Tilapia Topics: Disinfectants: Calcium Hydroxide (slacked or hydrated lime)

Calcium hydroxide can be used as a disinfectant for dirt bottom ponds.

Calcium hydroxide can also be used to decrease levels of carbon dioxide in freshwater.

Types of calcium hydroxide used in fish culture.

Calcium hydroxide comes as a powder that is considered to be 100% active.

Information about calcium hydroxide (slacked lime)

Calcium hydroxide or slacked lime is used to disinfect ponds that have been drained. In addition, slacked lime can be used to reduce levels of carbon dioxide in freshwater used to culture tilapia. However, care must be exercised if this treatment is applied in water of low alkalinity as high pH can result.

Calcium hydroxide can be purchased from most firms that supply agricultural chemicals and comes as a powder in 50 to 100 lb. (22.7 - 45.4 kg) bags.