RAINY SEASON SHRIMP FARMING: IMPORTANT NOTES TO AVOID BOTTOM COLLAPSE
The rainy season brings abundant water resources. However, it is also considered a “nightmare” for shrimp farmers.
Sudden environmental changes in pond water can easily cause shrimp to experience rainwater shock, directly affecting their health.
In severe cases, it may lead to mass mortality, commonly known as “bottom collapse.”
To protect farming results, farmers must pay close attention to water management techniques and proper shrimp care during unstable weather conditions. This is a highly sensitive period with increased risks.
1. Managing environmental fluctuations to prevent rainwater shock
During heavy and prolonged rainfall, physical and chemical parameters in the pond change rapidly.
Water temperature drops, salinity becomes stratified, and especially pH decreases sharply, causing severe stress in shrimp.
Effects of water stratification
Rainwater is lighter than saline water, so it forms a surface layer that separates water layers.
This reduces oxygen exchange to the pond bottom.
Shrimp tend to concentrate at the bottom where oxygen is low, leading to toxic gas accumulation.
How to increase alkalinity effectively
Alkalinity acts as a buffering system that stabilizes pH. During the rainy season, alkalinity often drops significantly. Farmers should:
Apply lime (CaCO₃) or hydrated lime (Ca(OH)₂) around pond dikes before rain and after rainfall.
Use mineral supplements to maintain alkalinity at an optimal level of 120–150 mg/L.
2. Mineral supplementation and preventing soft-shell shrimp
Rainwater dilutes salinity and washes away essential minerals in the pond.
This directly causes soft-shell shrimp, incomplete shell hardening, or scattered mortality after molting.
Why increase mineral supplementation during rain?
In low-salinity conditions, shrimp expend more energy for osmoregulation.
Therefore, mineral supplementation is essential through both feed and water application:
Water application minerals: Allow direct absorption through gills and new shells for faster hardening.
Feed-supplemented minerals: Improve internal immunity and support stable shell formation.
Molting cycle considerations
During the rainy season, reduced pressure can trigger simultaneous molting.
Without sufficient minerals, shrimp become weak and more vulnerable to disease or cannibalism.
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3. Controlling bottom toxic gases and feed management
The pond bottom accumulates waste, dead algae, and excess feed.
Heavy rainfall disturbs the sediment layer, releasing toxic gases such as H₂S, NH₃, and NO₂, which are harmful to shrimp.
Effective bottom gas control
To prevent bottom collapse, farmers should:
Siphon pond bottom regularly: Remove organic waste buildup.
Increase aeration: Run paddle wheels continuously to raise dissolved oxygen and release toxic gases.
Use probiotics: Apply beneficial microbes to break down sludge and suppress harmful bacteria.
Feed management adjustment
During rain, lower temperatures slow shrimp metabolism, reducing feeding activity.
Farmers should:
Reduce feed by 30–50% during heavy rain.
Avoid feed accumulation, as leftover feed is the main source of pollution and toxic gas formation.
Conclusion
Rainy-season shrimp farming requires close monitoring and timely interventions.
Maintaining stable alkalinity, ensuring adequate mineral supply, and keeping pond bottoms clean are key factors for success.
These measures help reduce risks and prevent bottom collapse, ensuring a productive harvest.
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