Preparing facilities for pond, pens and cages

Sector: AQUACULTURE

Distinctive Area of Competence and Qualifications :

JUNIOR AQUACULTURE TECHNICIAN NC 11
Unit of Competency: #3

PERFORM FISH/SHRIMP GROW-OUT OPERATION
Module Title: # 1

PREPARING FACILITIES FOR PONDS, PENS, CAGES AND TANKS
Institution:

Technical Education Skills and Development Authority
Region XI

Lupon School of Fisheries
Lupon, Davao Oriental

HOW TO USE THIS LEARNER’S GUIDE

Welcome to the module: Preparing Grow-out Facilities, Ponds, Cages and
Tanks. This module contains training materials and activities for you to
complete.

The unit of competency “Perform Fish/Shrimp Grow-out” contains the
knowledge skills and attitudes required for a JUNIOR AQUACULTURE
TECHNICIAN. It is one of the CORE Modules at National certificate Level (NC
II).

You are required to go through a series of learning activities in order to complete
each learning outcomes of the module. In each learning outcome there are
Information Sheets, Resource Sheets and Reference Materials for further
reading to help you better understand the required activities. Follow these
activities on your own and answer self-check at the end of each learning
outcome. Get the answer key from your instructor and check your work honestly.
If you have questions please don’t hesitate to ask your facilitator for assistance.

Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL)

You may already have some or most of the knowledge and skills covered in this
learner’s guide because you have:

Been working for some time.
Already completed training in this area.

If you can demonstrate to your trainer that you are competent in a particular skill
or skills, talk to him/her about having them formally recognized so you won’t
have to do the same training again. If you have qualification or Certificate of
Competency from previous training, show them to your trainer. If the skills you
acquired are still relevant to the module, they may become the part of the
evidence you can present for RPL.

At the end of this learning material is a learner’s Diary. Use this diary to record
important dates, jobs undertaken and to other workplace events that will assist
you in further details to your trainer or assessors. A Record of Achievement is
also provided for your trainer to complete once you complete this module.

This learning material was prepared to help you achieve the required
competency, in Preparing Grow-out Facilities, Ponds, Cages and Tanks..
This will be the source of information for you to acquire knowledge and skills in
this particular trade, with minimum supervision or help from your instructor.

In doing the activities to complete the requirements of this module, please
be guided by the following:

 Talk to your trainer and agree on how you will both organize the
Training of this unit. Read through the learning guide carefully. It is
divided into sections which cover all the skill and knowledge you
need to successfully complete in this module.

 Work through all the information and complete the activities in
each section. Read information sheets and complete the self-
check. Suggested references are included to supplement the
materials provided in this module.

 Most probably your trainer will also be your supervisor or manager.
He/she is there to support you and show You the Correct way to
do thing. Ask for help.

 Your trainer will tell you about the important things you need to
consider when you are completing activities and it is important that
you listen and take notes.

 You will be given plenty of opportunity to ask questions and
practice on the job. Make sure you practice your new skills during
regular work shifts. This way you will improve both your speed and
memory and also your confidence.

 Talk to more experience workmates and ask for their guidance.

 Use the self-check questions at the end of each section to test
your own progress.

 When you are ready, ask your trainer to watch you perform the
activities outline in this module.

 As you work through the activities, ask for written feedback on
your progress. Your trainer keeps feedback/pre-assessment
reports for this reason. When you have this learning material and
feel confident that you have sufficient knowledge and skills your
trainer will arrange an appointment with a registered assessor to
assess you. The results of the assessment will be recorded in your
competency Achievement Record.

QUALIFICATION : Junior Aquaculture Technician NCII
MODULE TITLE #1
: Preparing Grow-out Facilities, Pond, Pens,
LEARNING OUTCOME # 1 Cages and Tank

: Prepare Pond

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA :

1. Dying of pond is explained.

2. Application pest and predator control is
demonstrated.

3. Application of lime to elevates soil pH is
determined.

4. Application of fertilizer is demonstrated.

RESOURCES :

1. The Philippines Recommend for Bangus,
PCARR, pages- 18-19 and 20-21

2. Finding Arts IV, I and II Dagoon , J. D. Home

Economics and Livelihood Technology Series,

page 12, page 54,and page 3-6

3. Finding in the Philippines, Jacobo, M.E. and
Reyes, E.S>, page 61

4. Biological and culture of P. modern, Hatchery

Operation and Management, Licop,

M.L.R. , page 66

5. Grouper Culture in floating net cages AQD,
SEAFDEC, Baliao, D.D delos Santos, Ma,
Franco, N.M., and Juan, NRS. page 3-5
Fishery Technology, Module, Learning
Element

N3-0703d

LEARNING EXPERIENCES

Learning Outcome: # 1 Prepared Pond Special Instructions
Learning Activities

Have you visit a pond or any other culture
system?

This learning experience will guide you to
perform the proper drying of pond.

1. Read the attached information sheet

No. 3, discussing the importance and

stress pond preparation, pen, cages

and tank.

2. Answer self-check No.1 to see if you  Ask your instructor a help to

have worked the activity. check your work.

3. If you miss some of the items, go over

these items again.

4. If you find difficulty in performing this
activity, ask the help of your instructor.

5. When you are ready, you can take the  Ask your instructor to provide

assessment test. you the assessment test.

6. When you finish, ask your instructor to  If you are competent, you can

check your assessment test. proceed to the next task.

 If you are incompetent, go over
this task again.

Information Sheet CODE LO1-1

How to select at the pond to suit local topography

1. In the previous manual of this series (see Section 82, Topography, 16/2, you
learned how to make a cross-section profile of a valley. From the general
shape of this profile, you can already decide upon the type of pond which
could be built:

 if the valley is deep, steep and narrow, do not build ponds;

 if the valley bottom is 50 to 100 m wide, barrage ponds might be
appropriate;

 if the valley bottom is more than 100 m wide, diversion ponds could be
built.

2. A more detailed study should confirm your choice, based on the longitudinal
profile on the cross-section profile of the valley. Select the type of ponds to
build:

 either according to the shape of the valley and its profiles (see Table 3);

 or according to the slope of the longitudinal profile (downhill) and the
cross-section profile of the valley

Information Sheet CODE LO1-1

LOCAL TOPOGRAPHY AND SITE SELECTION

Local topography largely determines which type of pond you will build
(see Section 16). The choice is based on the study of the longitudinal profile and
cross-sectional profiles of the valley. You have learned in previous manual series
(Section 95 and 96, Topography, 16/2) how to do these studies either from
existing maps or from your own measurements.

LOOK FOR SITES:

 where water drainage will be possible by gravity;

 where the earthwork will be minimum;

 where it will be easy to balance the volume to earth to be excavated
and that to be filled in.

You find such sites on gently sloping ground, where the slope is 0.5 to
3 percent. Avoid slopes greater than 5 percent. If you can have to use
horizontal land, it will be more costly to build drainage ponds.

Information Sheet CODE LO1-1

SELECTION OF POND TYPE ACCORDING TO SHAPE OF VALLEY

Shape of valley cross-section profile

Type of pond V Rounded V Central Laterally

truncated truncated

VV

- Whenever groundwater (spring or seepage) or

Sunken pond runoff is available

Barrage pond If longitudinal If longitudinal
profile of valley - profile of valley
has slope less -
has slope less
than 5% than 5% and
cross-section
profile has
slope 5-10%

Diversion Where cross- Where cross-section profile has

pond: cut-and- - section profile slope less than 0.5%

all type has slope less

than 5%

Diversion

Information Sheet CODE LO1-1

 DRAINING THE POND

During harvest, the pond is drained totally to collect the fish at the
deepest pond level. Likewise, draining is done in pond preparation. Draining or
removal of water in the pond is done order to oxidize the soil and eradicate
undesirable species.

