The process of farming your own tilapia can be hard, but most people can start their own farm with some time and the right resources.You will need to make a pond for your fish.Feed and care for your fish for at least six to seven months before harvesting them.If you get the hang of it, you can make extra money or get fresh fish from your own private farm.
Step 1: There is plenty of space to choose a sunny location.
fish need sunlight each day to thrive, so choose a spot where your pond will get plenty of sunlight.It's always better to avoid areas near pipes if the pond is at least 2.5 feet deep.You will have to install a bubbler, extra lights, and water heating near the pond.The area should have plenty of space.
Step 2: You need to dig your pond.
The outline of your pond can be drawn out with garden or rope.Use a shovel to dig in 16 inch intervals until you get the depth you need.You can install a water fountain near the center of the pond.Unless you have a lot of experience in these kinds of projects, it's a good idea to hire a landscaper.The number of fish you're farming will affect the size of your pond.As you grow tilapia to maturity, larger is generally better.As big of a pond as you can make.It is possible to consult with an existing tilapia farmer.
Step 3: Take the sand and put it in a container.
You can buy mason's sand online or in a store.To smooth out the bottom of the pond, fill it with sand and use a rake.
Step 4: Put your pond liner in.
You can get a pond liner at a department store.You need enough liner to cover the entire pond.Place the liner in the center of the pond and unfold it as you go.
Step 5: The liner should be covered by stones.
If you want to use stones from your backyard, it's best to buy them at a hardware store or online so you don't taint your water later.If you place the stones on the floor or pond, they will move up the sides and onto the edges.This will hold your liner in place.
Step 6: Clean water is required to fill the pond.
If you want to drink the water from your pond, fill it with the same water you would drink yourself.It would be fine to tap water from your sink.You may have to use your hose to fill the pond if you don't have a main water source.The water will rise when you add your fish.One to two feet should suffice.
Step 7: The salt can be adjusted.
You can buy a salt tester at a hardware store, which is a stick dipped into the water to measure the salt.Salt should be 18 parts per thousand.Extra salt is required for tap water.Adding salts to your water can be accomplished by buying them at a hardware store or online.
Step 8: The pH is adjusted.
You can buy the kits at a store.You usually dip a stick or something similar into the water to test the pH levels.The tilapia's pH should be between 7 and 9.Adding alkaline or acidic products to your mix can raise or lower the water's pH.
Step 9: You can add a fountain or bubbler to it.
The health of your tilapias is dependent on proper aeration.The water in your pond should be aerated by a fountain or bubbler.Unless you have experience in landscaping, don't attempt to install a bubbler or fountain yourself.After the water is added, the fountain/bubbler is usually installed.
Step 10: A fence and a net are needed to protect the pond.
Birds and mammals eat fish.Keep a small fence around the pond.This will help minimize your fish's exposure to predatory animals.
Step 11: The pond should be fertilized before you add fish.
It's a good idea to add a commercialfertilizer to your tank about a week before you buy your fish.Look for a product that is designed for water.You usually release a specific amount into the pond.As application methods vary, follow package instructions.
Step 12: Get your fish from a trustworthy source.
The best place to buy tilapia is from a breeder who has been farming it for a while.Younger fish that have just hatched are a good choice.It's a good idea to meet with the breeder in person to make sure they have a large pond with a bubbler or fountain.Buying fish online is not a good idea as you don't want to get fish that could spread disease in your pond.
Step 13: The temperature of the pond should be maintained.
You may need to install a heating system in your pond.The temperature of your pond should be between 77 and 86 F.If you need to turn your heat up or down, you can use a thermometer.If you have experience with landscaping, you should be able to install a heating system in your pond.If you install a heating system wrong, it can affect the health of your fish.
Step 14: Feed your fish twice a day.
Tilapia are easy to feed.Adding fertilization to the pond will encourage the growth of algae.There is a commercial fish food specifically designed for tilapia.Twice a day, fish should be fed in the morning and afternoon.On occasion, you can add things like rice and breadcrumbs to your diet.How much you feed depends on how many fish you have.You should get a recommendation for serving size with the feed you choose.
Step 15: Don't allow sick fish in your house.
A net can be used to remove a fish from the tank if it is showing signs of illness.If you can diagnose and treat the illness, keep it in a bucket or aquarium.If a fish gets sick, consult an aquarium professional.Some illnesses can be treated with medication.
Step 16: You should wait at least six to seven months to harvest your fish.
It takes about six or seven months for Tilapia to fully mature.Give your fish a lot of time to grow.The best fish to harvest will be large.
Step 17: Use a net to remove mature fish.
A net is the easiest way to remove tilapia from a pond.Pick up a net at a hardware store and scoop out mature fish.It can take some time to remove the fish from the pond.
Step 18: Don't let the tilapia live.
It's a good idea to kill the tilapia immediately after they're removed from the pond.To administer a blow to the head, use a blunt instrument.If this doesn't kill the fish immediately, give another blow.Dead fish should be stored in a cooler while you complete the harvesting process.
Step 19: Measure your fish.
There is a flat surface.The back of the knife should go from the head to the tail.Make long strokes with your knife until the scales are removed.If you want to repeat it on the other side, flip the fish over.
Step 20: Take the fish out.
Make a cut from the tip of the belly to the head by placing the fish on a cutting board.Remove any entrails from the body.Remove the v-shape from the fish's anus.Use a knife to remove bones.The inside of the fish should be washed with tap water.You can either remove or discard the head.If you want to avoid puncturing the intestines, cut the fish shallow.
Step 21: fish can be kept in the fridge or freezer.
When storing fish in a container, it can be wrapped in plastic and stored in the refrigerator.If you want to use them within two days, store them in the fridge.If you don't want to use your tilapia immediately, wrap it tightly in plastic or foil and store it in the freezer.Tilapia can be found in the freezer for six to nine months.