How to Design and Construct a Fish Pond – Agro4africa

In other to grow fish, itis necessary to have a suitable fish pond for better fish production. A fish pond issimply an artificial structure/habitat that meets the necessary requirements for growing fish. As youread down, you will learn how fish pond design and construction is carried outfrom start to finish. Before we discussthe steps involved, lets look at the general features of a fish pond.

Although there are many kinds of fish ponds, the following are the main features and structures associated with them in general:

A typical earthen fish pond should be about 300m2. Although ponds can be much larger than this, having several small ponds rather than one large one will allow you harvest fish more often.

A shortcoming to this is that, many but small ponds are more expensive to construct as compared to a few but larger ponds. Small ponds also waste a lot of space in comparison. However, very large ponds take long to fill and drain and are also difficult to manage.

The physical attributes of a pond usually have a direct influence on achievable levels of production and returns. The main physical factors to consider are the land area, water supply and the soil water retention capacity.

Select land area with a gentle slope and layout ponds in a way that will take advantage of existing land contours. A farmer should determine an area large enough for the present plans and any future expansion. Also, ensure that such an area is not prone to flooding.

A good water source will be relatively free of silt, aquatic insects, potential predators, and toxic substances, and it will have high concentration of dissolved oxygen. The quantity and quality of water should be adequate to support production throughout the culture period.

The most common water sources can be spring water, seepage water, rainwater or run-off, tide water (marine ponds), water from bore holes (wells), or water pumped or diverted from a river, lake, or reservoir. Wells and springs are generally preferred for their consistently high quality water.

A simple test can be carried out to determine the suitability of the soil for pond construction:

1. Dampen a handful of soil with water. Use only enough water to dampen the sample (do not saturate it).

2. Squeeze the sample tightly in your hand.

3. Open your hand:

The quality of soil influences both productivity and water quality in a pond. Farmers should consider importing clay soil for compacting the pond bottom, sides and core trench to minimize seepage.

=> Consider the intended culture practices to be carried out: In designing the fish farm, it should be decided as to where and how many nursery, rearing and stocking ponds are to be constructed.

=> It is important to know the exact size, maximum depth, average depth, and water volume of the pond. This information becomes useful in calculating the amount of herbicide needed for weed control and the number of fish fingerlings needed for stocking.

=>The water source must be able to keep the pond full throughout the culture period.

=> Relatively shallow ponds are productive, but the shallow end should be at least 0.5 m deep to avoid invasion by weeds.

=> It is always desirable to place screens on pond inlets and outlets to keep out predators, insects, and unwanted fish, and to retain the cultured fish.

=> Every pond should be drainable.

=> Every pond should have an independent controlled inlet and outlet.

=> Excavation of a core trench should be done where soils are less suitable.

=> Perimeter and feeder roads are required to provide for movement of machines during construction and at harvest.

=> If you plan to drive on the dykes, build them at least 3 meters wide on top, and wider at the base.

=> Soil used to build dykes should always be compacted in layers.

In conclusion, a pond must be able to hold water and sustain favorable conditions for production. One should also be able to undertake the required pond management activities (such as harvesting and feeding) effectively, with relative ease and safety.

Consequently, poorly constructed ponds, give poorer production yields and returns. This is because additional management efforts and associated costs are required to achieve comparable yields. Paying attention to pond design and construction detail is, therefore, the first step to successful pond production.

Please do well to leave a comment if you need more help.

Read more from the original source:
How to Design and Construct a Fish Pond - Agro4africa