Lately, shrimp farmers have been asking: Is TCCA still effective for pond disinfection in 2026?

The answer is that TCCA has not simply become ineffective. The results of chlorine-based disinfection can also be affected by pond conditions and application practices. One factor to consider is the presence of organic matter such as sludge, leftover feed, and dead plankton.

High levels of organic matter can react with active chlorine, reducing the amount of chlorine available to support the disinfection process.

That is why, before concluding that TCCA no longer works, it is important to consider pond conditions, cleanliness, dosage, timing, and application procedures.

What Is TCCA?

TCCA stands for trichloroisocyanuric acid, a chlorine-based compound used as a disinfectant.

In shrimp farming, TCCA can be used as part of pond preparation and disinfection before stocking shrimp postlarvae. When applied, TCCA releases active chlorine that supports oxidation and helps control various microorganisms.

TCCA is available in several forms, including tablets or chlorine tablets, powder, and granular forms. Since the characteristics and specifications of each product may vary, use should always follow the product instructions and relevant recommendations.

So, when considering the function of TCCA, it is important to look beyond the physical form of the product and consider how it is used as part of the overall pond preparation process.

Why Can TCCA Seem Less Effective?

If TCCA still functions as a chlorine-based disinfectant, why can its results sometimes appear less effective?

One possible reason is pond condition.

Ponds that still contain high levels of organic matter, such as:

  • Sludge
  • Leftover feed
  • Dead plankton
  • Other organic matter

can affect the performance of active chlorine.

Organic matter can react with chlorine. As a result, some of the active chlorine may be consumed before it can support the disinfection process against bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms.

Simply put:

High organic matter → reacts with active chlorine → less chlorine remains available for disinfection → the disinfection process may become less effective.

So, when TCCA does not deliver the expected results, it should not immediately be assumed that TCCA is no longer effective in 2026.

Pond conditions should also be evaluated.

The Importance of Pond Preparation

Disinfection does not happen in isolation. Pond conditions before application can also affect the outcome.

For this reason, proper pond preparation should come first, including removing organic matter that may interfere with the disinfection process.

In other words, using TCCA is not only about which product is used, but also when and how it is applied.

Before Using TCCA

Here are several important points to consider:

1. Make sure the pond has been properly cleaned

Remove organic matter and complete the necessary pond preparation before applying the disinfectant.

2. Use it during pond preparation

TCCA is used as part of pond disinfection and preparation before stocking shrimp postlarvae, rather than being applied indiscriminately while shrimp are still in the pond.

3. Follow the recommended dosage

Use the product according to the recommended dosage and application procedures for the specific product and application requirements.

4. Consider application timing

Timing is an important part of the process. Make sure the application is carried out at the appropriate stage of pond preparation.

TCCA Do’s & Don'ts

To make it easier to remember, here are some key points when using TCCA.

Do

✅ Use it as part of pond preparation before stocking shrimp postlarvae.

✅ Make sure pond cleaning and preparation have been completed first.

✅ Follow the recommended dosage and application procedures.

Don't

❌ Do not apply TCCA indiscriminately to ponds that still contain shrimp.

❌ Do not ignore the recommended dosage or application timing.

❌ Do not evaluate product effectiveness based only on application results without considering pond conditions.

TCCA is a strong oxidizing agent, so it should be used properly and according to relevant recommendations. For actual use, always refer to the product label or technical documentation, as well as applicable safety procedures.

TCCA Powder, TCCA 90 Granular, or Chlorine Tablet: Does the Form Matter?

TCCA is available in different physical forms, including TCCA powder, granular forms, and tablets or chlorine tablets.

However, the physical form is not the only factor that determines application results.

More importantly, the product should be used according to its specifications, application requirements, recommended dosage, timing, and procedures.

For example, the term TCCA 90 granular refers to a granular form of TCCA commonly found on the market. The specific specifications, concentration, and application method should still be checked based on the actual product being used.

Therefore, do not compare products based only on their physical form. Consider the application requirements and pond conditions as well.

So, Is TCCA Still Effective in 2026?

Yes, TCCA can still be one of the options used for pond disinfection and preparation before farming.

However, the effectiveness of the process does not depend on the product alone.

Pond conditions also play an important role. For example, high levels of organic matter can affect the amount of active chlorine available for disinfection.

So, if the results are different from what you expected, the evaluation should not stop at:

"Is TCCA still working?"

Instead, ask:

"Is the pond properly prepared?"

"Has the organic matter been removed?"

"Is the dosage appropriate?"

"Are the timing and application procedures correct?"

This approach helps provide a more complete view of the disinfection process.

The assumption that TCCA is no longer effective in 2026 is therefore not necessarily accurate.

TCCA can still be used as one option for pond disinfection and preparation before stocking shrimp postlarvae. However, optimal results are not determined by the product alone. Pond conditions, cleanliness, dosage, timing, and application method also need to be considered.

So, before switching products or concluding that TCCA is no longer effective, first identify the factors that may be affecting its performance. Find your solutions with Bahtera here.