The steps for draining are as follows:

1. Determine the time for the occurrence of the highest and lowest tide. Avail the
information from the tables printed in some calendars. Standard tied table
almanac is preferable.

2. Wait for the occurrence of the lowest tide.
3. Remove soil sealant. In most cases, gates are soil-sealed to prevent

leakages.
4. Remove the flush boards from top to bottom. Use slab hooks in pulling the

boards.
5. Allow the water from the pond to flow outside freely.
6. Soil-seal the gate to prevent the entrance of water.

Information Sheet CODE LO1-1

DRYING THE POND

The removal of water in the pond is not enough to eradicate
microorganisms and to oxidize the soil. It needs to be exposed totally to sunlight
until it cracks. The underlying process of drying is the absorption of heat by the
pond soil, evaporation of water to the atmosphere, and the release of gases
produced by decomposing organic matters.

The conditions to be considered for determining the length of time
drying the pond are: 1. shape or contour of pond bottom, properly leveled pond
bottom takes shorter to dry compared to irregular pond bottom with water pools;
2. weather conditions, it is difficult to dry the pond during rainy seasons; and 3.
leakage and seepage caused by poor soil seal at the gate and crab holes in the
dikes.

To dry the pond the following steps should be observed:

1. Determine pond elevation.
2. Check leakages and seepages.
3. Repair leakages and seepages.
4. Construct ditches/canal towards the lowest elevation.
5. Drain excess water.
6. Close and have it water sealed.
7. Allow the pond bottom to dry until it cracks.

Information Sheet CODE LO1-1

DRYING POND
Pond Preparation: The protocol is similar to milkfish pond preparation.
1. Drain the pond completely and sun-dry for a week or two until the soil cracks.

 Drying the pond bottom periodically to stabilize the soil colloid and to oxidize
the organic matter for preparing a suitable environment for the growing of
these algae.

Grow-out preparation:

 Drain the pond.

 Eradicate all predators and competitors

 Apply agricultural lime at the rate of 250kg./ha., if the pond is acidic. It
neutralizes, cleans and disinfects the pond and kills bacteria and other
insects present in the water.

 Apply organic fertilizer such as animal manure (chicken, cow and
carabao) at the rate of 1 kg./sq.m. or UREA at the rate 200 kg./ha.

 Fill the pond with water at the depth of 0.5-1.0 meter. Place a fine mesh
net on the water inlet to avoid the entrance of predatory fishes such as
snakehead and catfish.

 After 7-10 days natural food (plankton) grows in the pond.

Reminder: Abundance of natural food (plankton) can be detected if water
is greenish or brownish.

Information Sheet CODE LO1-2

PEST and PREDATOR CONTROL

The presence of pest and predators in the pond leads to low fishpond
yields. Carnivorous fish species notably tarpon (buan-buan), seas bass (apahap),
tenpounder (bidbid) and gobies (biya) can significantly reduce the stock. Water
snakes, lizards, frogs,and other organisms may render the environment
unfavorable for fish growth. Tilapia, snails and polychaete worms reproduce
rapidly and eventually compete with bangus for food and space. At the same
time they the growth of benthic algae by destrying the bottom substrate.

Because they burrow and bore, mudcrab (alimango). Mudlobster
(kolokoy) and some other crustaceans can eventually destroy dikes and gates
and crate possible passageways for the fish to escape.

Pests and predators enter ponds through leaks in the dikes through
inadequately screened gates. This can also happen when fry are not properly
sorted.

These are several methods of controlling predators and pest:

1. Mechanical Removal- draining and drying of fishponds normally eliminates
pest and predators. To induce freshwater species such as mudfish (dalag)
and climbing perch which bury themselves in the mud to come to the surface,
a fresh supply of water in and subsequently drained after a few days. I is
necessary to install and maintain gate screens to prevent the entry of pests
and predators.

Snails that concentrate along the water line maybe picked up manually
or collected by means of shovels and rakes.

Chironomid-larvae are eliminated by series of tidal flushing.

Predatory birds, frogs, lizards, etc. are either drive away or caught and
killed, Scare lines, baits, suitable bamboo contraptions, and other indigenous
trapping devices are sometimes used.

2. Chemical methods-as much as possible, pesticides should be restored to only
when physical means of control fail or when days are cloudy and there is
insufficient time to thorough drying. Pesticides however, have the advantage
of being pest, selective and reaching portions of the pond that cannot be
totally exposed.

Organic pesticides are recommended because they are biodegradable.
Although more effective, inorganic forms persists in the environment without
losing their potency and this maybe lethal to bangus. Nevertheless in large farms

Information Sheet CODE LO1-2

where organic pesticides would be bulky or insufficient inorganic pesticides may
have t used.

In using pesticides, it is of utmost importance that one reads,
understands and follows instructions on the containers carefully. To control snails
chemically the standard practice is to apply 0.3 ppm of aquatin. Against other
animals; 0.3 ppm of gusathion is applied. The pesticides are applied at 150
ml/ha. In ponds with an average water depth of 5 cm.

PEST AND PREDATOR CONTROL

The proper control of pests and predators is important to good
management. Recommendations are as follows:

1. For the eradication of polychaete worms and snails:

a. Application of 0.3 ppm. Bayluscide in pond water, or

b. Application of 0.3 ppm Shell WL8008 (toxicity lasts for a few days), or

c. Application of 0.2 ppm Aquatin in pond water or 5 to 8 tbsp. Aquatin per
5 gal. of water sprinkled over 300-500 sqm m. of pond area, or

d. Application of 0.1 ppm Gusathion A in pond water (wash pond
thoroughly after treatment because toxic residues tend to persists for a
number of days). or

e. Application of 400 kg. per hectare of tobacco dust, evenly distributed, or

f. Use 5 tons per hectare of rice straw placed in heaps in the ponds. Upon
decay, this becomes fertilizing material, and where it had been tried,
one ton of straw used increases the production by 15 kg.

2. For the control of phytoflagellates:

a. Application of 2 ppm copper sulfate kept in suspension in pond water.

3. For the elimination of fish predators or competitors and other nuisance
species:

a. Application of 16 ppm potassium permanganate in pond water, or

b. Application of 0.25 ppm potassium cyanide (toxic effects disappear after
5 days), or

Information Sheet CODE LO1-2

c. Application of 0.1 ppm Gusathion A, (Wash thoroughly the pond after
treatment because toxic residues tend to persist for number of days), or

d. Use 180 kg. per hectare of Camelia (Camelia sinensis) seed meal. The
material had been converted into a fertilizing material or as soon as
natural food can be grown, or

e. Application of 2 petroleum can full of crushed ripe fruit of kanomay or
maratampoy )Biosynros multiflora) evenly distributed in a hectare of
moist pond bottom. Species that can be killed by this material are
mudfish, gobels, theraponids, eels, mullets, crabs, shrimps, snails, etc.

Note: The use of trade names does not necessarily mean that those products we
endorsed. This is only made to show that these products have been used.
Application of chemical materials should not be done indiscriminately. and their
possible direct and indirect effects to the fish and consumers, should be
thoroughly studied. On the other hand, follow strictly the recommendations of the
manufacturer.

Apply teased powder at the rate of 15-30 ppm, depending on water
salinity, to eradicate pests and predators. Alternatively, apply a combination of
hydrated lime [Ca(OH)2] and ammonium sulfate fertilizer (21-0-0) at the ratio of
1:3. Other environment-friendly organic pesticides such as tobacco dust, derris
root extracts may also be used.

