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How to Settle Sediment Before Filling Aquaculture Ponds

Cloudy water, reducing light penetration, which affects photosynthesis of algae and plankton
Poor visibility for monitoring shrimp or fish health
Accumulation of organic waste and pathogens at the pond bottom
Faster siltation of the pond, reducing effective water volume
Favorable conditions for anaerobic bacteria growth
Therefore, settling sediment before introducing water into ponds is an essential step to stabilize the farming environment and improve overall productivity.
Common Methods for Settling Sediment
  
 
1. Settling Using a Reservoir or Sedimentation Pond
This is currently the most widely used and effective method.
*How to implement:
Construct a separate sedimentation pond or tank before the main pond, sized at 10–30% of the farming pond area
Channel water from canals or rivers into this pond before transferring it to the grow-out pond
Allow water to settle for at least 1–2 days so suspended particles can sink
Periodically remove sludge from the bottom of the sediment pond to maintain efficiency
*Advantages:
High efficiency; removes suspended solids and some pathogens
Significantly reduces turbidity and organic load
Notes:
Sedimentation ponds should be fenced or covered to prevent intrusion by wild animals or unwanted organisms
Always check parameters such as pH, alkalinity, and salinity after settling, before transferring water to the grow-out pond
  
 
2. Using Coagulants and Flocculants
Certain substances can bind fine sediment particles into larger clumps that settle faster.
Commonly used substances:
Alum (Al₂(SO₄)₃)
PAC (Poly Aluminum Chloride)
*How to use:
Dissolve the coagulant in water and distribute evenly over the sedimentation pond
Stir gently to ensure even distribution, then allow the water to sit for 6–12 hours for complete settling
*Advantages:
Rapid settling, time-saving
Effective for highly turbid water or large water volumes
*Disadvantages:
Higher cost due to chemical purchase
Incorrect dosage may be harmful to aquatic animals
Additional Considerations for Sediment Settling
Settling time: Do not rush; allow sufficient time for all particles to settle
Water quality monitoring: Even after settling, check indicators like DO, pH, alkalinity, and salinity to ensure they are within suitable ranges
Pond hygiene: Regularly remove sludge to avoid long-term pollution
Combine with biological filtration: Sand, gravel, and activated carbon filters can enhance water treatment after settling
  
 
Sediment settling is a critical step in preparing aquaculture ponds. Depending on local conditions, farmers can choose suitable methods such as constructing sedimentation ponds, using flocculants, or integrating aquatic plants for additional filtration. Proper sediment control not only improves water quality but also helps prevent disease outbreaks, enhances production efficiency, and supports the sustainable development of aquaculture.
Source: aquaculture.vn
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- Address: 1-9-3 Hishiya-Higashi, Higashi-Osaka 578-0948 JAPAN  
- Email: kimakubo@rexind.co.jp  
- Phone: +81-(0)72-961-9893  
- Website: http://www.rexind.co.jp/e/
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