How do you build a tilapia fish pond?

Apply chicken manure on the pond bottom with water depth of about 6 centimeters at the rate of one kilo for every 10 square meters. Fertilize the pond once a month to insure good production of algae. You can either use commercial fertilizer or organic matter like manure, compost, ipil-ipil leaves, etc.

How big should a pond be for tilapia?

There is no restriction on pond size, but for ease of management and economical operation, shallow (3 to 6 feet), small (1 to 10 acres) ponds with drains are recommended. Draining is necessary to harvest all of the fish. A harvesting sump is needed to concentrate the fish in the final stage of drainage.

Can you grow tilapia in a pond?

Tilapia can be grown successfully in a variety of environments, including ponds, cages, raceways, and tanks. Urban farmers have even reported growing them in trash cans. If you are using a tank or cage, you will need to purchase the materials needed to set up these systems.

What are the steps in fish pond construction?

Build your pond in successive steps:

  1. clear all vegetation, rocks, etc.
  2. remove the top soil and keep it aside.
  3. mark the limits of the inside banks at ground level.
  4. mark the limits of the inside banks at bottom level.
  5. dig inside these last limits by layers of 20 cm (upper end) to 30 cm (lower end)

How long does tilapia take to mature in a pond?

5 to 6 months
Under good growth conditions this same species will reach sexual maturity in farm ponds at an age of 5 to 6 months and 5 to 7 ounces (150 to 200 grams). When growth is slow, sexual maturity in Nile tilapia is delayed a month or two but stunted fish may spawn at a weight of less than 1 ounce (20 grams).

How many gallons of water does a tilapia need?

A fully grown tilapia will weigh 1 pound, although they can grow larger. The rule of thumb is that one pound of tilapia will need 3 gallons of water. So this means that in every 3 to 5 gallons of water, only raise one tilapia.

How deep should fish pond be?

Four feet of water will prevent excess water evaporation and keep predators from eating the fish. Steep, hard-to-climb banks will also deter predators. In warmer climates where the pond will not freeze, 4 feet is plenty. In temperate climates with mild to cold winters, 7 to 8 feet deep is preferable.

What is the harvesting age of tilapia?

For example, the Nile tilapia matures at about 10 to 12 months and 3/4 to 1 pound (350 to 500 grams) in several East African lakes. Under good growth conditions this same species will reach sexual maturity in farm ponds at an age of 5 to 6 months and 5 to 7 ounces (150 to 200 grams).