 800-347-3505. Common Sensing, 208-266-1541, www.dmi.net/comsen **Ozone, Filtration and Ultraviolet Systems:** Aqua, 800-454-2725. Aquanetics Systems, 619-291-8444. Rainbow Lifegard Aquarium Products, 800-628-8771. Ozonia, 201-794-3100. **Pipe, Valves, Tubing and Fittings:** Industrial Thermoplastic Solutions, 800-262-4300. RyanHerco, 800-848-1141, www.ryanherco.com Valterra Products, 818-898-1671. **Pond, Tank, Raceway Liners (Covers):** CIM, 800-543-3458. Cooley, 800-444-4023. Poly-Flex, 800-527-3322. Reef Industries, 800-231-2417, www.reefindustries.com Yunker Plastics, 414-249-5233. **Pond Water Supplements:** Applied Biochemists, 800-558-5106. Aquatic Control, 812-497-2410. Becker-Underwood, 800-232-5907. Cascade Water Services, 516-932-3030. **Pressure Washers:** Coastal Hydraulics, 603-474-1914. Pace Manufacturing, 800-827-1610. **Rearing Tanks:** Alchem, 800-353-0083. Dolphin Fiberglass Products, 305-247-1748,  http://members.aol.com/dolphinfbg/index.htm Gemini Fiberglass Products, 303-278-0033. LeGay Fiberglass Limited, 902-860-0822,Email:  [email protected] Polytank, 800-328-7659. Rowland Fiberglass, 512-776-7753. Solar Components, 603-668-8186, www.solar-components.com **Recirculating Systems:** Advanced Aquaculture Systems, 813-653-2823. Aquacare Environment, 360-734-7964. Aquaculture Systems Technologies, 800-939-3659, Email:  [email protected] Diamond Water Systems, 800-245-6601. Emperor Aquatics, 610-970-0440. Red Ewald, 800-242-3524. **Sludge Pump:** Nuhn Industries, 519-393-6284. **System Design:** Applied Aquatics, 803-971-9639, Email:[email protected] **Transport Tanks:** Aquaneering, 858-541-2028, Email: [email protected] Lance Industries, 919-745-4146. LeGay Fiberglass Limited, 902-860-0822,  Email:[email protected] Magic   Valley Heli-Arc &  Mfg., 208-733-0503. Peterson Fiberglass Laminates, 715-468-2306. Reiff Manufacturing, 509-525-1081. **Vaccines:** Alpharma, 425-882-0448. Aqua Health, 208-543-5369. AquaVet, 510-782-4058. Argent Chemical Laboratories, 800-426-6258. **Veterinarian Services:** Wisconsin Aquatic  Veterinary Service, 608-246-0765. **Water Quality/Monitoring** AquaTrak Systems, 800-655-1047. Bio Marine, 310-973-5275. Balanced Aqua Systems, 800-424-3775, Email:[email protected] Hydrolab, 800-949-3766 LaMotte, 800-344-3100. Water Quality Science International, 800-558-9442. YSI, 800-765-4974, www.ysi.com  NewStuff Now on The Market **Solar-Powered lights:** Introduced in Fish Farming News justabout a year ago,  solar-powered lights from Carmanah Research are ideal for mounting onbuoys to  mark aquaculture sites.  Specifically  designed for use in marineenvironments, Carmanah Lights feature components like  solar cells, power storage, lightsource (LEDs), and electronic circuitry - all contained  within a compact unit, sealed inpolymer for protection against moisture and  impact.  Economical to use, they have  nobulbs or batteries to replace.  These  lights charge during daylight hours, even undercloud cover, and emit a vibrant  steady or flashing light throughout the night.   Lights are available in amber, red, green, and white.  For more information callInternational  Industries, Inc., Annapolis,   MD; (410) 990-0566, or fax (410)  990-0569. **Fish Tanks:** The Green Line series of rotationallymolded fiberglass fish  tanks integrates a unique solid waste separation system within eachtank. In  these tanks, which are designed for research and education, fish hatcheries,  andfor growout use on farms - wastes are removed via one outlet, located  centrally at thebase of the tank. A second outlet at the midwater level removes  the primary flow ofclarified culture water, for discharge or reuse, depending  on the system. A small flow ofwater is used to transport wastes into storage  beneath the tank; then solids are flushedfrom each tank daily to a central  storage tank or lagoon. According to independenttesting, the Green Line Fish  Tank removes more than 99% of total suspended solids; 74% ofBOD; and 65% of  particulate phosphorus. Single-piece tanks are available up to 4 meters  indiameter; larger diameter tanks are fabricated in sections. Custom tanks are  available inany size or shape. Green Line tanks are manufactured by Waterline  Ltd. and marketed byAlchem Industries. For more information call Alchem  Industries, Charlottetown, PEI,Canada;  (800) 353-0083. **AquaMats:** AquaMats are a new aquaculture product made from polymer  substrates and aredesigned to use photosynthetic and bacteriological processes  to produce natural foodresource, primarily phytoplankton, zooplankton and  bacteria.  At the same time thatAquaMats  generate a continuously replenished food resource, the product provides  aquaticstructure (to support higher stocking densities, reproduction and  reduced predation) andeffective control of ammonia and excess nutrients.  AquaMats substantially increase yield,lower production costs and provide  natural biofiltration for a wide range of fresh andsalt water aquatic species. AquaMats rely on an integral ballast system that allows the  lower portionof the product to rest on the base of the aquatic environment in  which it is placed. Theindividual AquaMat ribbons are highly buoyant and extend  upward in the water column.Particularly in larval rearing and for juvenile  fishes, AquaMats produce remarkableincreases in biomass based on increased  survival and growth. The results experienced usingAquaMats with many warm and  cold species indicate that the most important contribution isfood production,  particularly calenoid copepod production (typically increased 700% to2,000%).  