July 30, 2026

Aquaculture accounts for a growing share of the global food supply. As such, it is critical to find ways to make it more sustainable. Fortunately, biological treatments are emerging as an important strategy for making aquaculture more productive, profitable, and sustainable at the same time.

 Healthy Ponds Promote Healthy Fish and Water Conservation

Turbid water can impact fish health, not only by exposing them to unhealthy levels of ammonia or other pollutants, but by making it more difficult to find food, putting stress on their immune systems, and making them more susceptible to disease. Furthermore, dirty water demands more resources for (1) generous water exchange throughout the fish growth cycle, (2) labor-intensive cleanout of tank sludge at the end of the cycle, and (3) full water replacement after tank cleanout. Maintaining aquaculture water quality from the start can therefore create a better pond environment and reduce costs associated with water replacement and pond maintenance.

 Beneficial Microorganisms Enhance Water Clarity

Beneficial microorganisms improve water clarity by breaking down suspended solids and organics and using them for nourishment. In the process of consuming excess nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus from fertilizer runoff, they create an environment that is less attractive to algae growth. By consuming organic matter from fish waste and uneaten feed, beneficial bacteria can also reduce sludge accumulation at the bottom of the tank. Biological treatments include AQUACLAR^™, a bacteria-enzyme blend designed to help reduce toxicity by supporting ammonia removal, facilitating the sequestration of certain metals, and breaking down fecal matter and other organic waste. BCP54^™ is similar, introducing beneficial microorganisms that help stabilize water quality parameters; promote biological balance; and reduce toxins, off-flavors, and odors. While both options also reduce sludge, BIOBOOSTER SR^™ offers even more focused treatment by targeting sludge that has settled at the bottom of the lagoon.

 Biological Treatment Extends Water Life in Brazil Aquaculture

Based on approximately eight years of field experience, biological treatment has demonstrated the potential to significantly extend water reuse. In one long-term operation, water that previously had been replaced after every production cycle was maintained through three consecutive one-year cycles (except for water added to make up for evaporation and infiltration losses), extending water lifespan by  at least three times while substantially reducing operational costs for cleanout.¹ This dramatic extension of water life represents significant savings in terms of time and money—not to mention water conservation, which is especially critical in warm climates.

Probiotic Feed Additives Support Fish Health and Weight Gain

In addition to external stressors, food quality plays a huge role in fish health and aquaculture productivity. Just as society increasingly recognizes the benefits of probiotics for human health, the same strategy is being applied to aquaculture species. The introduction of probiotic feed additives such as AQUA-FEED^™—rich in β-glucans, mannan-oligosaccharides (MOS), beneficial probiotics, and other key vitamins, nutrients, and minerals—works to support overall fish and shrimp health by improving digestion and supporting a healthy immune system. These benefits can promote healthier weight gain, improved survival, and greater production efficiency. In a Brazilian trial, tilapia fish fed standard feed mixed with AQUA-FEED^™ showed approximately 15% higher weight gain than those in the control pond.²

 An Important Step Toward Sustainability and Productivity

The continued expansion of aquaculture and the quest for greater sustainability makes it more important than ever for fish and shrimp farmers to be aware of probiotic feed supplements and biological water treatment for aquaculture. Beneficial microorganisms represent an important path forward for aquaculturists who need practical solutions for greater productivity and sustainability. Contact Bionetix^® for further assistance developing a tailored fish/shrimp health and water quality treatment program: https://www.bionetix-international.com/contact-us/.

¹ See Bionetix^® Case History #26 (login required): https://www.bionetix-international.com/case-histories/

2 See Bionetix^® Case History #63 (login required): https://www.bionetix-international.com/case-histories/

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