If you have a small reservoir in your backyard, then why not start breeding carp in it. Among the "pluses" of this venture, experts note the nutritional value, rapid growth and undemandingness of fish to water quality. In addition, its meat is almost completely assimilated in the human body. What a fish farmer should know, how to equip a pond in the country and what pitfalls there are in carp breeding - you will learn about all this from this article.
Description of freshwater fish
Ichthyologists characterize the carp (Cyprinus carpio) as a widespread freshwater fish that is a member of the Carp genus.
Today, they know about her in many parts of the world, although Asian reservoirs are considered her relatives. The fish has successfully naturalized and has become one of the most popular in the industrial group of fish farms in the temperate zone.
Did you know? The largest carps were caught by German and British fishermen. Their catch, respectively, weighed 38 kg and 40 kg. But in the world the Japanese fish of the "koi" breed with the official nickname "big girl" is considered a record carp. The Guinness Book of Records recorded her weight - 41 kg and age - 17 years.
Naturalized individuals are outwardly different from savages. That is why, according to experts, in some regions of Ukraine the name "carp" characteristic of Russian traditions has taken root, which denotes semi-wild forms of carp. 
Within the aquaculture of our country, there are two breeds: Ukrainian scaly and Ukrainian frame. Each of them has its own subtypes.
When growing carp in pools, mirror species, which have long been popular with fishermen, are most often practiced.
Their representatives have a thick body with a wide back, up to 1 m long. The weight of adults can be in the range of 35-120 kg.
But species heavier than 50 kg are not found in our latitudes. Such giants can only be caught in the waters of South-East Asia.
Swimmers are a specific feature of carp, which can be light brown, bright red and even black in color. The scales on fish come in different sizes; on some species, they may be absent altogether.
Did you know?Carps live until they get caught by some fisherman. They die by their own death at the age of 50.
The peculiarity of this fish is its early maturity and fertility. Carps reach sexual maturity at the age of 3-5. Under conditions of warm water, the temperature of which is not lower than 17 degrees, they lay more than 800 eggs. Where to get fry for breeding
For beginners, growing carp at home always starts with the acquisition of fry. It is advisable to make a purchase at fish farms with a narrow specialization.
Choose the one that has been working for a long time and has proven itself well in the market. Find out about the license for this type of activity and ask as much as possible about the fry, what they are, how often and how they get sick, etc.
These seemingly insignificant nuances determine their survival rate in a new place. Before buying, study the conditions in which the product is contained.
Many novice fish farmers mistakenly think that it is much easier to purchase unfertilized caviar, build a Weiss apparatus at home and raise fry yourself.
Of course, this method is cheaper, but without special experience and knowledge, it is almost impossible to get a high-quality underyearling adapted for wintering. 
Therefore, such a decision will cost you more, because sooner or later you will still have to buy fertilized material from the fish farm.
Important! Experienced fish farmers advise buying one-year-old underyearlings that have already wintered.
How to breed carp
When you have already looked after a farm with an impeccable reputation and decided where you will buy fry, you can start preparing a dwelling for fish. Let's figure out how to breed carp in a pond and pool.
In the pond
If you are planning to raise fish in an old reservoir that has already been in, it will be enough just to clean it and take care of plant food for the new settlers.
But you should not rush to build a new pond. The preparation process will take you about a year. To begin with, you will need to make a recess with a height of 1 to 2 m, measuring 3 x 3 m.Then strengthen its banks with grass. During precipitation, its roots will not allow the soil to slide to the bottom. After that, it is necessary to sow the pit of the reservoir with the necessary vegetation, which will serve as food for the fish. 
When the solution dries, a rubber film is lined on it and only after that it is poured with water. Remember that carp are considered a heat-loving fish, so it is highly undesirable to run them into a cold water body.
Let the water settle and warm up to 24-26 degrees. To speed up the formation of the desired microflora, throw an armful of fresh water into the pond, or pour a couple of buckets of water from a wild pond.
It is best to plan a carp pond in the far corner of the garden, away from lowlands, roads and noisy production.
It is very important that the water surface is well lit. This will create favorable conditions for residents to develop and grow. If the water is cold or too hot, the fish will refuse food and die.