For natural rearing, AquaMats have shown tremendous promise used with a number  ofimportant Salmonids. AquaMats are highly durable, UV stabilized and guaranteed to  performadequately for four (4) years or more. The component substrates used in  fabrication ofAquaMats are food-grade in quality and will not leach or degrade  into waters where theproduct is installed. Where sterilization is necessary,  AquaMats may be fully sterilizedby all conventional techniques, including steam  and chlorine applications. The manufacturer, Meridian Applied Technology Systems,  L.L.C., extends toits commercial customers a guarantee that its AquaMats will  pay for themselves inincreased biomass production and reduced production costs  during the first eighteen (18)months of use or Meridian will refund the difference to the  customer. Meridian  may becontacted at 301-937-1240, by E-mail at [email protected] **Pond Liners:** Yunker Plastics,of Lake    Geneva, Wisconsin,  make pond and tank lining affordable and practical withAQUA-WEVE. AQUA-WEVE is  a woven, reinforced polyolegin fabric that gives superior strengthwithout added  weight. Clear and colored materials are available and UV additives  providesuperior weathering for long-term applications. The materials are free  of plasticizers andother additives that could leak out, which make them safe  for most uses, including potablewater. Yunker Plastics can manufacture liners in large sections  minimizing theneed for field seaming. "Do-It-Yourself" installation  for lower installationcosts is also possible. Fitted, circular and square  cornered tank liners are available.High density polyethylene up to 30 mil,  reinforced polypropylene materials and geotextilesfor underlayments and ground  stabilization are also available. For more information,contact Yunker Plastics,  Inc., PO Box 190, Lake Geneva, WI 53147, or call 1-800-236-3328. **PP76 TM (Pond Liner):** Developed with Montell Polyolefins,the reactor-process  polypropylene resin integrated with Cooley proprietary technology andfabric  offers many benefits to engineers designing with geomembranes. The Cooley  productdoes not contain "fillers or extenders," and has excellent  ultraviolet (UV)resistance for outstanding weatherability in exposed  applications. Cooley geomembranes arebacked by up to a 20 year written  weathering warranty. The high performance of the CooleyPP-R liners is a  combination of a high strength polyester scrim, tough polypropylenepolymer and  a unique and proprietary manufacturing process. Cooley Polypropylene provides the end-user with a liner  product that canbe supplied in panels up to one-half acre in size to expedite  installation and minimizethe amount of field seaming. These large panels can be  supplied through our network offabricators throughout the USA and abroad.  To expedite installation the Cooleypolypropylene can be prefabricated and  delivered to the site in large custom sized panels.This method allows the area  to be lined with the minimum of material and "fieldseaming." With the  excellent seaming and related characteristics of thepolypropylene, the usual  problems with field seaming using other products are eliminated.For more  information call Stephen Siener at Cooley Engineering Membranes at  800-444-4023. **Aquaculture Structures:** B&K installations, a Floridabased manufacturer of green  houses, shade houses, and energy-efficient controlledenvironment structures,  introduces the new hydrohouse. This structure is designed toincorporate the  newest hydroponic and aquaponic technology and can be adapted to  providecustomers with the proper area and clearances required for each  application. In additionto hydroponic, aquaculture, and aquaponic structures,  B&K installations has the designand manufacturing capabilities to provide  customers with structures that will meet theirspecific needs to also cover  above ground circular tank systems, raceways, and in groundponds. Contact  B&K Installations for a free product brochure at B&K Installations246  Southwest 4 Ave., Homestead.  FL 33030. Ph. 800-523-3870 (Toll Free USA), 800-6247612(Toll Free FL), 305-245-8119  (fax), 305245-6968 (local). E-mail: bkinstall @ aol.com Web site:  www.bkinstall.com **Aquaculture Greenhouses:** Structures Unlimited Plantation gutter-connected or  free-standing greenhouses area cost-effective choice for the aquaculturists.  