Types of lime

1. Calcium Carbonate – agricultural lime (CaCO3) the most common lime used
in the pond.

2. Calcium hydroxide- sulfate lime (CaCO)2

3. Calcium Oxide – quicklime (CaO)

Purpose of using lime:

1. correct soil acidity

2. prevents pH fluctuations in ponds

3. prevents the build-up of excessive magnesium, sodium , potassium ions toxic
to aquatic life

Information Sheet CODE LO1-2

4. promotes the release of nutrients & increases the breakdown of organic
matter

5. reduces the incidents of gill disease of fish

6. permit normal reproduction & growth

7. insure response of fish population to fertilize & other management
procedures.

Rate of Application:

The amount of lime to be applied depends on how acidic the soil is.
Response to fertilization is best when the pH value of pond soils is brought with
the range of 7.5 to 9.5.

New ponds generally require more lime than old ponds. The best way to
determine the correct dosage is through soil analysis. Liming should be every
other crop or twice annually.

Liming the Pond

Liming is not only to correct the acidity or alkalinity of the pond water, it
is also used to control parasites, and to improve the soil fertility.

Steps in liming the pond:

1. Prepare all the necessary materials or equipment used in liming.

2. Establish at least ten different sampling stations for every hectare of fish
pond.

3. Obtain soil samples of at least 50 grams using a sharpened bamboo tube. (to
sharpen the bamboo tube, cut one side diagonally with a sharp bolo).

4. Remove soil sample from bamboo tube with the aid of a wooden or bamboo
stick. (Never use your hand to preclude contamination).

5. Air dry the sample for 36 hours.

6. Take soil sample to the laboratory for analysis.

7. Result can be either acidic, basic or neutral. Basic or Alkaline has a pH
reading of above 7.0; Acidic has a pH reading below 7.0 is neutral.

8. Please refer to table below on liming recommendation for aquaculture ponds.

Information Sheet CODE LO1-2

9. Select method of lime application from list below:

9.1 Broadcasting – take a pail full of lime and throw it to pond bottom
evenly with your bare hands. See to it that the

pond surface is covered fully with the total amount
of lime recommended in the previous table.

Soil Conditioning-Liming

Most newly built ponds require liming, this is because new ponds are
likely to have acidic soils which do not respond to fertilization and are therefore
unproductive.

Other than helping correct soil acidity and preventing pH fluctuations in
ponds liming has other benefits. It has hastens the breakdown of organic matter,
the release of nutrients and to some extent reduces the incidence of gill rot.

Many calcium and magnesium compounds make good liming material.
The three kinds of lime which are commonly used in ponds are calcium
carbonate (CaCO)3 or agricultural lime, calcium hydrate (Ca(OH)2 or slaked lime
and calcium oxide (CaO) or quicklime.

The amount of lime to be applied depends on how acidic the soil is
response to fertilization is best when the pH values of pond soils are brought with
in the range of 7.5-9.5.

Lime and Liming

Agricultural lime (CaCO3) is the most common lime used in fishponds. It
is primarily used as a soil conditioner. Applied in the right proportion, lime
corrects the acidity and prevents pH fluctuation in ponds it prevents the build-up
of excessive magnesium, sodium and potassium, ion toxic to aquatic life. It
promote the release of nutrients and increases the breakdown of organic matter
essential for the primary producers. When applied in ponds containing water, it
precipitates the suspended materials, which hamper light penetration noxious
ions in solutions, in other Putricible organic matter. It also reduces the incidence
if gill diseases of fish.

Pond soil is analyzed first before liming to determine the right amount to
be applied. The regional office of the Bureau of Soils should be able to undertake
such analysis; in their assistance should see what we needed. Soil samples from
at least five places in its pond is taken randomly. The collected soil is mixed well
in a fraction and is guided as quickly as possible in shade or in a dark place and
then is submitted for analysis. The Bureau of Soils determines the lime

Information Sheet CODE LO1-2

requirement of its pond and recommends the needed amount to adjust the pH of
the soil and water suitable for the optimum growth of organisms used as fish
food.

Application of lime is done by broadcasting over the drained pond
bottom. Sufficient time of about a month is allowed to elapse before nitrogenous
and/or phosphatic fertilizer is applied.

New ponds generally require more lime than old ponds. In the first year
of production, 1,000 kg./ha. of Ca (OH)2 is normally applied. This is spread
evenly over the pond bottom in side of dikes.

For old ponds, 500 kg./ha. of Ca CO3 is spread over the pond bottom.
To achieve maximum effectively the lime is spread into the soil by raking and
plowing to prevent fixation, at least 15 days are allowed to lapse before
phosphatic fertilizer are applied. The best way to determine the correct lime
dosage is through soil analysis. For this, a regional provincial office of the Bureau
of Soils is consulted. Lime should be applied every other cropping or twice
annually.

MANAGEMENT OF ACID SULFATE SOILS

There are many brackish fishponds where fish shield is low because of
the inhibitory influence of acid sulfate soil. As with other types of soil where
acidity is high, the soil responds poorly to phosphorous fertilization. High
concentration of aluminum in iron also release from the soil leading to fish kills
and extreme cases.

In fishpond with acid sulfate soil, the water of first flooding after drying,
has very low pH values (3-4). Iron oxide may form on the pond bottom after
flooding.

The basic concepts in retaining acid sulfate soil to increase fish
production is to remove the sources of acidity through oxidation and flushing the
reaction products out of the ponds. It is also necessary to prevent diffusion of
acidic substances from the subsoil to the upper soil layer as well as seepage
from the dikes to the pond water during the fish rearing.

Basically, the technology involves repeated sequence of intensive
draining drying and flooding before the residual acids are neutralized by liming.
The effects of one reclamation may be at least 3 to 4 years, if not permanently.

An important dike to remember is to subsequently limit acids formation
soil texture and color improve after reclamation. The reclamation work is started
in the early part of the dry season in the locality. The three months, work plan is
divided into the following stages.

Information Sheet CODE LO1-2

TREATMENT OF THE POND BOTTOM

1. Drying and cultivating- dry the pond bottom until the soil cracks at 10 cm.
depth. Tilling and harrowing is done to speed-up.

2. Submerging- the pond is then flooded and submerged to dissolve the acid in
the soil. The rapid removal of the soluble acids and toxic elements flooding
and flushing should be done during the higher high tide period. Flushing is
done two days after submerging. When the pH of the water usually drops
from normal sea water values of 7.5-8.5 to the highly acidic values of 3-4.

3. Refilling and flushing- the pond is ready for the second dry cycle. Refilling and
draining is done in succession. The removal of the acid may take from less
than a week for two and requires 4-6 refills. The pond is dried, cultivated and
refilled when the pH rises.

4. Liming- lime is applied to neutralize the remaining acids if the pH remains
above 5. Agricultural lime is broadcast at 500kg./ha. in the drained pond
bottom after three months, the pond is ready to start normal operations, if the
dikes have also been treated.

TREATMENT OF THE DIKES

Acid removal from the dikes is synchronized with that of the pond
bottom. This way, the acidic leachete could seep directly into the pond and flush
out when the pond is drained. Basically, this involves intensive leaching by the
pumping brackish or saline water into pond.

While reclamation is a must for an acid pond bottom leaching of acidic
dike can be restricted to the primary and secondary dike where pond
compartments are small.

1. Construction of trenches – small levees as in ricefield are constructed on the
top of the dikes to form trenches. This work should be completed by the time
the pond bottom is dried out and ready for the first filling.

2. Flooding- flooding trenches is done simultaneously with the submerging,
cycle of the pond bottom. Enough sea water or brackish water is pumped in
the trenches to keep them flooded more than 10 cm depth.

