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Ashland NFWCO
 Midwest Region
 Dedicated To The Tribal Aquaculture ProgramJune 2000 - Volume 32 **Administrative        Coordinator:**        **Frank G. Stone        (715-682-6185) Ext.12        U.S. Fish and        Wildlife Service****Email:        [email protected]**      **Edited        By:**        **Elizabeth W. Greiff        (715-349-2195)        St. Croix Tribal        Nat. Res. Depart.****Email:**      **[email protected]**TopicsOf Interest: AquaMatsSuperBugsPerch Rearing at the Poplar Fish Farm  AquaMatsBy: Jos Ignacio Curiel, AquaMats for Aquaculture Division, MERIDIAN AquaticTechnology, http://www.aquamats.com,email: [email protected]  The following information was obtained from theAquaMats.com newsletter. The MTAN is very interested in AquaMats because theybring cutting edge technology directly to your fish hatchery productionprograms.  AquaMats are a highly eco-friendly product line for delivery of naturalfood supplementation and habitat to increase profitability and production ofhealthy animals in aquatic farming. SDF Aquamats: The AquaMats for Aquaculture product line now includesSDF (Surface Deployment Format) AquaMats products for growout and nurseryculture. The secret to SDF AquaMats lies in the UltraWeave manufacturing thatprovides engineered surfaces to encourage growth of benthic organisms rich invitamins and minerals. Like the BDF AquaMats products, SDF AquaMats combine twodifferent engineered surfaces in order to encourage natural colonization ofautotrophic (photosynthetic) organisms in the upper layer and heterotrophicorganisms in the lower layer of the product. SDF AquaMats float on the water surface through use of a durable flotationelement inserted in a UV resistant sleeve. The bio-active portions of theproduct extend down through the water column to form a complex three dimensionalstructure. SDF AquaMats are designed for typical culture water depths (Model12000 for operating water depths to 1.2 meters and Model 12001 for operatingwater depths to 1.5 meters). Because SDF AquaMats have detachable ballast bagsand an overall lower unit weight compared to Bottom Deployment Format (BDF)AquaMats, they are easier to handle and deploy. Fish Hatchery Product Introduction: Hatchery BDF AquaMats are now availablefor commercial finfish hatchery operations. Hatchery AquaMats provide verticallyoriented engineered substrate for use in growing tanks to feed larval fish froma community of algae, microcrustaceans and bacteria. The surface area of theAquaMats provide the larvae with a resting location for feeding activity thatincreases feeding success and reduces cannibalism. The natural feed contributionand the additional surface area provided by AquaMats substantially increaseshatchery productivity. For most species, use of AquaMats provides (a) a 50% orgreater reduction in Artemia usage, (b) survival in excess of 75% for freshwater species and 50% for most salt water species, (c) up to a 100% increase inlarvae stocking densities, (d) a reduction of 6-10% in the time period requiredto reach juvenile maturation, and (e) a reduction up to 60% of the previouslevel of dry feeds. Growout Systems: Industrias Pecis, Merida, Mexico has reported recordwinter season harvests in intensive 1.5 hectare growout ponds using AquaMats.Growout ponds with AquaMats yielded an average of 7,608 kg/ha of 9.2 gramanimals. These results represent 24% greater production in AquaMats pondscompared to control ponds. In these recent March and April 2000 harvests onAquaMats ponds, Pecis also enjoyed a size advantage of more than 0.5grams/animal in AquaMats ponds. Many farm operations in Panama have shifted to low density farmingoperations. The Pentecostes Farm, Chitr, Panama recently reported comparativelygood results in an extensive stocking system that combined filtration ofincoming water to 250 microns, careful feed and fertilization management, zerowater exchange and AquaMats. The ponds stocked in August 1999 included BDFAquaMats and yielded survival rates averaging 51% and 16 + gram animals in pondsof 3.4 and 4.9 hectares. The September 1999 stocking yielded 77% survival of12.5 gram animals in a 6.5 hectare pond with AquaMats. Importantly, the averageearly morning DO levels in ponds that used AquaMats were a full 2 ppm higherthan non-AquaMat ponds. Hatchery Systems: Hatchery AquaMats are in demand with top producers.Active consideration by hatcheries of alternatives to