They feature a simple, strong design thatcan withstand high winds and adverse  weather conditions. Using only one center purlin, thesemi-gothic arch shape  offers maximum headroom even close to the sides of the house. Theslightly  peaked roof eliminates the potential problem of condensate dripping. The aquaculture greenhouse is inherently strong because it  is built withgalvanized high-strength alloy steel tube with a certified minimum  of 50155 psi. Allhardware is stainless steel to eliminate rust and all tubing is  triple coated forcorrosion protection. Designed for easy expansion, the house  is available in standardwidths of 26', 30', or 36'in 5'lengths or  custom-designed for your specific needs.Aquaculture greenhouses come complete  with all hardware and easy to follow instructions.For more information contact  Structures Unlimited, 2122 Whitfield Park Avenue, Sarasota,Florida 34243,  800-54 1 8129. **Oxygen Diffusers and Monitoring:** Oxygenation and the control ofdissolved oxygen levels are  absolutely critical for all aquaculture systems, especiallyintensive production  units. One of the most convenient methods to dissolve oxygen into  water is by useof diffusers; however, most diffusers are not very efficient. To  resolve this problem,Dryden Aqua has developed and manufactures the ultimate  micro bubble ceramic oxygendiffuser. The oxygen transfer efficiency of the  diffuser will depend on the waterchemistry, depth, and flow conditions, but  under typical aquaculture conditions, thediffuser will approach near 100%  efficiency in the transfer of oxygen to the water. Intank and raceways systems,  the Dryden Aqua DAD diffusers provide a simple, low cost, butefficient  alternative to pressurized injection systems, with the advantage  electricalpower supply to the equipment is needed. To monitor, control and datalog oxygen levels, Dryden Aqua  has developedthe AquaTraul multichannel oxygen monitoring system. There are two  models; AquaTraul-Inand AquaTraul 8/8. The AquaTraul-In has 16 inputs for  oxygen and 2 alarm relay outputs.The AquaTraul 8/8 has 8 inputs for oxygen, 8  control relay outputs and 2 alarm relayoutputs. The unit holds all of its own  calibration and alarm set points for activation ofthe local relay contacts. The  AquaTraul does not have any display, buttons, or externalswitches. All  communication with the module is by an infra-red coms link or an  RS485/232direct line connection to a PC. The PC will display the reading from  all of the probes,and is used to calibrate and datalog the results.  Effectively, the AquaTraul acts as astand-alone oxygen alarm system/controller,  but when connected to a PC it becomesequivalent to a full blown sophisticated  PC based monitoring system, but at a fraction ofthe cost of a PC system. The AquaTraul represents a new generation of oxygen  monitoring systemsdeveloped specifically for the aquaculture industry. More  details and information on thesystem are available from our web site at  www.DrydenAqua.com **Stainless Steel Axial-Flow Submersible Pumps:** Carry Manufacturing's stainless steel axial-flow submersible  pumps canprovide a dependable solution for your fresh or salt water fish  farming operation. Thecompact 1 to 10 horsepower pumps use Franklin Electric  submersible motors that are waterlubricated . This means not only  contamination-free operation, but a lot less time spenton maintenance. All  pumps are available in either single or three phase models. Thecustomer can  also specify voltage choice. The axial-flow design ensures smooth,  low-head,high-volume pumping. Single pumps can range in capacity from 50 to  1,450 gallons perminute at 2 to 25 feet of total dynamic head and can be used  in parallel combinations forgreater capacity. The simplicity of the axial-flow design make CMI pumps a  durable, longterm investment for use in raceways, tanks or ponds. They can also  be the answer to yourpumping requirements for bio-filter operations, aeration  and oxidation of standing water. The corrosion-resistant stainless steel construction means  an end to those"throw-away" pumps that are a constant drain on your operating  budget. For moreinformation contact Carry Manufacturing at 1514 S. Knight Road, Munger,   MI 48747,517-659-3500,  Email: [email protected] **Odor Control:** Odor Control Co., offers a variety ofodor neutralizers in  various forms to fit the user's specific needs and various packagesizes to  accommodate any budget. Such versatility has given us the reputation for  sellingsuperior products that are user friendly and affordable. We have a  winning track recordfor neutralizing odors for the aquaculture industry.  Specific applications include cookedshellfish odors emitted from stacks, fish  waste collecting in tanks, fish oils, fishingboats and even offices situated  too close to processing areas. Odor Control Co., a U.S. manufacturer since 1979, uses  the process of odorneutralization to help their customers combat odor problems.  Through research, surveys anddatabases, the company has learned which  neutralizers are best to reduce or eliminatenuisance odors that might be  unappealing to your customers, neighbors or office personnel.Our product sheets  lists the various methods and techniques to effectively dispense theodor  neutralizers. For more information contact Odor Control Co., Inc. P.O. Box  5740,Scottsdale, A-Z 85261, 1-888-948-3956, Fax:602-45 1 -1010. **Corrosion-Free Bio-Filter Tanks:** Made from corrosion-free,fiberglass-reinforced polymer  sheeting, bio-filter columns from Solar Components arecompletely  maintenance-free and have no moving parts. They are ideal for ammonia  removal,oxygenation, or degassing of closed loop recirculating aquaculture  systems. With 90% of visual light transmission, these unique tanks  allow you toobserve activity within the tank. The specially formulated  bio-medium is maintenance freeand a proven performer. It provides over 165  square feet of surface area per cubic foot. Bio-filter tanks from Solar Components are the most  affordable and naturalway to maintain water quality in your aquaculture  operation. For more information contactSolar Components, 121 Valley Street, Manchester,   NH 03103,  603-668-8186.  