3. Drying- the trenches are allowed to dry when the pond bottom is ready for
second drying, standing water is drained after two days.

4. Liming – at the end of reclamation. The trenches be filled with soil from the
leaks on crest and level to further counter act acidity. Agricultural lime is

Information Sheet CODE LO1-2

broadcast at 1 kg/10 m. on sloops and 1 kg/20 m. at the top of the dike. The
regular fertilization procedures should be followed next.

METHOD OF LIMING

Liming can be carried out in three different ways:

1. Liming the bottom of a dried pond

2. Liming the pond water

3. Liming the water flowing into the pond

 Liming Pond Water

A boat is used if the operation is with ground limestone no precaution
needed be taken. If quicklime is used it can be distributed up 200 kg./ha. (220
lb/acre)/ day even several days. Nevertheless, it is necessary to keep on eye on
the pH variation which might result, especially when the water is poor in calcium.
The pH should not exceed 9.5.

 Liming the pond bottom

The quantities to use for liming the bottom of a pond are very variable
and depend on the aim and the nature of the soil.

1. If it is for the control of parasites then 1,000 to 1500 kg. (1 to 1/12 tons) of
calcium cyanide are used per hectare. The product is spread over soil which
is still dump.

2. If it is to improve the soil before using other fertilizers. The ratio is 200 to 400
kg. (440 to 880 lb.) of CaO/ha. Provided the pond is not acid.

3. If the aim is to increase the pH and the alkalinity of an acid pond the
quantities used vary considerably according to the degree acidity and the
nature of the soil. In principle, 200 kg. (440 lbs. ) of CaO/ha. Should be
enough to increase the SBV by one unit but it is also necessary improvement
is constant.

This can be done more or less empirically by using 2,000 kg. to 250 kg.
(2 tons to a 1/4 ton) per hectare according to the pH value from 4.0 or even less
to 6.0 and according to whether the soil is heavy or light. In poor ponds which
have a thick coat needs (20 to 40 ) cm. ) (8 to 16 inches) small quantities are
used when the bottoms are sandy and there is only a thin coating of mud.

Information Sheet CODE LO1-3

POND FERTILIZATION

The most productive type of a fishpond has a mud bottom compose of a
mixture organic matter of decomposing waste in organic matter, forming a soft
black mud. As in agriculture, organic and inorganic fertilizer increase production.
Cow dump, and pig poultry manure, compose and green grass are commonly
used as organic manure and fish pond to obtain higher yields. Ordinarily, a dose
of about 500-2000 kg./ha. is sufficient when poultry manure is used. This
quantity, however, varies to sought the conditions of the soil and water.

Under tropical conditions is given to organic manure because inorganic
fertilizers are relatively expensive in most often supply is limited due to import
limitations.

MANURING OF POND

A. Purpose- to supply the pond with adequate amount of fertilizer so as to
promote the growth and multiplication of small aquatic plants and animals
does providing sufficient food for tilipia.

B. Kinds of fertilizers to used- cow dump, pig dump, chicken dropping, night soil,
kitchen waste, compost, and green manure such as green leaves and grass,
whichever easily avails is cheap. It is always advisable to combine more than
one kind of manure.

C. Quantity of fertilizer to use- to its 1,000 sq.m. of area 15 kg of animal manure
should be applied once every 4-5 days until water shows greenish color and
healthy growth some submerge plants. Additional application of fertilizer
becomes necessary from then on about once every 20 days in addition, to
piles of compost of about 30 kg is added to maintain fertility through out the
year.

D. Method of application- animal manure is to be thrown at the pond, not at one
place , scattered,. Compost is to be stocked at two opposite sides of corners
of the pond in high piles with 3-4 bamboo poles around for preventing quick
dispersion.

Fertilizers and Fertilization

Fertilizers are applied to pond water or soil to simulate and maintain
normal growth of natural fish food, like phytoplankton, lablab (microbenthic
algae), or lumut (filamentous green algae). Fertilizers may be either organic or
inorganic.

In either form, the main purpose in selecting the right fertilizer is to use
its available nutrients such as: nitrogen , phosphorus, and potash. Of these

Information Sheet CODE LO1-3

essential nutrients, phosphorus is the most important element that affects
fishpond production. It stimulates the growth of phytoplankton rather than that a
higher vegetation. Nitrogenous fertilizer when properly administered stimulates
the growth phytoplankton, although its overall role of increasing fish ion in ponds
is much less than that obtained through phosphatic fertilization. Potassium
fertilizer on the other hand, has not been used in bangus fishponds as it is
normally adequate under brackish water . Thus fishpond soil should be analyze
before fertilization to determine the exact needs of soil in terms fertilizer use.

The most common organic fertilizer used in bangus fishponds is
chicken manure, which is found to contain 1.15 percent N, 0.4 percent P. and
0.37 percent K by volume. Other sources of organic fertilizers are cattle and pig
manure. Composted rice straw may be also used when mixed with other
materials.

When stable manure is used, it should not be spread over the whole
pond bottom to avoid excessive absorption of oxygen vitally needed by the fish,
especially at night. Required application should be placed in heaps of 20-30 k
g./ha.. It will take several days for stable manure to dissolve, while chicken and
pig manure dissolved in about 48 hours.

Inorganic or chemical fertilizer contains concentrated amount of at least
on of the three major plant nutrients mentioned above are suitable fishpond
fertilizers.

There are three types of organic fertilizer:

1. Single element fertilizer, which contains only one fertilizer element like
superphosphate, which is 0-20-0, urea, which 45-0-0, or ammonium sulfate,
which is 21-0-0.

2. Incomplete fertilizer, which contains two fertilizer elements, like
monoammonium sulfate or 16-20-0, and diamonium phosphate or 18-46-0.

3. Complete fertilizers which contains all the major elements, like: 14-14-14 and
12-12-12.

An element missing from a mixture is designated as "C", such as 16-20-
0 which means that this grade of fertilizer contains 16 percent N, 20 percent P
and no available K.

Information Sheet CODE LO1-3

There are two methods of applying fertilizers:

1. Spreading and broadcasting. This is done spreading fertilizer evenly over the
pond bottom prior to letting in water. This is employed in bangus and in other
pond fish cultures were lablab and/ or lumut is being produced as food.

2. Platform method. A fertilizer platform is table like structure made of wood or
bamboo or other materials positioned horizontally 15-20 cm. below the water
surface. It should be placed inconveniently accessible location, where it is
shielded from the wind and should be fixed in position by sinking the legs into
the pond soil. In order to more effective, the pond water depth must be
maintained 75-100 cm. Depths which are less than 60 cm. and greater than
150 cm. Should be avoided.

This method saves approximately 20-24 percent of fertilizer required in
a fishpond by the other methods and on labor and costs. It is the most effective
and efficient method of applying fertilizer in fishponds to producing and
maintaining plankton as the fertilizer is simply poured into the platform surface
left to dissolve slowly and does not touch the bottom. The nutrients are the
distributed all over the pond by water movements.

In the absence of 18-46-0, 1 bag of 16-20-0, and 1 bag of 0-20-0 can be
used for obtaining more or less the same amount of P2O5 required for one
hectare of fishpond. The right does of fertilizer is applied to maintain a normal
plankton growth. The frequency of gauged by the water transparency method,
which the use of a Seecchi disk or a white plate or its equivalent. Under normal
condition. Water visibility of 20-30- cm. Indicates good growth of plankton, while
transparency reading of less than 15 cm. Or more than 40 cm. are indicative of
silty condition and poor growth of plankton.