the high cost and lowavailability of quality Artemia cysts, and demand for increased production,provides the impetus for this demand. Customers that have followed ourrecommendations on the use of Hatchery AquaMats have been able to increase theirproduction 50-100%, normally achieving +90% survival. Artemia consumption hasalso been significantly reduced. In addition, the time needed to reach apre-defined developmental stage has generally been reduced by 1 to 5 days inharvests. These benefits and realization that Hatchery AquaMats normally pay forthemselves in the initial cycle of use, have encouraged many AquaMats clients toembrace this technology in their operations. Nursery Systems: An important development in the Central and SouthAmerican response is in the use of intensive nursery systems of tanks andraceways. As demonstrated by studies in Hawaii, Texas, Ecuador and Panama,AquaMats engineered substrates provide the habitat and natural food resource forintensification of nursery systems for widespread realization of the benefits ofnursery culture in support of both intensive and semi-intensive growoutoperations. For a discussion of this subject generally, see "IntensiveNursery Systems" by David Griffith ([email protected]) and Jeff Peterson ([email protected])published in the GAA Advocate, December 1999. The bottom line is that implementation        of AquaMats in growout ponds substantially increases the profitability        of fish farming operations.
  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 andlagoons where organic odors and accumulations are a problem. It is designed asan easy, Ready-To-Use (RTU) liquid product for application in small aquariumsand up to 100,000 gallon ponds. (For larger water systems. BRF-2 dry is moreeconomical.) BRF-1A contains naturally occurring beneficial bacteria that havebeen selected and produced for their ability to degrade organic matter andreduce ammonia accumulations through a natural, safe and highly effectiveprocess. When added to water, BRF-1A creates a biological chain reaction byproducing 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 downwaste.* 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 mosteffective at organic waste and sludge digestion. Application: The application rate for BRF-1A is determined by the nutrientload of the water. Intensive fish culturing and densely populated fish pondswill have higher levels of organic waste than a backyard pond with few fish,high oxygen levels, good circulation. Your conditions will vary from source tosource due to the number of variables related to each system. It is alsoimportant to know that changing conditions like fish growth and subsequentincreases in feed levels, will increase the levels of organic waste in thesystem. An appropriate increase in the dosage of BRF-1A will be required todegrade higher levels of waste matter at the same rate at which the previouslevels had been degraded. Dosages will range from 3-5 ounces of BRF-1A per 1,000gallons of water for small ponds (100 - 7,500 gallons). For larger water bodies,refer to the BRF-2 Product Information sheet or contact Enviro-RepsInternational at 805-383-4422. At 260 to 300 billion (approx.) bacteria per gallon, this is the mostconcentrated RTU product on the market. Our unique preservation methods allowfor 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 theother 1/2 directly into the pond, preferably near circulation in order to spreadthe beneficial bacteria throughout the water. If spraying the BRF-1A, caution isadvised regarding possible pesticide residues in the sprayer that would beharmful to the bacteria. BRF-2 - SUPERBUGS (Dry) Product Data: BRF-2 is designed for use in fish and shrimp ponds, lakes, andlagoons where organic odors and organic accumulations are a problem. BRF-2contains naturally occurring beneficial bacteria that have been selected andproduced for their ability to degrade organic matter and may also help reduceammonia levels through a natural oxidation process. These bacteria digestorganics naturally and safely. When added to the water, the bacteria quicklyseek out a nutrient source, which puts them in direct competition with thealgae. 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 downwaste.* Helps eliminate offensive odors and off flavor in catfish, tilapia, andother 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 dissolvedoxygen (DO) available for higher stocking density and increased growth rates.