Preparation/Application of Fertilizers For Ponds **By: James W. Avault Jr., Professor ofFisheries, Louisiana  State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana** In our last issue of the MTAN we discussed basic types of  pondfertilizers, inorganic and organic, and discussed advantages and  disadvantages of each. Inthis issue we continue with preparation and  application of fertilizers. Inorganic fertilizers may be applied as a mixture of N-P-K  or appliedindividually. When 100 lb of an 8-8-2 fertilizer are applied, 8 lb of  both nitrogen andphosphorus are added as are 2 lb of potassium (For conversion  to metric units, 2.205 lb =1 kg, and 1 hectare = approximately 2.5 acres). All  three elements come together in thesame bag. However, the bag will contain more  than just 18 lb (8 + 8 + 2 = 18) of desirednutrients. Fertilizers contain  impurities that are not needed. Sodium nitrate, a source ofnitrogen, contains  only 16% nitrogen. So to obtain 8 lb of nitrogen, use 50 lb of NaNO3,(8 - 16% =  50 lb needed). Other impurities are also present in a fertilizer mixture.  Once all threenutrients with impurities are added to the bag to obtain an 8-8-2  mixture, commercialdealers add enough inert material, such as agricultural  limestone or brick dust, until atotal of 50 or 100 lb is reached. This allows  for a uniform size bag. Therefore, for apond to receive 8 lb of nitrogen, 8 lb  of phosphorus, and 2 lb of potassium per acre, youfertilize at a rate of 100 lb  of 8-8-2 per acre. The fertilizer mixture contains 18 lb ofneeded elements,  impurities from the fertilizer sources, and enough filler to bring thetotal to  100 lb. Problem and Solution: Fertilize a 10ac pond at a rate of 100 lb of 8-8-0, using,  ammoniumnitrate and superphosphate as sources of fertilizers. Ammonium nitrate  comes in 100 lbbags and superphosphate in 80 lb bags. Assume that three  applications are made. Followingthis, continue phosphate fertilization only, at  a rate of 100 lb of 0-8-0 per ac, forthree more applications. **Determine:** (1)How many bags (round off to nearest half bag) of each  fertilizer areneeded for the first application? (2) How many bags of each  fertilizer are needed for allthree applications? (3) How many bags of  superphosphate are needed for three additionalapplications when ammonium  nitrate is omitted? **The Solution Is:** (1) From the previous problem, 24 lb of ammonium nitrate are  needed toobtain 100 lb of 8-0-0. Since 10 ac are to be fertilized, it will take  240 (10 ac x 24) lbof ammonium nitrate, and hence two and a half bags (240/100  = approximately 2.5).Similarly, 40 lb of superphosphate are needed for 100 lb  of 0-8-0. Therefore 400 lb (10 acx 40) of superphosphate per application are  needed, and hence five bags (400/80 = 5).Notice in this problem filler is not  calculated. That is necessary only with commercialfertilizer mixtures. Even so,  express the rate as 100 lb of 8-0-0 or 0-8-0. (2)With atotal of three  applications, needed are: 7.5 bags of ammonium nitrate (3 x 2.5) and 15bags of  superphosphate (3 x 5). (3)Three additional applications of 100 lb of 0-8-0 per  acrequire 15 more bags (3 x 5) of superphosphate. **Application Of Fertilizer** Fertilizer applications should be tailored for each specific  aquacultureoperation. In the United States,  we usually do not rely on fertilization to increase fishcrops as much as they  do in Europe and the Indo-Pacific Region.  There are, of course,other instances where fertilization may be important, such  as in weed control.Fertilization requirements of traditional agricultural crops  usually involve a soilanalysis before planting. In some instances, a sample of  foliage from the crop being growncan be analyzed to determine nutrients  required with additional applications offertilizer. Determination of fertilization requirements of pond water is  far lessexact. Nutrient content of pond water and pond mud could be analyzed.  The abundance ofphytoplankton and benthos can be determined quantitatively.  However, these analyses taketime, and results may vary greatly and be difficult  to evaluate. Most pond managersmeasure the density of the plankton bloom as an  index for the need to fertilize pondwaters. A plankton bloom dense enough to restrict view of a Secchi  disk at between30 to 46 cm (12 to 18 in) is desirable for weed control and good  fish production.Fertilize ponds frequently enough to maintain this bloom. The  frequency will vary frompond to pond. Formerly it was thought that fertilizer should be  broadcasted over thepond surface from a boat. Also, fertilizer has been poured  in a line along the water'sedge, but this much trouble is not necessary.  Probably the easiest and best way is to putfertilizer on an underwater platform  (Lawrence  1954). The platform should lie about 30 cm(1 ft) below the water surface. One  platform will serve about 4 to 6 ha (10 to 15 ac) ofwater. **32 Advantages of Using Fertilizer Platforms Are:** (1) It takes less time and labor to fertilize ponds.
  (2) Nutrients go into solution in top waters where  photosynthetic activityis greatest.