No fertilization should be made within two weeks before harvest. Apply
organic fertilizer (chicken manure) at a rate of 1 ton per ha. and increase the
water level gradually allow growth of natural food (lablab or lumut). A basal
application of inorganic fertilizers-- for example, di-ammonium phosphate (16-20-
0) at 50 kg./ha.--would bolster growth of normal food.

Materials for Cage Preparation

Galvanized (GI) or wooden parts are used for the cage form in the
Philippines, Thailand, Singapore, and Malaysia. The cage is kept afloat by
Styrofoam drum, plastic , carbouy or bamboo. In the Philippines, wooden parts
are used for the frame. Styrofoam drum, plastic cabouy or bamboo are also used
for supporting the cage frame. Stakes driven into the ground and the cages are
tied to the ropes or cables.

Information Sheet CODE LO1-3

Cage is usually 5X5X2 m in Thailand. However, 3X3X3 m is also used
in the Philippines.

Net Cage Specifications

A floating cage module usually has 4 to 12 compartments supported by
a frame work.

In framing a floating net cage module, the following should be
considered:

Cage frame - made of galvanized iron pipe, wood or bamboo. Construction
should be durable enough to withstand stress caused by wave
action and increase weight during the culture period. Dimension
5mX5mX3m.

Sinkers- concrete blades, plastic containers filled with sand, and
galvanized pipes are used in sinkers suspended by ropes, placed
to the bottom of frame corners of the net cage for rigging.

Preparation of fish pen made out of bamboo series.

Split bamboo should not necessarily be sloped and rounded. Fibrous
remains or splinters are remove only. They are soaked in water for two weeks
and then dried for one week. During the soaking and drying period, bamboo
poles are prepared and staked in chosen site according to the desired size and
slope of the fish pen. In a four sided pen, a square is most economical but a
circle is more economical than the square wider ordinarily condition. In circular
pens, there is no need for braces, while pens with corners need bracers to
estabilize the corners.

After staking the poles, weaving bamboo split into banatan follows. One
full length of more or less 5 m. to a roll after weaving, these banatan are set by
stretching them from one pole to other intertwine or just set aside or outside
close to the poles from bottom to top. Those banatan are tied to every pole by
rubber of kabo-negro rope and are provided with sliced rubber around on top and
one at the bottom. These splitted rubbers prevent the banatan from wear due to
wave action. Nursery net, which should be 1/16th to 1/10th of the area of the fish
pen can be set before constructing the fish pen after the banatan is set.

Materials for One Hectare Fish Pen

A capital outlay for a one-hectare fish pens using the synthetic net may
include; 800-1,000 pieces of bamboo poles for braces and floats; 1200 m nylon
cord No. 1210 for support rope; one wooden dug out or banca and 10 kg. sliced
rubber for framing-tying materials.

Information Sheet CODE LO1-3

Tanks Preparation

Maintenance of sanitation and good water quality are two most
important tasks in the hatchery. For hatcheries located in good sites with
biologically clean water, tanks are simply cleaned with detergent solution and
chlorox, or sprayed with hot water and diluted chlorox applied to sides, then dried
for at least a day before stocking. After each run, tanks as well as the pipelines
and materials used in the hatchery are disinfected with 12% Na hypochlorite at
200 ppm for 24 hours.

With disease-causing organisms already inherent in the surrounding
waters, disinfection rates remain it 200 ppm with Na hypoclorite for the sand
filters reservoirs, rearing tanks, as well as for the drainers, filters, etc.
Sometimes, muriatic acid is used to bleach white tank sides and bottom.

Floatation material- plastic drums or empty plastic containers (20 liters
capacity). Four pieces tied together used as floats are placed on each
side of the cage between the two pipes or bottom (3m each side). To
prevent the include is subjected to strong wave action . The floats
should be securely tied to the cage frame using a rope 5 mm in
diameter.

Cage Netting

Production net, "PE" net (2 to 5 cm mesh size)

Nets are fabricated like inverted mosquito net. Each net cage is
supported with polyethylene rope ( 5 mm diameter) inserted along the served
portion of the net and held together using a clove hitch with overhand knot.

Each cage should have layered nets to avoid loss of stock due to
tearing and other mechanical damages.

Anchor

The rope length from the float to the anchor should be the same as the
water depth at high water spring tide (HWST). The raft structured needs 14
concrete blocks (0.5 to 1 ton each ), 8 being placed at the ebb end with two in the
midst section.

Generally, the weight of the anchors should be 2 times the weight of the
entire floating cage module.

Information Sheet CODE LO1-3

Hides and Shelters

Sawed off bamboo's or PVC pipes, 5 cm in diameter and 15 cm in
length (for grow-out cages) tied in triangular bundles at 10 pcs./bundle) and
sunken in strategic areas inside the net cage.

Information Sheet CODE LO1-3

SELF-CHECK

Direction: Arrange the steps in pond preparation orderly by writing the letters on
the space before each number.

1. Drying or ponds

2. Application of pesticides
3. Clearing and leveling the nursery ponds
4. Caring for the gates and pipes

5. Repairing the dikes
6. Growing of natural fishfoods
7. Application of lime and fertilization
8. Water management

Information Sheet CODE LO1-3

Answers Key

1. B
2. E
3. A
4. D
5. C
6. G
7. F
8. H

Information Sheet CODE LO1-3

QUESTIONING/ INTERVIEW

Candidate Name :

Unit of Competency: Perform Fish or Shrimp Grow-out Operations
Competency Standards: Junior Aquaculture Technician NC II

Oral/Interview questions Satisfactory Response

Yes No

What if you were using tractor machine instead of hand
tools?

What would you do in the even of poisoning the stocks in
pond?

What precautions must you take when applying pesticides
in pond?

What would you do if there's a higher acidity in the pond
soil?

What are the specified procedures or steps to follow in
pond preparation?

The Candidate's underpinning knowledge was: Not Satisfactory 
Satisfactory  Date

Assessor
Signature
Feedback to candidate:

Acceptable Answers are: Date:
1. (Insert suggested answers to questions)
2.
3.
Assessor signature:

Information Sheet CODE LO1-3

Assessment Activity 1

Instruction: Design evidence-gathering tools for a unit of competency using the
following templates.

DEMONSTRATION Perform Fish/ Shrimp Grow-out Operations
Candidate name:
Assessor name:
Unit of competency:
Competency standards:
Date of assessment:
Time of assessment:
Instructions of demonstration
Materials and equipment

(insert details of materials and equipment needed for the demonstration)

OBSERVATION to show if the evidence is
demonstrated
During the demonstration of skills, did the
candidate: Yes No N/A
Dried the pond until it cracks
Applied specified pesticides properly to control
pond pest.
Applied correct amount of lime in the pond.
Followed right amount of organic and
inorganic fertilizers in pond.
Grown enough natural fish foods for fish/
shrimp culture.

The candidate's demonstration was: Not Satisfactory 
Satisfactory 

Information Sheet CODE LO1-3

PERFORMANCE TEST

Learners Name: Date

TEST ATTEMPT

Competency : Perform Fish or Shrimp Grow-out 1ST 2nd 3rd
Operation

Direction: Over all Evaluation
Call Instructor: Ask
Level Achieved Performance Level
Instructor to assess your
performance in the following 4- can perform this skill without
critical task and performance supervisions and with initiative and
criteria below. adaptability to problem situation.
3- Can perform this situation can
You will be rated based perform this skill satisfactorily
on the overall evaluation on the without assistance or supervision.
right side. 2- can perform this skill
satisfactorily but required some
assistance and / or supervision.
1- can perform parts of this skill
satisfactorily, but requires
considerable assistance and / or
supervision.