Important! Never allow waterfowl, especially migratory waterfowl, to land on the pond. This is the main source of microbes that are harmful to your fish.
In the pool
As in the previous version, the size of the reservoir should be at least 1 m deep and with an area of 15 to 150 cubic meters. m. 
It doesn't matter what the pool is made of - the fish will take root well in wooden, ceramic, concrete and even plastic structures of any shape.
But in this case, there is an urgent need to equip the reservoir with a compressor, UV sterilizer, aerator, special filters and a drain system.
Despite these minor troubles, many fish breeders prefer swimming pools. This is due to the simplified regulation of temperature and water exchange, which is vital for carp.
Such structures are much easier to clean and maintain the required oxygen level in them.
Important! It is better to release fry into a new reservoir in March and April.
Recently, silo basins have appeared on sale, the essence of which is to supply water - it goes from the bottom and flows along the perimeter of the tank to the extent of its filling. The only disadvantage of these designs is their small size. 
It is possible to fish pools only when the necessary microflora is formed in them. After residents appear in the reservoir, do not forget to periodically enrich the water with oxygen, pump up and drain it.
What to feed
If carps receive a balanced and nutritious diet, then in 9 months it is quite possible to grow a half-kilogram fish from a tiny egg. Moreover, if the fish farmer knows how to feed the carp, then it is easy to achieve such a result at home.
Experts note that the fry prefers to feed on ciliates, small crayfish, larvae, worms, and molluscs. Adults are omnivorous.
Important!A great threat to carp is represented by Amur sleeper or, as it is also called, "southern piranha". Its carriers are migratory, which spread small eggs on their paws. To clear the reservoir of adversity, you will need to completely drain the water and manually collect unwanted guests. There is no other salvation.
Experienced fish farmers distinguish several feeding technologies for carp:
- Extensive. It consists in feeding the fish exclusively with zooplankton and grass. The advantages of the method are in low production costs, and the disadvantages are in a small increase in livestock (from 300 to 650 kg per unit area).
- Semi-intensive. It is based on equal amounts of zoological and agrotechnical feed (barley, wheat, oats). Due to the bait, fish farmers manage to achieve greater productivity (from 700 to 1500 kg). But during the hot season, from about June to September, there is not enough protein in the feed, which affects the productivity of the backwater. That is why experts advise feeding omnivorous carp with compound feed.
- Intense. In this technology, the main emphasis is on compound feed, which contains at least 40 percent protein. This feeding option is considered the most productive (3-20 tons). It is used in large fish farms specializing in marketable fish. With the maximum use of the reservoir, which is a very positive side of the technology, water pollution and the risk of infecting fish with pathogens are noted.
Did you know?Carp meat is 17% protein and 11% fat.
Fish are fed twice a day in a specially designated place. For these purposes, you need to get a special tray that is lowered into the water. Do not add too much food, as too much food will only pollute the water. A one-time feed rate is calculated within 3% of the weight of the fish.
What to do in winter
With a decrease in the temperature regime, carps suspend the intensity of their feeding and, accordingly, development. For the winter, they go into hibernation.
In natural reservoirs, fish winters well, and in small and shallow domestic ponds it can die. This is due to a lack of oxygen.
There are several ways to remedy the situation. The first is in a specially equipped reservoir (a hydraulic device is installed in it for aeration and maintaining the temperature at 0 degrees). Another wintering option involves transplanting the backwater into a large indoor aquarium.
Such carps can be returned to their former dwelling only when the water in the garden pond warms up well, and those specimens that have wintered in a special pond can be released immediately after the snow melts.
Better than your own pond in the country can only be your own stocked pond in the country! Fishing at any convenient time and in any weather, well-fed and ecological fish caught - what could be better for an avid fisherman?
The correct dimensions of the fish pond
Of course, first of all, you may need a home fish pond. Therefore, you first need to decide on its location. The best option would be a low, semi-shaded area. It is not worth planting trees on purpose, their roots can deform the reservoir, and the leaves, attacking and starting to rot, spoil it in the end.
Now about the dimensions. The depth is required at least one meter, but ideally it all depends on the species of fish that are planned for breeding in it. Better small. but deeper than the wide and shallow version, the second will absorb too much oxygen, and in fact it is necessary for fish to breathe.