  (3) Nutrients are less apt to be tied up with pond muds.
  (32) Nutrients go into solution over a longer period. Some workers place fertilizer in porous bags. The bags are  suspended inwater so that nutrients are released as fertilizer dissolves. Like  fertilizer platforms,bags allow nutrients to enter the water column. Liquid, inorganic fertilizer is even more efficient to use  than granular,inorganic fertilizer. It is easier to apply, and less is  required, so it is cheaper.Monthly application rates of a 10-34-0 fertilizer  range from 5 to 19 liters/ha (0.5 to 2gal/ac).  AquaMats - Product Applications **By: William Hoyt, Meridian  Applied, Technology Systems, 301-937-1240, Email:[email protected]** AquaMatsJ are currently in use in commercial, governmentand  university facilities to enhance the growth and survival of a wide variety of  aquaticspecies. Successful applications of the product include a wide variety  of crustacean, fishand molluscan species. AquaMatsJ scavenge soluble inorganic nutrients from the  water throughperiphytic bacteriological metabolism. In recirculating systems  and closed ponds withoutwater replacement, AquaMatsJ are capable of removing  80% of the phosphates, as well as 90% of thenitrates in 36 hours. Ammonia is  also rapidly removed by anaerobic bacteriologicalnitrification processes. The  removal of these nutrients allows the stocking of even higherdensities in  ponds, tanks and raceways, while at the same time reducing the  environmentalimpact of aquaculture operations. **Results Summary:** AquaMatsJ provide structure or cover, a limited amount of  insect larval feed,and appear to significantly reduce the stress experienced by  fish in hatchery rearing. Dorsal fin erosion experienced by fish in tanks with  AquaMatsJ is reduced by as much as50% in the first 50 days of growout. AquaMatsJ are being used in natural rearing systems to  Atrain@ fish to use and acquirecover to improve survival and success on  release. (Typically, 50% of released hatcherytrout are lost in the first 48  hours due to predation and stress.) The parr stage of Coho Salmon have been successfully reared  with a 15%increase in survival (compared to controls) to smolting stage in  commercial operations.Indications are that AquaMatsJ aid the transition to  smolt stage by providing natural feed duringthe morphological changes while at  the same time allowing a doubling of the populationdensities in holding ponds. Fish prefer spacing (between structure such as rows of  AquaMatsJ) that are slightly lessthan their own body length. With raceway densities as high as 29,000 kg/ha, over 9 month  periods,systems using AquaMatsJ (over 20-30% of the bottom area) experienced  12% higher survivalalong with an 11% increase in biomass over controls. Average fish size in raceways where AquaMatsJ are used to  provide coveris significantly more consistent than fish size in controls  without cover. Motion analysis of trout raised in the presence of AquaMatsJ  shows that trout movementis dramatically reduced, decreasing caloric and feed  demands.  Walleye Growth Using AquaMats **By: Rod McNeil, Meridian Applied, Technology Systems, 4041  Powder Mill Rd., Suite 510,Calverton, Maryland 20705, 301-937-1240,  Email:[email protected]** The focus of this projectwas the mass culture of walleye.  The highly piscivorous nature of the species with itsstrong morphological  transitions to benthic feeding and photoaversion make it aparticularly  challenging species to rear on a large scale. A series of thirteen ponds witha  surface area of 0.5 acre and a volume of 500,000 gallons each were utilized to  evaluatea range of varying AquaMatJ densities per pond,spacing between rows as  well as providing four control ponds. Three mat densities at two different spacings were evaluated  to provide arange of area ratios between the mat structure and the surface area  of the ponds. Eachpond had 1,635 square meters of bottom area, including the  sloped sides. Ponds were filled with water 10 days prior to planting of  larval fry.Water supply was diverted from the Yellowstone River  and water temperature at the time ofthe plant was 10.4C. Continuous monitoring  was provided for zooplankton, phytoplankton,Secchi disk, pH, temperature,  nitrate and phosphate every three days for the first monthand at weekly  intervals during the entire growout. Dissolved oxygen was monitored 5  timesdaily, twice a week during the first fifty-two days and weekly thereafter.  BOD=s and respiratory quotientswere determined weekly. Of the eggs transferred, 66 million were successfully  hatched and two dayspost hatch, 5 million were transferred to the outdoor rearing  ponds. Planting density onthe ponds was 100,000 per acre. The mats prevented filamentous blooms during Phase 1 growth,  but seemedonly to delay the onset of blooms that did take place in Phase 2  growth. The algal bloomsdied off quickly and did not grow back during the 1997  season. As compared with the 1994-1996 average results in the Phase  1 growthperiod, survival was 42.5% higher and average weight was 44% greater in  1997 on ponds with270 to 540 sq.m of AquaMatsJ per hectare. This created a 240%  higher biomass productivity with a47% reduction in the use of fertilizers. A  ranking order test showed that within the 1997data, fertilizer application  alterations were the most influential variable. In Phase 2 growth for 1997 as compared with the three year prior  average,survival was 20% higher and fish weight was 36% higher. This created a  236% higher biomassproductivity with a 78% overall reduction in fertilizers for  both Phase 1 and 2 growth in1997. Performance of the ponds with 