PERFORMANCE STANDARD YES No N/A
For acceptable achievement, all items should receive a
yes or n/a response.
1. Have you cleared and cleaned the pond?
2. Have you drained, tilled, leveled and dried the pond
bottom?
3. Have you applied pesticides, lime and fertilizers in
pond?
4. Have you checked the pond gate with screen and
dike leakages and seepages?
5. Have you grown natural fish foods?

Record of Achievement
Module: Preparing Facilities Pond, Cage and Tank

Information Sheet CODE LO1-3

Learning Outcome No. 1- Prepare Pond
Performance Criteria:

1. Cleaned and cleared the pond
2. Repaired dikes leakages and seepages
3. Repaired gate with screen
4. Applied pesticides
5. Drained titled tilled and leveled the pond
6. Dried the pond
7. Applied lime and fertilizers
8. Grown natural fish foods
COMMENTS:
………………………………………………………………………………………….
…………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………….
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………….
Learner has satisfied the above performance criteria:
Learner’s signature:____________________________
Trainer’s signature:_____________________________
Date:_________________________________________

Information Sheet CODE LO1-3

Qualification: Junior Aquaculture Technician NC II

Module Title #1 : Preparing Grow- out Facilities, Ponds, Pens, Cage and Tanks.

Learning Outcome No. 2 Install Pens and Cages

Assessment Criteria:

1. Materials are identified and prepared
2. Installing and setting – up of frames are properly demonstrated.
3. Fabrication and installation of cage frame are properly demonstrated.

Resources:

1. Advances in Sustainable Fisheries Development, Lorque, F.S. and Tesorero,
L.B. , ISCOF, pages 52

2. Fishery Manual, BFAR, page 74- 79
3. The Philippines Recommends for Bangus PCARR, pages-32-46
4. Asian Aquaculture, AQD, SEAFDEC

Tools/Equipments /Materials:

 Equipments

- Welding Machine

 Tools & Equipments Accessories
- Netting Needle
- Hammer
- Knife /Bolo
- Saw

 Supplies and Materials

- Steel
- Bamboo pole
- Net
- Twine
- Ropes
- Moving Line
- Sinker
- Float

Information Sheet CODE LO1-3

N3- 0703d

LEARNING EXPERIENCES

LEARNING Outcome: No. 2 Install Pens and Cages

Learning Activities Special Instructions

Do you have fish pen or fish cages in your Ash your instructor to help you check
place? What bodies of water their culture your work.
system is suitable to put up?
Ask your instructor to provide you
This learning experience will guide the assessment test.
you to perform or install fish pond and
fish cages. If you are competent you can
proceed to the next task.
1. Read the attached information
sheet No. 2-3 , discussing how to If you are incompetent, go over this
install pens and cages in a certain task again.
body of water.

2. While reading the information
sheet, read the proper steps in
installing the fish pen and fish
cages.

3. Answer self- check No. 1 to see if
you have mastered the activity .

4. If you miss some of the items go
over these items again.

5. If you find difficulty in performing
this activity ask the help of your
instructor.

6. When you are ready, you can take
the assessment test.

7. When your finish, ask your
instructor to check your
assessment test.

Information Sheet CODE LO2-1

Types, Design and Construction of Pen and Cages

Objectives : The students will be able to :

1. Describe types of cages and fish pens
2. Design and construction of fish pens and cages/ and materials

used

Points for Discussion :
What are the types of fish pens ?
The two types of fish pens are :
1. intertidal
2. sub littoral
What is an inter tidal fish pen ?

An inter tidal fish pen is constructed in areas which are reached by high water on spring tide but totally
drained at low water (see Fig. 2). Construction of this type of fish pen, however requires tremendous initial
and stone – pitched embankments with sluices which prevent the enclosure from being totally drained
during low tides while maintaining a free exchange of water during high tides. The main problem
encountered in this type of fish pen pr enclosure is poor or loss of, circulation in remote parts of the
structures away from the sluices. Few of these structures are now being built because of excessive initial
financial requirement. In the Far East, use of intertidal mudflat for pond culture is widely practiced but
construction of enclosures generally involve earthen materials and exchange of water is affected only on
periodic basis.

What is a sub littoral fish pen?

A sub littoral fish pen is positioned in areas totally covered with water at
high water an low water on spring tide. This type (e.g., lakes, rivers), brackish
water ( e.g. , estuaries ), or in sea water (e.g., inland seas, bays, lagoons,
sheltered coves). Although operation of sub littoral /fish pens can be carried
out efficiently the enclosures make certain demands on the locality, especially
as to current, difference between low and high water and shore topography.
Sub littoral enclosures have the advantage of being relatively inexpensive but
with additional maintenance costs to keep the nets clean to preserve the
water circulation.

Information Sheet CODE LO2-1

What are the types of cages?

There are basically three types of cages as follows:

1. Surface cages resting on the bottom. This is generally utilized in running
water as practiced in Indonesia. These cages are rectangular in shape
with dimension ranging from 1.5 to 3 m long, 90 to 150 cm wide and 60 to
70 cm high. Materials use is bamboo slats, each measuring 2-3 cm wide
with inter stick between bamboo slats of ½ to 1 ½ cm. At normal water
level, cages may be exposed to a height of about 15-20 cm above the
water but they are completely submerged during floods. The structures are
held in position by strong wooden or iron bar driven into the river bed.
The cages are liable to damage stones or branches rolled down the
streams in fast floods can be expected to last for about 2 years.

2. Cages floating at he water surface. This is the type widely used for cage
farming in protected bays, lagoons sheltered comes inland seas.
Generally , it is recommended that the rearing cages should be no less
than 2cm from the benthic sediments principally, to reduce incidence of
fish parasites and to avoid the bottom zones more susceptible to de
oxygenation following for example, accumulation of excess feed. The use
of floating cages dates back as early as the turn of the 20th century in
Cambodia and from there it has spread to most countries in Southeast
Asia and to many countries in the world either on experimental or
commercial scale (see Fig. 3 for the illustration of various traditional
cages).

3. Cages submerged either floating in midwater or resting the bottom. This
type of cage which is essentially marine is not widely used. Nevertheless,
certain countries, like Seatland, is using this. Net cages (12 x 12x 2.4 m)
are placed on the sea bottom at depth of 10-15 m for production of
lobsters (more than 2 tons) with the assistance of divers. SCUBA diving
inspections to restrict crab and starfish invasions are also required if
reasonable harvests are to be maintained. Moreover, if cages are moored
to the sea bed, divers are also required for regular feeding and
maintenance, Seabed cages however, can be built very cheaply as they
are out of the turbulent air and sea interlude will consequent reduction in
the design consideration are also observed.

Preparing grow-out pens

Bangus fish pen culture

Fish pen culture is common in Japan. It is still new in this country. Fish
pens are usually constructed in sheltered in sheltered coves, bays, inlets, and rivers.
In lakes where the water is more or less constant, fish pen culture is ideal.

The Philippines is composed of 70 lakes and impoundments with a total area
of 199,567 hectares and an estimated annual production of 99,757,500 kg. of fish.
Some of the lakes have been depleted because of the use of mechanized fishing
gears. To rehabilitate and to conserve the productivity of these natural resources

Information Sheet CODE LO2-1

should make the best use of certain sections of these water areas into intensive fish
culture projects with the use of fish pens.

Erection of several fish pens around the lake has many advantages. A one
hectare fish pen can yield 10,000 kg/ of fish yearly compared to 3,500 kg.in
freshwater fishpond or to 500 kg. In natural culture on lakes. Other species of fish
that could be tried for culture in fish pens are catfish, Arius sp. Locally known as
Kanduli, hito and pantat, Clarias macrocephalus, goby Glossogobius, Karpa, tilapia
mossambica and tilapia nilotica and tawes, Puntius javanicus.