* Helps in the reduction of ammonia, nitrite, hydrogen sulfide, and otherobnoxious gasses.* Contains a wide variety of bacteria and enzymes designed to effectivelybiodegrade the waste matter found in most aquatic environments. Application: The application rate for BRF-2 is determined by the nutrientload, temperature, pH and dissolved oxygen levels of the water. Intensive fishculturing and densely populated fish ponds will have higher levels of organicwaste than lakes with few fish, high oxygen levels and good circulation. Yourcondition will be different from any other water source due to the number ofvariables related to your system. It is also important to realize that changingconditions like fish growth and subsequent increases in feed level, willincrease the levels of organic waste in the system. An appropriate increase inthe dosage of BRF-2 will be required to degrade the higher levels of wastematter 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 under20,000 gallons should reconstitute 3 oz of BRF-2. Larger ponds and small lakesshould reconstitute 3 oz per 20,000 gallons. Lake managers of larger waterenvironments 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 ownbacteria at a substantial savings over ready-to-use products. A 1-1b. Aquakitwill 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 requireappropriate water quality control. Sludge, feces, uneaten fish food and othertypes of decaying organic matter all contribute to conditions that are favorableto disease and overall unhealthy water quality. Disease and pathogenic bacteriaare much more prevalent in aquatic systems that are low in beneficial wastedegrading enzymatic-bacteria. Applications of algaecides, antibiotics, and othertoxic chemicals will inhibit not just the undesired elements of the system, butwill 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, highlyeffective means of maintaining high water quality and healthy aquatic stock. The4 lb BRF-2 Aquakit will yield 100 gallons of viable, beneficial bacteria, up to15 trillion per gallon. Not only does the end customer receive the freshest,most concentrated bacteria product available, they also receive all of thefreight savings. Instead of shipping 100 gallons of liquid bacteria weighingover 900 lbs, we ship a 4 lb BRF-2 Aquakit. Each resealable kit is comprised of 50% BRF-2 dry and 50% high yieldproprietary nutrient broth. The BRF-2 Aquakit is comprised of the same highyield regular BRF-2 dry known throughout the world. However, for the large enduser, the BRF-2 Aquakit provides shrimp and fish farmers, lake maintenancecompanies, and large pond owners the opportunity to save on freight and saveadditional money by brewing their own bacteria. 1 lb (yields 25 gallons), 2 lb (yields 50 gallons), 4 lb (yields 100gallons), 50 lb (yields 1,250 gallons), 100 lb (yields 2,500 gallons). Store ina 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 fromreaching the lower regions of aquatic environments, thus starving the algae ofthe sunlight that they thrive on. TINT-IT-BLUE also turns your water anaesthetically pleasing shade of sky-blue while it blocks UV rays. Used incombination with BRF-1A Superbugs or BRF-2 Superbugs, TINT-IT-BLUE safely andeffectively eliminates pea-soupy green water. When used in treated lakes, thisproduct is not harmful to aquatic life or swimmers. Regular Strength: Use 2 tbs. of BRF-2A Regular Strength for every 1,000gallons of water in your pond or lake. Distribute uniformly over the surface ofthe water. The water color should be a light (sky) blue after the correctapplication. Do not over-dose, as an over-application can be harmful tosubmerged aquatic plants and green growth. Industrial Strength: Use 1 tbs. of BRF-2A Industrial Strength for every 1,000gallons of water in your pond or lake. Use a sprayer to distribute uniformlyover the water's surface. The water color should be a light (sky) blue after thecorrect application. Do not overdose, as an over-application can be harmful tosubmerged aquatic plants and green growth. BRF-2A is recommended for ornamental ponds and lakes, and is most effectivein water that is deeper than 2 feet. Rubber gloves are recommended in handlingthis product in order to avoid discoloration of the fingers and hands. If thehands should become stained with BRF-2A, wash in cold water and soap or scouringcleanser, followed by a little hand-cream. BRF 18 - RAPID KLEAR Product Description: BRF-18 is a coagulant designed to drop