In winter, to provide fish with oxygen, it will be convenient to freeze a bundle of straw right in it; oxygen will perfectly reach the depths of the pond through its hollow tubes. Small holes drilled into the ice will also enrich the water with oxygen.
Also take into account not only the size of the fish, but also their number, so that they do not get cramped in a small pond, because one fish 10 cm long needs 50 liters of water. A large amount of food, some of which is likely to remain undetected, can contribute to water deterioration.
In a deep body of water, it is easier for a fish to winter without fear of freezing through. BUT! On hot summer days, the layers of water will warm up unevenly, which will slow down the reproduction of microorganisms that are also needed as food for fish. Consider also the net area of the water surface without vegetation, and the way the water is filtered.
Popular fish breeds for an artificial reservoir
It is also worth talking here about what kind of fish is best to breed in a small pond. Carp and crucian carp are the leaders in popularity for breeding in artificial ponds. Further behind them are lines, goldfish and cold water trout.
Carp will not be cramped at all in small reservoirs, oddly enough, it grows fat even better there. In a small space, you can’t walk around much, but they feed you regularly and well. This promotes active weight gain. This is an unpretentious and omnivorous fish, especially the sun with slightly alkaline water. Then she will grow rapidly and mature to puberty by the fourth year of life.
So, for carp you need a reservoir of one and a half meters deep, four meters long, and six meters wide. There are no more than twenty individuals per cube of water. Then an excellent bite of fatty carps will be provided to you!
Now about the carp. For them, simply grace is stagnant water with an abundance of different vegetation. The sizes of a reservoir favorable for them coincide with the size for carp, so it will be easy to keep them in one pond. In this case, do not forget to take care of the holes in the ice in winter to supply oxygen to so many fish.
But tench hates crucian carp. And in a shallow pond he will fight carps for food. Although they are also an unpretentious and omnivorous breed.
Goldfish, despite their noble name, are actually unpretentious to both food and living conditions. From just one pair of these individuals, the pond will be populated by many goldfish very, very quickly. Imagine a pond teeming with shiny goldfish. You will simply run out of desires, but you will not run out of fish!
The Japanese koi carps are just as shiny, and the color of the offspring by the parents cannot be predicted. Another voracious breed. Therefore, they respect spacious and deep reservoirs, the muddy bottom of which can be searched for a long time, looking for food. By the way, they also eat small fish.
So, let's get down to building a pond
Here we are talking about how to breed fish in your home pond. But first you need to build the pond itself. After you have decided on the desired dimensions, we proceed to digging the foundation pit. Its bottom must be properly tamped. Then it is advisable to cement it and close it with plastic wrap on top. With careful use, it will last for several years. If this is an expensive option for your wallet, then just cover the bottom of the future pond with a film. And also, as a budget option, consider leaving a lot of unusable tires glued together at the bottom.
If the funds allow you, you can buy special coconut or synthetic mats. Algae grows very quickly on their surface and the coastal edge will be reliably masked.
Now that the pit is completed and processed, you can fill it with water. And not immediately to the brim, but first by one third, and better with well or spring water. And with such a gradual filling, the film will have time to level out. We pour a layer of river sand at the bottom, where we plant various algae. And now we add water to the end.
In conclusion, we are engaged in landscaping the coast. Add cattails, reeds and willow to the pond landscape. If the reservoir was also planned for breeding crayfish, then it is simply necessary at its bottom to have stones, broken pots and so on as shelters for them.
Your pond microclimate
So, the water is flooded. But in no case should you immediately launch fish there! First you need to let it settle and warm up. You can pour a bucket of water from a natural reservoir to populate the microflora.
A neutral environment with an acidity level of 7-8 ph is considered the best condition. If the acidity drops to 5, then you urgently need to acidify the water with soda or limestone. Therefore, do not forget about acidity measurements in different places of the pond, because it depends on the speed of interaction of substances with the sun.
And before the fish are released into the pond, it is necessary to balance the temperatures in the pond, and in the tank where the fish were kept all the time, in order to exclude for them a temperature shock, which even adults can not bear.