Preparation of fish pen made out of bamboo screen:

Split bamboo should not necessarily be shaped and rounded. Fibrous remains or
splinters are removed only. They are soaked in water for two weeks and drying
period, bamboo poles are prepared and staked in the chosen site according to the
desired size and shape of the fish pen. In a four-sided pen, as square is most
economical but a circle is more economical than a square under ordinary condition.
In circular pens, there is no need for braces , while pens with corners need braces to
stabilize the corners

After staking the poles, weaving bamboo splits into banata follows. One full-
length cabo-negro , Arenga penata rope is usually bent at the middle and closely
woven into stakes driven into the cages are tied to them ropers or cables.

Cage is usually 5x5x2x in Thailand (Toohwinas et. Al., 1988). However, 3x3x3m are
also used in the Philippines (Kohno et., al.,1988). Design and construction of
floating and stationary net cages.

Information Sheet CODE LO2-1

The suitable water quality for cage culture: Range
Parameter 7.5-8.3
4.0-8.0 ml/l
PH 20-32 ppt
DO 26-32 degrees centigrade
Water salinity
Water Temperature Less than 0.02
Ammonia – Nitrogen None
Hydrogen sulfide Normal
Current

Information Sheet CODE
LO2-1

Fabrication of Nets and Installation of Cage Frame

Floating Net Cage

Floating net cage is popularly used in Japan. This suitable areas such
as sheltered coves, bay, lakes and rivers. Cage culture of fin fishes has been
practiced for years in countries like Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Hongkong
,Vietnam Indonesia and the Philippines. This method arose as many
landowners who want to go into aquaculture may not have enough resources
or experience to start a large- scale aquaculture project. Cage culture, either
in submerged stationary or floating set – ups, maybe considered as intensive
form of aquaculture.

The cage has actually two net enclosures. One is inner enclosure
made of finer mesh net and the outer enclosure which serves as protection
against predators.

The advantages of cage culture include the following:

1. Man- made or natural bodies of water e, g., reservoirs, lakes and streams
can potentially be used.

2. Can be set up in better aquatic environmental condition.

3. Can be stocked with more fish on per square meter basis.

4. Requires relatively small financial investment for construction and
operation.

5. Easily – manageable in terms of feeding, sampling, observation and
harvesting.

6. The pond or water resource can still be used for sportfishing, recreation
and farming.

The disadvantages, however may also be described as follows
(Masser and Cline 1947)

1. vulnerability of crowded and confined fish to incidence of diseases and
parasites.

2. Rapid spread of diseases.
3. Localized poor water quality, e. g. dissolved oxygen in and around cages.
4. Caged fish need a nutritionally complete, fresh feed.
5. Cages are attractive to predators, vandals and poaches.

Information Sheet CODE
LO2-1

Self check

Choose the letter of the correct answer . Now write it on the space before
each number.

______1. A set cage which is attached to a wooden, or bamboo frames and is hept,a
float by plastic, Styrofoam drum or bamboo floaters.

a. Floating cage b. stationary cage c. Pen

______2. A net cage which is preferred to the bamboo or wooden poles installed

At its four covers.

a. Floating cage b. stationary cage c. Pen

______3. Are made of polyethylene melting with mesh size ranging from 2-8 can
depending on fish size.

a. raceway b. pen c. cage

______4. Are usually constructed in sheltered cover, boys inlets and rivers where
water in more or less constant made of nets, screen or similar materials
where fish are stocked for cultivation.

a. Raceway b. pen c, cage

______5. Is the natural food of bangus in pen or cages.

a. plankton b. fish meal c. save left – over from
bakeries

Information Sheet CODE
LO2-1

Answers Key

1. A
2. B
3. C
4. B
5. A

Information Sheet CODE
LO2-1

QUESTIONING/ INTERVIEW

Candidate Name :

Unit of Competency: Perform Fish or Shrimp Grow-out Operations
Competency Standards: Junior Aquaculture Technician NC II

Oral/Interview questions Satisfactory Response

Yes No

What if you were using metal frame instead of bamboo in
fish cages?

What would you do if materials use in pen and cage break
down?

What precautions must you take when installing pen and
cage?

What would you do if failing organism attached the net of
the pen ?

What are the specified procedures or steps to follow in
installation of pen and cages?

The Candidate's underpinning knowledge was: Not Satisfactory 
Satisfactory  Date

Assessor
Signature
Feedback to candidate:

Acceptable Answers are: Date:
1. (Insert suggested answers to questions)
2.
3.

Assessor signature:

Information Sheet CODE
LO2-1

Assessment Activity 1

Instruction: Design evidence-gathering tools for a unit of competency using
the following templates.

DEMONSTRATION Perform Fish or Shrimp Grow-out Operations
Candidate name:
Assessor name:
Unit of competency:
Competency standards:
Date of assessment:
Time of assessment:
Instructions of demonstration
Materials and equipment

(insert details of materials and equipment needed for the demonstration)

OBSERVATION to show if the evidence is
demonstrated
During the demonstration of skills, did the
candidate: Yes No N/A
Identified and prepared good materials for fish
pen and cages.
Installed and set-up properly frames of pens
and cages.
Fabricated and installed cage frame properly

The candidate's demonstration was: Not Satisfactory 
Satisfactory 

Information Sheet CODE
LO2-1

PERFORMANCE TEST

Learners Name: Date

Competency : Perform Fish or Shrimp Grow-out TEST ATTEMPT
Operation
1ST 2nd 3rd

Direction: Over all Evaluation
Call Instructor: Ask
Level Achieved Performance Level
Instructor to assess your
performance in the following 4- can perform this skill without
critical task and performance supervisions and with initiative and
criteria below. adaptability to problem situation.
3- Can perform this situation can
You will be rated based perform this skill satisfactorily
on the overall evaluation on the without assistance or supervision.
right side. 2- can perform this skill
satisfactorily but required some
assistance and / or supervision.
1- can perform parts of this skill
satisfactorily, but requires
considerable assistance and / or
supervision.

PERFORMANCE STANDARD YES No N/A
For acceptable achievement, all items should receive a
yes or n/a response.
1. Did you select the site for pen and cage for fish
culture?
2. Have you constructed a pen and cage using good
materials?
3. Have you choose a good type of pen and cage?
4. Did you install and set-up frames of pen and cage
properly?
5. Have you fabricated and installed cage frame
properly?

Information Sheet CODE
LO2-1

Record of Achievement
Module: Preparing Facilities Pond, Cage and Tank

Learning Outcome No. 3- Clean Tank
Performance Criteria:

9. Selected a good site or are for pen and cage fish culture.

10. Choose a good type of pen and cages.

11. Use good materials for pen and cages construction.

12. Installed and set-up power of pen and cages properly.

13. Fabricated and installed cage frame properly.

COMMENTS:
………………………………………………………………………………………….
…………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………….
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………….
Learner has satisfied the above performance criteria:
Learner’s signature:____________________________
Trainer’s signature:_____________________________
Date:_________________________________________

Information Sheet CODE
LO2-1

Qualification: Junior Aquaculture Technician NC II

Module Title#1 : Preparing Grow-out Facilities, Pond, Pens, Cages and
Tanks.

