Shrimp farming is one of the flagship sectors in Indonesia’s aquaculture industry. Global demand for shrimp, both vannamei (Litopenaeus vannamei) and black tiger (Penaeus monodon), continues to rise year after year. However, this growing demand also brings bigger challenges for farmers. One crucial factor that is often overlooked is the availability of minerals in shrimp ponds. 

Essential minerals play a vital role in shrimp health, growth, and productivity. A lack of minerals can disrupt osmoregulation, slow down growth, and increase vulnerability to disease. In such conditions, farmers need an innovative solution that can supply bioavailable minerals, ensuring direct absorption by shrimp. 

MinGro was developed as a dedicated water treatment product for shrimp ponds, specifically designed to tackle these challenges. With its special formulation, MinGro helps boost mineral availability, stabilize water quality, and support overall pond ecosystem balance. 

The Importance of Minerals in Shrimp Farming 

Minerals as the Key to Growth and Health 

Just like any other organism, shrimp require adequate amounts of minerals to sustain their biological functions. The main benefits of minerals for shrimp include: 

  • Shell growth (molting): calcium and magnesium are needed for building a strong exoskeleton. 
     
     
  • Osmoregulation: ionic minerals maintain fluid balance, allowing shrimp to adapt to salinity changes. 
     
     
  • Enzymatic and metabolic functions: trace minerals such as zinc, manganese, and iron support enzyme activity and immune performance. 
     
     
  • Immunity and resilience: certain minerals help strengthen immune responses, making shrimp more resistant to disease. 
     

 The Risks of Mineral Deficiency 

If a pond lacks essential minerals, the effects are quickly visible: 

  • Slow shrimp growth. 
     
     
  • Frequent molting failures. 
     
     
  • Higher stress levels, especially with sudden temperature or salinity shifts. 
     
     
  • Increased mortality, particularly in the early stocking phase. 
     
     

Common Challenges in Shrimp Ponds 

  1. Low Mineral Content in Pond Water 

Water sources don’t always contain sufficient minerals. Groundwater or irrigation water is often poor in essential minerals, leaving the pond ecosystem unable to support shrimp’s needs. 

  1. Fluctuating pH and Ecosystem Instability 

pH levels can swing due to rainfall, organic waste buildup, or unbalanced fertilization. Shrimp living in unstable pH conditions are more prone to stress and disease. 

  1. Decline in Natural Feed Organisms 

Plankton and benthos serve as natural feed for shrimp. But without enough minerals in the pond, these organisms cannot thrive, forcing farmers to rely heavily on costly artificial feed. 

  1. Economic Losses 

Ultimately, an unbalanced pond environment leads to stunted growth, high mortality, and suboptimal harvests—major setbacks for long-term sustainability. 

   

MinGro for Higher-Quality Shrimp Ponds 

What is MinGro? 

MinGro is a specialized water treatment product formulated for shrimp ponds. Unlike conventional mineral supplements, MinGro provides minerals in a bioavailable ionic form—meaning shrimp can absorb them directly through their gills and body surface. 

More than just supporting shrimp, MinGro enhances the entire pond ecosystem. The minerals and essential ions it releases promote the growth of plankton, benthos, and other beneficial microorganisms that maintain natural balance in the pond. 

Key Benefits of MinGro 

  1. Increases Bioavailable Minerals 

MinGro enriches pond water with minerals that are easily absorbed, helping shrimp grow faster and healthier. 

  1. Supports Osmoregulation 

The presence of essential ions makes shrimp more resilient to salinity shifts and environmental fluctuations. 

  1. Boosts Natural Feed Populations 

MinGro stimulates the growth of phytoplankton and zooplankton, enhancing the pond’s natural productivity while reducing dependency on artificial feed. 

  1. Stabilizes Pond pH 

By fostering ecosystem balance, MinGro helps keep pond pH levels steady, minimizing stress on shrimp. 

  1. Promotes Sustainable Production 

Regular use of MinGro creates a healthier pond environment, improves productivity, and ensures more consistent harvests. 

Advantages of MinGro 

  • High bioavailability: minerals are immediately usable by shrimp. 
     
     
  • Ecosystem-focused approach: supports not only shrimp but also plankton and benthos. 
     
     
  • Cost efficiency: promotes natural feed growth, reducing reliance on artificial feed. 
     
     
  • Special formulation: tailored for tropical shrimp farming, especially in Indonesia. 

How to Use MinGro 

As a Water Treatment 

  • Pre-dissolve MinGro, then spread evenly across the pond surface. 
     
     
  • Switch on aerators to ensure uniform distribution. 
     
     
  • The most effective time to apply is between 9:00–11:00 a.m., with proper aeration. 
     
     

As a Feed Additive 

  • Mix MinGro with a binder (recommended: guar gum, 1 g/kg feed). 
     
     
  • Stir thoroughly until the feed is evenly coated. 
     
     
  • Air-dry for 30 minutes before feeding. 
     

Mineral balance in shrimp ponds is the foundation of successful farming. With its advanced formulation, MinGro offers a comprehensive solution: increasing mineral availability, supporting osmoregulation, stabilizing pH, and boosting natural feed growth. 

For farmers focused on productivity and sustainability, MinGro is the right choice. Optimal mineral availability means healthier shrimp, better harvests, and more profitable farming. Find your solutions with Bahtera here.