In shrimp farming, pond conditions before stocking often determine how the rest of the cycle will unfold.  

Proper shrimp pond preparation helps create a stable pond environment, allowing post-larvae to adapt smoothly from day one. 

A pond that looks physically clean is not always biologically ready. Without a well-established pond ecosystem, shrimp are more likely to experience stress, uneven growth, and water quality that is difficult to manage. 

Why Proper Shrimp Pond Preparation Matters 

The preparation stage serves as the foundation of the entire farming cycle. At this phase, farmers prepare the pond to support shrimp life in a natural and sustainable way. 

When preparation is not done properly, several issues may arise: 

  • Rapid and difficult-to-control water quality fluctuations 
  • An unstable pond environment at the time of stocking 
  • High stress levels in post-larvae during early culture 
  • Increased risk of health issues later in the cycle 

On the other hand, good pond preparation allows the pond to “work on its own” biologically, reducing management pressure during grow-out. 

Pond Ecosystem: The Basis of a Balanced Farming Environment 

One of the main goals of pond preparation is to build a balanced pond ecosystem. This ecosystem is formed through interactions between water, microorganisms, plankton, and cultured organisms. 

 Within this system, plankton plays a crucial role by linking the aquatic environment with the biological needs of shrimp. 

Plankton—especially phytoplankton—serves several important functions: 

  • Acting as the first energy source in the natural food chain 
  • Providing natural feed for post-larvae in the early stage 
  • Helping maintain stable water quality 
  • Supporting balanced pH and overall pond conditions 

Ponds with healthy, well-controlled plankton growth tend to have more stable water conditions and support gradual, consistent shrimp growth. 

Common Challenges During Shrimp Pond Preparation 

In practice, pond preparation often comes with challenges such as: 

  • Slow or uneven plankton growth 
  • Pond water colour that is difficult to maintain 
  • Water quality that fluctuates easily even after filling 
  • Longer preparation time than expected 

These challenges show that building a pond ecosystem does not always happen naturally without support. A more directed approach is often needed to speed up and stabilize the process. 

An Ecosystem-Based Approach to Pond Preparation 

An increasingly adopted strategy is ecosystem-based pond preparation, which focuses on making the pond biologically ready before stocking. 

This approach prioritizes: 

  • Supporting plankton growth from the early stage 
  • Creating balance among microorganisms in the pond 
  • Preparing a more stable environment for post-larvae 

With the ecosystem established earlier, post-larvae can adapt more smoothly once stocked. 

FytoGro: Supporting Early-Stage Plankton Growth 

To support ecosystem-based pond preparation, one practical solution is FytoGro, a product from Blue Aqua distributed by Bahtera Adi Jaya. 

FytoGro is formulated as a phytoplankton growth promoter, designed to support plankton growth and stability during the early stages of pond preparation. With controlled plankton development, the pond ecosystem can form faster and remain more stable. 

Benefits of FytoGro in Shrimp Pond Preparation 

Using FytoGro before stocking offers several interconnected benefits in building a healthy pond ecosystem: 

  1. Supporting Even Phytoplankton Growth 

FytoGro helps stimulate phytoplankton growth so the pond reaches biological balance more efficiently. 

  1. Helping Maintain Water Quality 

Well-developed plankton supports more stable water conditions, including balanced pH and a healthier pond environment. 

  1. Providing Natural Feed for Post-Larvae 

Phytoplankton serves as a natural food source that helps post-larvae adapt and begin growing during the early culture phase. 

  1. Creating a More Conducive Pond Environment 

A stable ecosystem helps reduce environmental fluctuations that may trigger stress in shrimp. 

Shrimp pond preparation is not merely a step before stocking—it is a critical process for building a healthy and functional pond ecosystem.  

When the ecosystem is established early, the pond is better equipped to support shrimp growth throughout the farming cycle. 

A well-planned preparation approach, combined with products that focus on plankton development, can help create shrimp farming operations that are more stable, controlled, and sustainable. Find your solutions with Bahtera here.