Best fish food
You were able to find out what kind of fish to breed in the pond in the country. Now it is worth figuring out what food to use in order for your fish to eat and grow well in the pond. For carp and tench, this is not a matter of principle, they will gratefully absorb everything that the owner gave them. Usually they are fed a simple compound feed for birds or pigs. If it is presented as a powder, then it will need to be mixed with pond water to form a porridge.
The rest of the fish respect a mixture of cereals and legumes. It needs to be scalded before feeding for better swelling. Well, no fish will ever deny itself the pleasure of eating earthworms or some kind of insects. In terms of quantity, the feed may exceed the weight of the fish, but not more than by 6 percent.
Usually fish are fed twice a day, always in the same place. A shallow place is best for this, where you can put a tray of treats directly into the water, and then remove it. This will eliminate possible food debris in the water, which will quickly spoil the water.
Summing up
Now you know how to breed fish in a dug pond. Who's to say that fish can't be trained? Try to feed them in one place at the same time and see what happens! And if you also accustom them to the sound of a bell before feeding, then your fish will look like obedient students who are going to a lesson with a bell.
Such a pond can be used not only for your own pleasure, but also as a source of income. After all, you can not only sell surplus farmed fish, but also rent a pond for fishing on an hourly basis. Or maybe you can think of something else!
How nice it would be on a sunny summer day to sit on the shore of a pond located in your own summer cottage, admire the sun glare on the surface of the water ... Or maybe catch a couple of fresh fish for dinner? Why not. Breeding carp in a pond in the country, as well as other fish species, has long been not a dream, but a reality. There would be free space, time and a great desire to make your place of rest even better.
Contemplation of water is one of the most natural, natural meditations, so to speak. A great way to leave everything bad, relax, and recharge with positive energy. Artificial reservoirs in this regard are no worse than natural ones. Especially if such a reservoir is naturally inscribed in the landscape, beautifully decorated with stones or plants. And if fish also live in it, for example, a cute trout, this is doubly valuable.
This is what the reservoirs in the summer cottage will be useful for:
- Site decoration. It does not matter what your summer cottage is intended for - growing crops (and, therefore, manual labor), or solely for recreation. In any case, an artificial reservoir will be a wonderful decoration of the site.
- Resting-place. After work, it will be pleasant to relax by the pond on the site, contemplating the water and the fish playing in it.
- Communication of the child with nature. If you have children, the pond will be a great introduction to wildlife for them. Kids will love watching the fish, and you can also teach them to take care of their smaller brothers by entrusting feeding the inhabitants of the pond.
- Communication of nature with nature. If you have pets - a cat or a dog, for them an artificial pond will also become a favorite place, especially in the heat, and watching fish (attempts to catch fish are not excluded) - entertainment.
- A way to diversify the menu. In the dacha pond, you can grow not only ornamental fish, but also quite edible ones. For example, crucian carp or trout. It's always nice to cook fish for dinner, which you not only caught, but also raised.
- Earning option. Well, a large pond in the country for fish farming is an option for a small business or just an additional income. After all, its inhabitants, both decorative and edible, can be grown not only for their own needs, but also for sale.
And of course, such a reservoir, like everything that is done with your own hands, will bring joy and satisfaction both from the process of work and from the result.
Features of the country pond
Suppose you have enough space at your summer cottage, the desire to create a reservoir with your own hands for fish farming is also, and in abundance. Now the main thing is to take into account all the nuances, because the place of the place is different, and what you have may not be suitable in its existing form.
So what to consider before making a fish pond? First, the place must be elevated. If you equip a reservoir in a lowland, then all rainwater and dirt will subsequently drain into it. Secondly, the water area should be located in such a way that in the daytime half of it is illuminated by the sun, and the other is in the shade. As a result, the water will warm up well, and the fish, if something happens, will have a place to rest from the heat.
Thirdly, the pond is made away from trees and bushes. Incorrect setting in this case will lead to the fact that the water will wash away the roots. This is harmful to both the plants themselves and the pond. The fact is that rotting roots will lead to a deterioration in water quality, which will harm the fish. Decay processes steal oxygen. Foliage falling into the water will lead to a similar result, besides the fact that it is simply not aesthetically pleasing.
Fourth, from a practicality point of view, places with clay, heavy rocky soil should be avoided. This is because it will be more difficult to build a reservoir on it, or rather, to dig a hole for it.