the pea-soupygreen, suspended matter to the bottom of your aquatic environment. It is safeand environmentally friendly. No adverse affects exist when the water sourcetreated is used for irrigation purposes (for golf courses, fields). Commercial Grade: This grade is designed for the large-scale applicationdealing with lakes, lagoons, and other large bodies of water. Application: One gallon of Rapid-Klear (commercial) will treat approximately120,000 gallons of water based on the application rate of 1 ounce of Rapid-Klearper 1000 gallons of water. Regular: This grade is designed for the smaller bodies of water commonlyassociated with backyard ponds that require a less concentrated product. Application: One gallon of Rapid-Klear (regular) will treat approximately60,000 gallons of water based on the application rate of 2 ounces of Rapid-Klearper 1000 gallons of water. When applying Rapid-Klear, optimal results will be achieved if the BRF-18 iscompletely circulated throughout the water. BRF-18 should be sprayed on thesurface of the water. Pouring the BRF-18 into the inlets of the recirculatingpump is also a suitable means by which to disperse the product. NOTE: If youonly pour the product into a limited area with little or no circulation, theresults will be reduced. Results will occur within 6 hours in most cases. Repeatif needed. Re-application rates will vary due to the nutrient load in the water. If alarge amount of sludge is present, the nutrients therein will usually contributeto additional algae blooms. We recommend reducing the sludge layer with BRF-2DRY SUPERBUGS (enzymatic-bacteria) which will degrade the dead organic matter.BRF-18 will not be effective on filamentous, stringy, hair-like matter. Rapid-Klearis 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 55gallon containers. Application: Spray over pond surface or directly onto green infested areas.Repeat treatments as required. Be sure that no toxin residues remain in sprayerbefore using. Dosage: 9-18 ppm (3 - 6 gallons per acre foot of water) Dosage will varydepending on severity of infestation. Pretreatment prior to appearance of bluegreen 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 naturallyoccurring, nonpathogenic, beneficial microorganisms. Combined with a specialnutrient broth, the PBD-31 kit is ready for on-site brewing. Once brewed, theprobiotic culture contains trillions of colony forming units (cfu) ready to beadded to aquaculture ponds to improve the microbial balance favoring enhancedbioremediation (water pollution reduction). These particular Bacilli wereselected for their ability to produce more CO2 than biomass from organic carbonpollutants, whereas indigenous pond bacteria often generate an excess ofbiomass, usually mucoid or slimy, which increases pond pollution. The Bacilli in the PBD-31 kit originated in natural aquatic environments thatwere undergoing rapid and efficient bioremediation; they have not been mutatedor genetically engineered. By reducing pond pollution, PBD-31 assists inreducing aquatic diseases associated with dirty water -- resulting in reducedmortality of the farmed species. How to use the PBD-31 culture kit: The brewing process is a simple on-siteculturing process which results in the controlled, low cost production of manytrillions of colony forming units of probiotic bacteria. A 2 lb kit will produce50 gallons of fresh probiotic culture. PBL-44 - PROBIOTIC CULTURE FOR AQUACULTURE PBL-44 is a stable concentrate of beneficial bacteria species and proprietaryingredients in water suspension. PBL-44 is a dual function formula. First, itassists natural processes that result in the breakdown of organic waste tocarbon dioxide and water. Secondly, it colonizes the external slime layer offresh and salt water crustaceans and fish. PBL-44 is used to inoculateaquaculture hatchery and nursery water prior to transfer of juvenile species tooutgrowth ponds. Used in this way, it acts as an external probiotic that helpsalleviate the harmful effects of transfer stress. It is also used to addprotection to tropical and ornamental fish prior to shipment. When aquatic species are transferred from one environment to another, theirslime layers lose a significant portion of their natural protective microflora.Exposure to large numbers of PBL-44 bacteria restores a healthy microflora. ThePBL-44 bacteria compete with many pathogens, such as Aeromonas and Vibriospecies, which are indigenous to aquatic environments. Exposure with