What Are the Common Disinfectant Types for Aquaculture?
Disinfectants are core inputs in aquaculture for preventing and controlling aquatic pathogenic microorganisms, avoiding diseases of farmed aquatic products such as fish, shrimp, crabs and shellfish, and improving the aquaculture water environment. Their primary function is to kill or inhibit harmful pathogens like bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa in water, while reducing harmful substances produced by the decomposition of organic pollutants in water and maintaining the micro-ecological balance of aquaculture water.
At present, disinfectants used in aquaculture are divided into four mainstream categories by chemical composition and mechanism of action: chlorine-containing disinfectants, iodine-containing disinfectants, peroxide disinfectants and aldehyde disinfectants. Each category varies significantly in characteristics, representative products, applicable scenarios and usage key points, and a scientific selection should be made based on aquaculture varieties, water conditions and disease types.
The most widely used type of disinfectants in aquaculture, featuring broad-spectrum sterilization by releasing hypochlorous acid (HClO).
- Principle: Release hypochlorous acid (HClO) after dissolving in water to exert strong oxidizing properties, destroy the cell membranes, proteins and nucleic acids of pathogens, and achieve broad-spectrum sterilization.
- Effect: Have a good killing effect on bacteria, viruses and fungi.
- Advantages: Easily available raw materials, low prices, suitable for various freshwater and marine aquaculture scenarios.
- Note: Affected by water pH, temperature and organic matter content.
Sodium Dichloroisocyanurate (SDIC)
Also known as NaDCC, it is a white crystalline powder with a chlorine odor, containing 55%～60% available chlorine.
- Stable chemical properties, with only less than 1% reduction in available chlorine in two years in a well-sealed state.
- Easily soluble in water.
- The aqueous solution has poor stability.
- The prepared aqueous solution cannot be stored and should be prepared and used immediately.
Trichloroisocyanuric Acid (TCCA)
Also known as tirchlor, it is a white crystalline powder containing 90% available chlorine.
- Stable chemical properties, slightly soluble in water. The dissolution is very slow.
- The higher the pH value of the water, the lower the efficacy.
- Cannot be mixed with other chemicals.
Iodine disinfectants are medium-level agents that denature pathogen proteins. They are highly valued for being gentle and residue-free.
- Povidone-Iodine Solution: A low-toxicity bactericide effective against bacteria, viruses and fungi. It is widely used to treat gill rot, bleeding, and skin ulcers in fish and shrimp.
- Specifically effective for preventing viral diseases like explosive hemorrhage and bacterial enteritis in fish, white spot disease and red body disease in shrimp.
Pros: High safety profile for aquatic animals, no residue.
Cons: Higher price point than chlorine; sensitive to light (must be stored in dark containers).
These are strong oxidants suited for harsh environments with high organic matter content, low dissolved oxygen, and excessive toxic substances.
Pros: Non-toxic, improves oxygen levels, works in a wide pH range.
Cons: Short shelf life and higher cost.
Formalin
Coagulates proteins and exerts broad-spectrum effects. Must avoid metal containers.
Glutaraldehyde
Long-acting agent used for treating bacterial infections caused by Vibrio.
Aldehydes are effective against bacteria, viruses, and even spores. They are ideal for closed-system or factory-style indoor farming.
Pros: Not affected by water hardness or organic matter; long-lasting effect.
Cons: Irritating to young fry/larvae; not recommended for nurseries.
| Disinfectant Category | Representative Products | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Chlorine | SDIC, TCCA | Routine & Shock Disinfection; Comprehensive disinfection |
| Iodine | Povidone Iodine | Disease Prevention/Treatment |
| Peroxide | KMPS | Poor Water Quality / High Organic |
| Aldehyde | Formalin, Glutaraldehyde | Closed system and factory-based water body disinfection for aquaculture |
The core principle of aquaculture disinfectants is “prevention first, combined with control”; no single type of disinfectant is inherently superior to others. In actual aquaculture operations, it is recommended to combine different types of disinfectants appropriately based on the species being farmed, water conditions, and farming methods, and to use them in rotation.
This approach helps establish a comprehensive water environment management system that not only effectively prevents and controls diseases but also maintains the microecological balance of the aquaculture water, thereby ensuring the healthy and efficient development of aquaculture.
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