What are suspended solids in lined ponds?

Suspended solids, also known as Total Suspended Solids (TSS), are very fine solid particles that do not dissolve in water and cannot settle to the bottom, but remain suspended throughout the water column of the pond.

How are suspended solids formed in lined shrimp ponds?

Unlike earthen ponds, lined ponds do not have a natural soil bottom to retain and biologically decompose organic matter. Therefore, suspended solids mainly originate from:

• Uneaten and fine feed particles

• Shrimp feces and metabolic waste

• Dead algae and algae crash residues

• Bacteria and undecomposed organic debris

• Intake water containing fine silt and suspended sediments

Due to strong water circulation and the smooth liner surface, these particles are difficult to settle and continuously remain suspended, accumulating over time.

Impacts of suspended solids on shrimp in lined ponds

High levels of suspended solids can:

• Damage shrimp gills and impair respiration

• Reduce dissolved oxygen levels, especially at night

• Create favorable conditions for pathogenic bacteria

• Decrease the efficiency of water treatment processes

Sustainable principles for suspended solids control from Sitto Vietnam

To support shrimp farmers in improving production efficiency, Sitto Vietnam has researched and successfully applied effective suspended solids control solutions, which have been widely implemented in lined shrimp farming areas in Soc Trang Province.

An effective solution is not just about making the water clear, but must be based on three key principles:

1. Reducing the generation of suspended solids

2. Aggregating and removing suspended solids from the system

3. Biologically decomposing the remaining organic matter

These are also the core principles of Sitto Vietnam’s suspended solids management strategy for lined shrimp ponds.

SUSPENDED SOLIDS CONTROL SOLUTION IN LINED PONDS USING SITTO VIETNAM PRODUCTS

Step 1: Reduce suspended solids from the source

• Feed at proper rations to avoid overfeeding

• Combine feeding management with feeding trays and bottom siphoning

• Use digestive support product SIITOZYME (dosage: 5 g/kg of feed, used daily) to:

  • Improve shrimp digestion

  • Reduce waste excretion into the environment

Step 2: Rapid aggregation and removal of suspended solids

Product application procedure for effective suspended solids removal:

• Step 1: Apply SITTO THIO 5000 at a dosage of 2.5 liters per 1,000 m³, at around 9:00 AM, then operate aerators continuously for 2–3 hours.

• Step 2: After 2–3 hours of aeration, apply SITTO ZEOLITE at a dosage of 1 bag per 1,000 m³.

• Step 3: Continue aeration for another 2–3 hours, then perform siphoning to remove the aggregated suspended solids that have collected at the siphon pit.

• Step 4: If suspended solids remain high, the above process can be repeated the following day.

Step 3: Biological decomposition – root-cause treatment

Enhance organic matter decomposition by applying Bacillus subtilis 1090 (dosage: 250 g per 1,000 m³):

• Apply periodically in the early morning

• Can be combined with a low dose of molasses to activate the bacteria

• Helps decompose remaining organic matter in the pond

Image of water with high organic matter and suspended solids before product treatment.

After applying the combined solution of SITTO THIO 500 and SITTO ZEOLITE, suspended solids in the water were significantly reduced.

Treating suspended solids in shrimp ponds using the combined solution of SITTO THIO 5000 and SITTO ZEOLITE is an effective method to maintain clean water conditions, helping shrimp grow healthily and reducing disease risks.

By applying Sitto Vietnam’s integrated management solution, farmers can improve productivity and shrimp quality while contributing to environmental protection. This is an essential part of sustainable shrimp farming practices, supporting the long-term development of the aquaculture industry.