PBL-44reduces the frequency of disease caused by these bacterial pathogens. PBL-44quickly overcomes the number of harmful bacteria in a process called competitiveexclusion. Formula Concentrations: PBL-44 is offered in two formulas. The first is ourready to use formula (RTU), designed for immediate application with no need fordilution. The second is our concentrate (4X), designed to be used as is ordiluted 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 andchloramines). PBL-44 (4X) is recommended for larger systems requiring higherquantities. BRF-13A - AMMO-DOWN Ammo-Down effects the safe, fast reduction of ammonia and nitrite. BRF-13Adoes not contain nitrosomonas or nitrobacter. This all new bioformula is a warmwater, 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 anaverage time of about 48 hours. Note: This is not a drug. It is a biologicallysafe and effective product. AMMO-DOWN is a dual action bioformula, meaning that it is not merely theleading nitrification product, but will also provide "Probiotic"protection for your fish. Any cuts, abrasions or scars will heal faster; and anypathogen populations will be controlled, lessening the likelihood of aeromonas,vibrio or other pathogenic diseases. You may also notice a reinfomement of theslime layer of the occupants of the pond. Four to seven days after application the BRF-13A will form a slight biofilmlayer. Within 24 to 48 hours, ammonia and nitrite levels will be reduced. Afilter, preferably biological, will speed up the process. For optimalperformance, a couple of conditions are required. First, do not run your ozoneor ultra-violet filters during the initial 4-7 day seeding process; this willallow for the BRF-13A to colonize in the system. Second, make sure the pH isnear neutral; if the pH is slightly alkaline, this is acceptable, but do notattempt to grow the biofilm forming BRF-13A in a low pH. Third, aeration is veryimportant. Simply stated, the more the better. The final factor is thetemperature of the water. The warmer the water the better. The water should bemaintained between 74-80 F. The bacteria will proliferate in the warmertemperatures. Through extensive testing and careful research we have confirmedthat the BRF-13A is both completely safe and effective.   Perch Rearing at thePoplar Fish Farm By: Sally Tadda, W3902 Sandy Ln., Owen, WI. 54460, 715-229-4372, [email protected] 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 arethen added to our brood fish pond. The ponds are left drained thru the winterand hydrated lime is spread and raked in. From here we use two other ponds (fishare separated into two size ranges). These ponds were stocked with minnows theprevious summer. The perch stay in these ponds until the next fall when they areeither 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 floatingpellets. They are fed every night about the same time 4-5 pm. Around the thirdweek in April the brood perch start to spawn. We flood the grassy shallow waterareas of our brood fish pond and check everyday for the egg ribbons. Four dayslater we start filling the training ponds. Alfalfa pellets and hay are usedalong the edges and brewers yeast is added. Everything is stomped into the mudin the shallow water areas. The perch eggs are collected from the brood fish ponds using a quart sizeice-cream pail. The pail is then dipped into the water and the eggs are gentlyremoved from the grass. Excess water is then poured out. Eggs are placed intohatching baskets that are positioned about 2' below the top of the water. Underwater 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 mouthand large mouth bass, bluegill and walleye. We also buy trout for the feefishing ponds. We charge $4.50 a lb. for the fee fishing and have a total of 4ponds. We also supply bait, poles, and clean the fish for our guest. The fishfor stocking are sold for $.10/inch. This year we are trying the new Aqua Maxfeed from Purina. We do a lot of pond/lake stocking, give fish to the local schools, help with theWisconsin Aquaculture Association (WAA) and have helped work on the Ron PoffReport as well as the Governors Blue Ribbon Tasks Force and the WisconsinAdvisory Board. This is now the third year that we have been on the WAA boardmember. 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.**Returnto MTAN selection page****Return toAshland NFWCO home page****Return to Region 3 U.S. Fish andWildlife Service**
 
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