Construction and Management of Fish pond

 

To grow fish, it is required to have an appropriate fish pond for better fish production. A fish pond is a structure/habitat that meets the necessities for growing fish.

The farm may be located in an area that is large enough for present plans and any future pond extensions. It is good if the piece of land also has some slope topography. It is great because you can just lay your ponds out in a way that takes advantage of existing land contours. Also, ensure that such an area is not prone to flooding.

A large fish pond is used to raise fish for commercial purposes. These types of ponds require more advanced management techniques and equipment compared to a small backyard fish pond.  Commercial fish ponds are usually much larger than backyard ponds, often covering several acres. This allows for a larger stock of fish and more efficient production.

The cost of building and maintaining a commercial fish pond is much higher than a backyard fish pond, due to the larger size and advanced equipment and management required. Steps involved in preparing the site for a fish pond, include excavation, lining, and grading. A commercial fish pond requires a consistent and reliable water supply to maintain optimal water quality and temperature for the fish. This can be achieved through wells, springs, or a connection to a municipal water supply.

Soil selection:

The soil at the site of the fish pond should be well-drained and free of pollutants. Clay or Clay loam soils are ideal for a fish pond as they can keep the water and eliminate the loss of water by seepage. However, sandy soils may not be suitable as they require compacting to become suitable. A soil test should be conducted to determine the suitability of the soil for a fish pond. The required/ideal pH of the fish pond should be between 7.5 and 8.

It is needed to have a simple test to determine the appropriateness of the soil for pond construction. Dampen the soil, squeeze the sample tightly in your hand and then open your hand again to see the result. If the sample is in its shape, then it is considered good for building a pond.

If the sample is not in its shape, it cannot be considered for building a pond (too much sand is present). In this case, you may import clay soil for compacting the pond to minimize seepage.

Planning

Before any design and type of fish pond, first, it is to be decided where the pond site is and how many nurseries, rearing, and stocking ponds are to be constructed.

It is also important to identify the exact size of the pond, attention may be given to all measurements as this will help to consider the number of fish fingerlings needed for stocking. Keep in mind the water source and ensure that its ability to keep the pond full throughout the cultural period.

Construction methods

Before going to construction, Clear all flora around the spot for the pond and move the debris far away from the pond location. The reason is that don’t use soil that has plants in it to construct the dykes.

There are several methods for constructing a fish pond, and the method chosen will depend on the size and location of the pond, as well as the budget and skills of the builder. Some popular methods include:

Prefabricated ponds: These are pre-formed pond liners that are available in a variety of sizes and shapes. They are easy to install, but they may not be as customizable as other methods. There are different types of liners available for fish ponds, such as rubber, PVC, and clay. Also, the way of installation of the liner is important to ensure the durability of the pond.

1.     Dig and liner method: This method involves digging a hole for the pond and lining it with a flexible liner, such as rubber or PVC. This method allows for more customization, but it can be more labour-intensive and require more equipment. The process of excavating the site for the fish pond requires equipment such as an excavator, Tractors with a front blade as proper dykes may be constructed and it may have proper drainage.

Concrete pond: This method involves pouring a concrete slab for the base of the pond and building up the sides with bricks or other materials. This method is more durable than others but also more expensive.

Filtration and aeration

A commercial fish pond requires advanced filtration and aeration systems to maintain water quality and oxygen levels for the fish. These systems can include mechanical filters, biological filters, and aeration devices.

Stock and management

A commercial fish pond is typically stocked with a specific species of fish, such as tilapia, catfish, Rahu, Grass carp, Common Carp, or Mori. The fish are raised using advanced management techniques, such as feeding, spawning, and disease control.

Harvesting and processing

Commercial fish ponds require efficient methods for harvesting and processing the fish, such as grading, packing, and storing.

It is important to take into consideration the soil type, drainage and water quality before constructing a fish pond. also, the construction method chosen should be based on the size, location and budget of the project, as well as the builder's skills