1,120 sq.m of AquaMatsJ per  hectare wassignificantly poorer due in part to increased predation by Odonata  larvae and oxygensupersaturation. The emergent nature of the mats, when so many  were used in a pond offixed depth, significantly increased the number of  predacious insect larvae on the mats. After Aaging@ for approximately 35 days (520 degree days),  the mats showed asignificant capacity to absorb both nitrates and phosphates  added to the system. Over 90%of the available soluble nitrates were absorbed in  less than 24 hours. Approximately 75%of phosphate additions were absorbed in  less than 12 hours. Given the fact that these werestatic (no-flow) systems,  this demonstrates a significant potential for nutrientscavenging with short  contact times once appropriate biotic communities are established. The ability of all ponds containing AquaMatsJ to control  Cyzicus andeliminate blue-green blooms significantly increased the ease of  operations and eliminatedthe possibility of toxic dieoff in hatchery  operations. The ability of the mats to delayand reduce the scale of filamentous  algal growth eliminated the need for herbicide controland reduced the total  amount of fertilizer necessary for operations by over 75%. At thesame time, fish  stocking densities could have been increased a further 250% with thezooplankton  populations produced on ponds with 24 to 57 AquaMatsJ per hectare. **Dissolved Oxygen (DO)** During the first 21 days after the ponds were filled, there  were nosignificant differences in DO levels between the ponds with and without  mats. DO showed atypical diurnal load variation, reaching its minimum just  after dawn. As the biomass ofalgal growth on the mats increased, the DO levels  increased in ponds with mats untilfinally, after seven weeks, ponds with 540  sq.m or more of AquaMats per hectare were atsaturation during all daylight  hours after 10:00 a.m. Typical daylight DO levels at noonin ponds with any mats  reached 10.0+ mg/liter at water temperatures in the 21-25 C range. Obviously, with the biomass on the AquaMatsJ, the  respiratory demandincreased at night, but even in the worst case (1,120 sq.m of  AquaMats/ha.), the DOremained 20% higher than the control ponds during the dark  cycle. On two occasions, duringweek 6 and week 11 during growout, DO levels  became dangerously low (<2.0 mg/liter) incontrol ponds due to high  temperatures (25+ C) and stagnation. The strong, constantprevailing winds aided  in preventing more problems in the control ponds. DO levels neverdropped below  4.2 mg/L for any pond with AquaMatsJ, even during stagnation periods. Fertilizer (chopped alfalfa) was added to the system during  the first 40days PF and additions were halted thereafter as the zooplankton  food supply was more thanadequate and the degradation rate of the alfalfa  produced a 14-21 day lag in theavailability of nutrients. Since the only energy  inputs to the system were the addition offish, photosynthetic activity, and the  fertilizer, it is assumed that one or all of thesefactors contributed to the  steady rise in the water pH from 6.9 initially to 9.2 onehundred days later. **Fertilizer Additions** As noted in the previous section, chopped alfalfa was used  as the onlynitrate fertilizer source material and it was added weekly,  beginning with the filling ofthe first ponds. Initial charge rates were 337  kgs/hectare and the applied load was 225kgs/hectare each weekly thereafter.  After four charges of material to each pond ( a totalof 205 kgs per 0.2  hectares) additions were discontinued as nitrate values began risingrapidly at  40 days PF. The prolonged dissolution time for extraction of nitrate from  thealfalfa made the control of nitrate levels difficult to predict,  particularly since theextraction rate was temperature dependent. The data strongly suggest that at least 30 days are  necessary to establishan active biofilm on the AquaMatsJ capable of  metabolizing nitrate. The ability of the mat systems totie up nitrates was  highly significant with a free dependency association as compared withthe  controls at p=<.001 with a 95% confidence limit. Once the appropriate  bioticcommunity was established on the mats, the nitrate levels relative to the  control pondsshowed a 90% decrease in soluble nitrate, even with only 270 sq.m  of AquaMats/ha. present. In a typical first stage growing season, 386 kilos of  alfalfa would havebeen used in each 0.2 hectare pond. This 47% reduction in  fertilizer use during firststage growout represented a significant cost  reduction for disposables and decreased thecost of operations at the hatchery  by 12% (exclusive of salaries) during the first 63 daysof seasonal operation. Once alfalfa additions were halted 28 days PP, it was  decided to regulatephosphorus with the addition of phosphoric acid. While it  was initially unclear how muchthis might affect pH, the small quantities  required seemed to pose little risk of pHshock. Based on the work of Smith,  McNeil and Ellis, it was decided to maintain totalphosphorus at a ratio of 1:40  relative to total nitrate. Since the complexation time forphosphorus seems much  faster in ponds than that for nitrate, additions were only madeweekly,  forty-eight hours after total nitrate determination. Since the nitrate  levelscontinued to climb even after the alfalfa additions ceased, the amount of  phosphoric acidadded weekly rose over the period from 34 PP to 52 PP. **Phosphate** During Phase 2 growth, the only source of phosphate input to  the systemwas weekly phosphoric acid additions. The amount to be added was  determined by measuringnitrate and regulating phosphate at 2.5% of nitrate  levels. This system seemed to workwell at controlling filamentous algal growth.  