1. Why NO₂ is the silent killer in shrimp ponds
In the nitrogen cycle, NH₃ oxidizes into NO₂ then NO₃. If nitrifying bacteria are insufficient, residual NO₂ enters shrimp blood, binds hemocyanin, and impairs oxygen transport — shrimp suffocate even at normal DO. Symptoms: surface gasping, stunted growth, poor moulting, rising FCR.
MAX 4000 NEW directly supplies Bacillus subtilis and Pediococcus acidilactici — strains that metabolize nitrogen compounds and decompose organics — cutting NH₃ at the source and accelerating NO₂ removal.
2. Dosage — by culture stage
Mix with clean water or culture biomass before broadcasting:
- Before stocking: 1 sachet/1,000 – 2,000 m³, 2 – 3 days prior.
- Nursery phase: 1 sachet/1,500 – 2,000 m³, daily.
- Grow-out: 1 sachet/1,500 – 2,000 m³ every 3 – 5 days.
- Heavy pollution: use pellet form directly on black-bottom zones.
- Alternate with SOILMAX or BACWAT for double effect.
3. Two ways to apply
Choose either method based on farm setup:
- Method 1 — biomass culture: soak the sachet with molasses/sugar in 20 L water, aerate 2 – 4 h before broadcasting. Highest efficacy.
- Method 2 — direct mix: dissolve in 30 L water, broadcast pond-wide. Convenient for fast response.
4. Optimal application timing
Microbes need oxygen and light. Standard schedule:
- 10 – 11 AM: water treatment & gas removal — peak effect.
- 9 – 10 PM: cut blue-green / green / red algae.
- Run all aerators when broadcasting so microbes spread and get oxygen.
5. Combinations & cautions
MAX 4000 NEW does not replace water exchange, bottom siphoning, or aeration. It's the biological piece of the water-treatment puzzle:
- + SOILMAX: clean bottom slime, reduce accumulated organics.
- + OZYME: enzyme blend for algae cutting and liner slime.
- + Run aerators + frequent siphoning in late culture.
- Note: adjust dose to actual conditions. Reseal bag tightly after use.
Verbatim from the MAX 4000 (227 g) label — synced with the product page to avoid drift.
Dosage: Before stocking: 1 packet/1,000 – 2,000 m³ of water, 2 – 3 days before stocking fry. During the nursery stage: 1 packet/1,500 – 2,000 m³ of water, applied daily on a regular schedule. During the rearing process: 1 packet/1,500 – 2,000 m³ of water, applied every 3 – 5 days. Two application methods: Aerate the product packet with microbial biomass nutrients/sand sugar or molasses with approximately 20 liters of water for 2 – 4 hours before use. Direct application: Mix the product with 30 liters of water, broadcast directly into the pond. For tablet form, scatter the product tablets directly into the areas requiring treatment. It is recommended to alternate use with Soilmax/Bacwat to double the product's effectiveness. Prevent and control toxic gas from the beginning. Note: Depending on the condition of the rearing pond, increase or decrease the dosage appropriately to match actual conditions. The product is most effective when used at 10 - 11 a.m. Cut off blue-green algae, green algae, and red algae at 9 - 10 p.m., turn on all water aerators when using the product. Seal and zip the bag immediately after use in case the product is not completely consumed.
- Supplementing beneficial microorganisms into the pond environment to participate in decomposing accumulated organic matter and sediment, contributing to reducing the formation and accumulation of toxic gases such as NH₃, NO₂, H₂S in the water and pond bottom mud.
- Support the metabolism of nitrogen-containing compounds, contributing to water quality stabilization under intensive and high-density farming conditions.
- Stabilize the environmental microbial ecosystem, limit toxic gas generation from excess feed and organic waste.
- Contribute to improving water quality and pond bottom sediment, creating a favorable environment for farmed animals to grow and develop.
NO₂ over limit, shrimp gasping, stunted growth?
Call Than Vuong technicians at 0867 957 568 for a same-day MAX 4000 dosing plan based on your water test results.