Learning Outcome No.3: Clean Tanks

Assessment Criteria:

1. Cleaning and drying of tanks explained and demonstrated
2. Disinfection of tanks is explained and demonstrated.
3. Kinds of disinfectants are identified

Resources:

1. Advances in Sustainable Fisheries Development, Module,
Lorque, F.S. and Tesorero, L.B., ISCOF, pages 43-44

2. Biology and Culture of P. monodon , Hatchery Operations and
Management, Licop, M.S.R. AQN, SEAFDEL, pages 64-65.

3. Fishery Technology, Module, Learning Element, Draining the
tank, pages 4-6.

Tools/Equipments/Materials:
 Supplies and Materials
- Steel Brush/Plastic Brush
- Soap (Detergent)
- Water
- Chlorine
- Formaldehyde

Information Sheet CODE
LO2-1

LEARNING EXPERIENCES

Learning Outcome: No. 3 Clean Tanks

Learning Activities Special Instructions

Have you seen a concrete tank Ask your instructor to help you
check your work.
with fish?
Ask your instructor to provide
This learning experience will guide your assessment test.
If you are incompetent, you can
you to take care of fish tanks. proceed to the next task.
If you are competent go over
1. Read the attached this task again.

information sheet No. 2 and

6, discussing the proper

care of tanks.

2. While reading the

information sheet, recognize
the proper care of fish tanks. 
3. Answer self – check No. 1 to

see if you have mastered the

activity.

4. If you miss some of the

items, go over there items

again.

5. If you find difficulty in
performing this activity, ask 

the help of your instructor.
6. When you are ready, you can 

take the assessment test. 
7. When you finish, ask your

instructor to check your

assessment test.

Information Sheet CODE LO3-1

Tank System

Holding and rearing tanks. The size and number of rearing tanks
can be estimated (Reyes and Torres 1985, Kunvankij et al 1986c).

Typical sizes of tanks for different purposes are (in metric tons):

Nursery Tanks - 5-40 m t

Larval rearing tanks - 1-10 m t

Spawning tanks - 0.25-1.0 m t

Algal tanks - 1-5 m t

Artemia tanks - 0.25-0.5 m t

Maturation tanks - 15-30 m t with or without bottom

substrates

Sea-water reservoir - Capacity should be 30-50% of

maximum total water consumption

per day.

Tank shapes differ widely. These may be circular, rectangular or

square with conical of sloping bottom toward the drain pipe. Sharp

corners should be avoided, to do away with dead spots and to clean the

tank effectively. Tank height should be capable of holding at least 1 m

depth of water for the rearing tanks and about 0.5-0.6 m for the algal

tanks.

The reservoir should be elevated so that water supply distribution
would require less energy input. Algal tanks should be placed higher
than the larval/nursery tanks so that transfer of natural food could be
done by gravity.

Tank Materials. Several materials have been tested and can be
considered in constructing tanks-reinforced concrete, ferrocement,
concrete hollow blocks, fiberglass, canvas with marine plywood
support, or laminated plastic sheets with bamboo reinforcement (SCSP
1982, SEAFDEC Working Committee.

Maintenance of sanitation and good water quality are the two
most important tasks in the hatchery. For hatcheries located in good
sites with biologically clean water, tanks are simply applied to sides
(McVey and Fox 1983), then dried for at least a day before stocking. After
each run, tanks as well as the pipelines and materials used in the
hatchery are disinfected with 12% Na hypochlorite at 200 ppm for 24
hours. (Kungvanhij et al 1986 a,c)

With disease causing organisms already inherent in the
surrounding waters, disinfection rates remain at 200 ppm with Na
hypochlorite for the sand filters, reservoirs, etc. Sometimes, muriatic
acid is used to bleach white tanks sides and bottom.

Information Sheet CODE LO3-1

Disinfection

This refers to the killing of most of the small microscopic
organisms that maybe entering the culture facility with the water. This is
done to prevent disease organisms, predators, and competitors from
getting a foot hold.

Sterilization

The elimination of all life in water.

Types of Disinfection

1. Ultra-Violet radiation
2. Ozone
3. Chlorination

Ultra-violet radiation-that part of the electro-magnetic radiation from
about 10-390 mm between the longest x-rays and the shortest waves of
visible OCL, the hypochlorite ion. HOCI and Ocl are commonly referred
to as free chlorine. The free chlorine rather that the chlorine molecule
itself, is the active oxidizing agent. The amount of uncombined HOC I
and Ocl in the water this is called the free residual chlorine; in pure
water this is the same as the amount of chlorine added to react with all

Information Sheet CODE LO3-1

the organic and inorganic dissolved compounds plus all the microbes in
the water, is called the chlorine demand. To understand how chlorine
works to disinfect water, we must discuss the breakpoint reaction. In
brief the breakpoint reaction is reached when enough chlorine is added,
to the water sample to cause the oxidation of ammonia to nitrogen gas
(N2). The reaction are as follows:

NH4+HOC1-NH2C1+H2O+H

NHC12+HOC1-NHC12+H2O

0.5 NHC12+0.5H2O-0.5NOH+H+C1

0.5 NHC12+0.5NOH-0.5N2+0.5HOC1+0.5C1

Giving an overall equation of:

NH4+1.5HOC1-0.5N2+1.5H20+2.5H+1.5C1

Chlorinated water is unsuitable for aquaculture, so the chlorine
must be removed before it reaches the organisms being raised. Several
methods can be used. The most common dechlorination method for
heavily chlorinated potable water involves the addition of sulfur dioxide
to the water, which results in the conversion of chlorine to chloride and
sulfide ions. Other methods include the used of ion exchange resin,
aeration and storage, and activated carbon. Removal of chlorine is
effective at low pH.

Information Sheet CODE LO3-2

Air, Seawater and Freshwater Supply, and Distribution Systems

Air, Seawater, and freshwater supply, and distribution systems
comprise the life support system of a hatchery. For the seawater intake
system. Simon (1981), SEAFDEC (Working Committee 1984), and
Kungvankij et al (1986c) have outlined several methods. Pumping may
be direct of from a sump pit, inshore well or from seabed, using
perforated PVC pipes. Inshore wells are very popular in Taiwan as
studies show that water taken sub sand prefiltration has less chemical
and heavy metal pollutants compared to waters taken from coastal areas
(Chen et al 1985).

Air for the hatchery can be provided by aerators, blowers, or
compressors. For medium-to large-scale hatcheries a blower is
preferred to compressors because it is safer, easy to use, and provides
oil-free air (Kungvankij et al 1986a,c). For tanks with less than 2.0 m
water depth, a high volume, low pressure air is sufficient to provide
enough water movement and dissolved oxygen needed by the larvae to
survive. For backyard to small-scale hatcheries, portable aerators are
used because of the following advantages: (a) tanks can be aerated
separately thereby reducing energy consumption when hatchery is not
operating at full capacity, and (b) there are no aeration distribution lines
to be put up, cleaned and disinfected regularly (SEAFDEC Working
committee 1984).

Centrifugal pumps are used seawater intake due to its higher total
head capacity (Kungvankij et al 1986a). Marine pumps and submersible
pumps are also necessary for water transfer from sedimentation
chambers to holding areas or in distributing algae to larval/nursery
tanks. Pump size and capacity vary widely depending on use and
efficiency (SCSP 1982, Mc Vey and Fox 1983, Reyes and Torres 1985,
Kungvankij et al 1986c). Distribution lines are usually of PVC material
due to the corrosive nature of the environment.

A filtration chamber (sand and gravel, either or reverse type) may
be built in conjunction with the storage tank reservoir (Reyes and Torres
1985, Kungvankij et al 1986c).

Building and other Facilities

Provision for roofing of the laboratory area, blowers, pumps,
generators, and larval tanks is advisable. Roofing of larval area or
building an indoor hatchery also permits easier control of temperature
and salinity, and prevents contamination, thereby ensuring higher
survival of larvae. Roofing materials range from translucent, transparent
plastic, to materials creating a darkroom effect such as those used in
Taiwan (Liao 1986).