The work of Ellis had shown that a fixedratio of nitrate/phosphate will  activate rapid algal growth only when sufficient iron ispresent. While  extensive experiments were not conducted, a ratio of at least 0.5 to  oneiron/phosphate was found to be necessary to initiate growth. **Temperature Observations** The water temperature in the area surrounding and within the  matsfilamentous structure was noted to be 5-7 C above that of the surrounding  water. Thelarval fish sought out these areas and remained there most of the  time during the first400 degree days while ambient pond temperatures were in  the 10-15 C range. Zooplanktonconcentrations were also found to be highest in  these high thermal concentration areas. Itis not known whether fish were  attracted due to the greater food resource, the higherwater temperatures or a  combination of the two phenomenon. **Zooplankton** It was noted that the concentrations of zooplankton were  substantiallyhigher in the immediate vicinity of the mats. Samples taken at 49  PF (Phase 1) showedpopulations within 0.5 meters of the mats to be 8,600 to  12,770 per liter for all matsindependent of the number of AquaMatsJ or their  spacing. Samples from the area around the mats typicallyshowed five times the  zooplankton density of the open water areas only 3-4 meters away.This may  explain why the juvenile larvae congregated around and in the mat  structureduring the first 28 days post-plant. The concentrations of zooplankton continued to be  substantially higher inthe immediate vicinity of the mats in Phase 2. Samples  taken at 98 PF showed populationswithin 0.5 meters of the mats to be 4,600 to  5,150 per liter for all mats independent ofthe number of mats or their spacing.  At the time of harvest, the average populationdensities in the pond with mats  was double that found in the control ponds. This isconsiderably lower than the  ratio experienced in Phase 1, but is apparently related togeneral population  density after refilling. Speciation distribution was much narrowerafter  refilling. Projections of the potential stocking capacity based on the residual  Daphniapopulation at the time of harvest would indicate that stocking densities  in Phase 2 ashigh as 60,000 per hectare would have been practicable. Walleye predation behavior was highly selective with the  first genus ofzooplankton to be harvested being Cyclops. Examination of stomach  contents eachweek for weeks 2 through 5 showed a remarkable predominance of  zooplankton having anorange-red coloration with a specral maxima at 472 nm. As  the fish reach roughly 0.25grams in weight, their grazing behavior became less  specific and Daphnia pulexpopulations were most affected in weeks 6 thru  harvest. At the fifth week, total zooplankton populations began to  fall off in thefour control ponds, but populations actually continued to grow  in all ponds with AquaMatsJ clear through to harvest.At the time of harvest,  the average zooplankton populations in the ponds with AquaMatsJ was 6.4 times  that foundin the control ponds. Projections of the potential stocking capacity  based on the residualDaphnia population at the time of harvest would indicate  that stocking densities as highas 625,000 per hectare would have been  practicable based exclusively on food resourceduring the first 52 days  post-plant. **Control of AProblem@ Organisms on the Ponds** An interesting observation was that the nuisance organism  Cyzicusmorsie (the clam shrimp) was virtually absent from all of the tanks  having AquaMatsJ present. It is possiblethat the rapid metabolism of trace  nutrients created by the increased surface area fromthe mats tied up some  nutrient essential to the species. The absence of this organism makes finfish harvest much  simpler in thatprimary drainage screens don=t become clogged during drawdown  and require less observationalmaintenance. Another matter of prime concern is the prevention of  filmentous algalgrowth to an extent where fish may become entrapped at the time  of harvest. During thefirst stage growout, the total filamentous algal growth  was markedly different betweentanks that had mats and those that did not.  Filamentous growth of the genus Oscillatoriaand Spirogyra were the predominant  genus, constituting 70+% of the photosyntheticbiomass in the control ponds. The  lack of filamentous growth in ponds with AquaMatsJ eliminated the use  ofaquazine or copper sulfate in the treatment of the water prior to fish  harvest. All control ponds experienced blue-green blooms of  Aphanizomenon,but none of these ponds experienced any toxic die-off. No  blue-green blooms were noted inany pond using AquaMatsJ. It is hypothesized  that the rapid assimilation of nutrients by theAquaMatsJeliminated the growth  potential for these organisms. **Fish Survival and Biomass Production** The key parameters to the hatchery are the number of fish  which survive tobe planted and the cost per fish.  An Anova analysis shows that there is  nostatistically significant difference in yield for the 0, 270 and 540 sq.m of  AquaMat/ha.treatments within 1997. The difference in survival and yield between  1,120 sq.mAquaMat/ha. treatments and all other treatments was highly significant  (p=<.001). The fish grown on 540 sq.m of AquaMats/ha. average 18%  larger than thecontrols with a 14.8% increase in survival. The fish grown on  270 sq.m of AquaMats/ha.average 14.4% larger than the controls with a 12.1%  increase in survival. In brief, forPhase 1 growout, there is no statistically  significant difference in productivity betweenthe controls and 270 or 540 sq.m  of AquaMats/ha. treatments within 1997. The inter-year analysis gives significantly different  results. The changein yield, survival and productivity are all highly  significant and favorable to the 1997results. Independent of the 1,120 sq.m of  AquaMat/ha. pond results, the average weight was40% greater and the survival  42.5% higher in 1997. These results were significant at thep=<.001 level.  This resulted in a 240% increase in biomass productivity 1997. The highly significant reduction in survival on 1,120 sq.m  of AquaMatsponds is complex. Due to the number of AquaMatsJ in the pond,  roughly half of the mats were emergent and supported alarge Odonates  population. Underwater observation of the mats at 5-8 weeks postfill showed  large numbers of larvae preying on fish fry. On only one side of one mat, itwas  possible to observe 1-2 fish captured in the period of an hour. As this  behavior wasnever observed in 100 hours of observation in ponds without  emergent mats, it would seemprudent to prevent the mats from becoming emergent  by either manipulating pond depth ortrimming the mats to prevent surface  exposure. As water temperatures warmed and theperiphytic algal community became  better established, afternoon diurnal increases inoxygen tension produced  supersaturation. While this effect occurred occasionally in pondswith 540 sq.m  of AquaMats/ha, it was a daily occurrence in the 1,120 sq.m of  AquaMats/ha.ponds. The average 2:00 PM delta p for oxygen was 115 mm or 156%  saturation for the periodfrom 42 days PF. This is very close to levels known to  cause mortality in continuousbioassay exposure studies and may account for some  of the mortality. **Phase 2 Growout for Walleye** The period of Phase 2 growout varied between 70 and 81 days,  dependent onharvest date. All ponds were stocked with 24,700 fish/hectare for Phase  2 growout.  At the beginning of Phase 2,  pH levels were 9.17. Fertilizer additions during Phase 2 wereall inorganic and  tended to reduce the pH due to the high hydronium ion content of thephosphoric  acid. Phosphate additions were made to bring the weekly ratio  ofnitrate/phosphate to 40:1. During the 9 weeks, only five additions were made  as the ratiosometimes remained constant for as long as three weeks at a time. In a typical second Phase 2 season, 386 kilos of alfalfa  would have beenused in each 0.2 hectare pond. Since none was used and the  fertilizer use was decreased47% during stage one growth, the overall reduction  in alfalfa use for the growing seasonwas 78%. This represented a significant  cost reduction for disposables and decreased thecost of operations at the  hatchery by 23% (exclusive of salaries) during the full growingseason. To create a comparison data base, the Miles City Hatchery  was comparedwith its own performance over the past three years. Alfalfa has  been used for the pastfive years and Aquazine had been used every year except  1997 to control algal blooms. An Anova analysis (Phase 2) shows that there is a  statisticallysignificant difference in yield for the 270 and 540 sq.m of  AquaMats/ha. treatments ascompared with the controls within 1997. The  difference in survival and yield between 1,120sq.m of AquaMats/ha. treatments  and all other treatments was highly significant(p=<.001). The fish grown on 270 sq.m of AquaMats/ha. ponds were on  average 36%larger than the controls with a 20.0% increase in survival. The fish  grown on 540 sq.m ofAquaMats/ha. averaged 32% larger than the controls with a  25% increase in survival. Inbrief, there were statistically significant  differences (p=<.001) in productivitybetween the controls and 270 or 540 sq.m  of AquaMats/ha. treatments within 1997. The inter-year analysis gives even more significant results.  The change inyield, survival and productivity are all highly significant  (p=<.001) and favorable tothe 1997 results. Independent of the 1,120 sq.m of  AquaMats/ha. results, the averageweight was 37% greater and the survival 51.8%  higher in 1997. These results weresignificant at the p=<.001 level. This  resulted in a 239% increase in Phase 2 biomassproductivity in 1997.  Funding Sources For Tribal Hatcheries Are you looking for funding sources to construct additions  toyour hatchery facility? Perhaps you have a portion of the capital needed to  remodel youfacility and only require a small grant to finalize a specific  project. The MTAN had thepleasure of a recent phone call with Larry Wawronowicz  (Fish and Game Director Lac duFlambeau Reservation) regarding this topic. Larry  suggested you contact the followingthree agencies: * Administration for Native Americans (ANA), 202-690-7776,  www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/ana/ * Indian Community Development Block Grants (ICDBG),  800-735-3239, www.latech.edu/tech/rural/grants/housing/house03.html * Economic Development Administration (EDA), 312-353-7148 The MTAN would also suggest that youcall the U.S. Fish and  Wildlife Service, Federal Aid Office, Fort    Snelling, MN(612-713-5132)  to inquire about AState@ grant programs that may be available.   **Return
          to MTAN selection pageReturn to Ashland FWCO home pageReturn to Region 3 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service**  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.
 
  U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Home Page Department of the Interior USA.gov About the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Accessibility Privacy Notices Disclaimer FOIA
 Find Office By ProgramAdministrationEcological ServicesExternal AffairsFisheriesLaw EnforcementMigratory BirdsRefugesState Programs