Don't be discouraged if you don't have a place on your site that meets all of these criteria. You can always make a redevelopment of the site. If you wish, you can even sprinkle it - that is, raise it. The shadow is created artificially without problems, the plants are also clearly not planted throughout the territory. Well, the issue of stony soil is easily solved with the help of special equipment. But the bottom of such a pond will be stronger.
It is difficult to imagine modern landscaping without water bodies, and if earlier the creation of an artificial reservoir was ...
What are the reservoirs for fish
So how to make a fish pond? There are four popular options for building this structure in the country:
- Earthen option. Simplest. These fish ponds are simply dug into the ground. The bottom and sides are sealed as much as possible. Its main drawback is that due to insufficient tightness, water will gradually go into the soil, which means that it needs to be replenished.
- Sealed with foil. Ordinary plastic, PVC or special film is laid on the bottom and walls of such a structure and does not allow water to pass through. However, choosing this option, you need to be prepared for the fact that the film, alas, is not durable. After a few years (an average of 10), the reservoir for fish farming will have to be completely drained, animals and vegetation have to be put somewhere, the film has to be changed and practically start all over again.
- Concrete. A very practical and sealed, moreover, an uncomplicated option for creating a pond in the country with your own hands. Of course, you will have to spend more effort, time and money on it than in the first two options. But it will last incomparably longer. First, the bottom and walls of the excavated pit are covered with a film, then they are concreted with the addition of reinforcement.
- Plastic. A simple and convenient option using a ready-made plastic container as a base. All that is required to make a pond with your own hands is to dig it into the ground, “populate” it with living creatures and vegetation, and decorate it beautifully. However, you can't walk around here - the possible sizes of plastic containers, alas, are not large. Accordingly, in terms of fish, this option is suitable only for small decorative individuals in limited quantities.
You should choose from your own capabilities, preferences, as well as the characteristics of the site. The video at the end of the article will help you choose the best option.
Three-storey fish house
To make fish farming in artificial reservoirs comfortable, first of all, for her, you need to take into account some features.
The depth of the tank for the fish kingdom should be presented in three levels, with a natural decrease and increase.
So, in the deepest part, the pond should be no deeper than two meters, but not less than one. This is necessary in order to ensure optimal wintering. At depth, nothing bad will happen to the fish in the cold. Also, a pit is necessary for breeding crayfish.
Next comes the shallow water zone - from 30 to 50 cm. This part is important, because it is at this depth that most plants feel best. And the plants must be bred to provide the pond with oxygen.
And from 30 cm to zero there is a coastal zone. Here the water warms up especially well, attracting the inhabitants of the pond. Insect larvae swim here, in particular mosquitoes that eat fish. Also, the coastal zone is necessary for the rearing of young animals. The fry invariably “graze” in flocks closer to the shore. Shallow water is also useful for the land inhabitants of the dacha - small animals and birds will also be able to splash and drink here.
Suitable plants are planted around the pond, a stone border is laid out, and other decorative design elements are used. There are no strict requirements, it all depends on the personal preferences of the owners.
Water and more
For raising fish in a home pond, any kind of water is not suitable. It is not recommended to take it from natural sources, as it may be contaminated with something. For the same reason, you should not take plants and fish from nature, but rather purchase it in specialized stores.
For do-it-yourself fish farming, tap water, but purified and prepared, is suitable. There are special additives that make it possible to make an unusable liquid suitable for a summer pond.
It is important to remember that it is impossible, having barely filled the container with water, and immediately populate it with fish. In order for the correct microclimate and silt layer to form, you must first plant the plants and wait.
It will take at least a month for favorable conditions for fish to form in the reservoir. Then the water should be drained without damaging the sludge and the container should be filled clean. When it settles a little, it's time to start up the tenants.
The choice of plants is a responsible matter. They saturate the pond not only with oxygen, but also with nutrients. Often, the plants themselves are used as food for fish. What greens should be planted in a summer cottage? Water lilies will become a real decoration. Suitable are water hyacinths, water walnut, chickweed, telorez, water mint, chastoha, marsh marigold, fir panicle and others. To prevent overgrowing of a large area, special bags are made in which gravel is placed, and then vegetation is planted.
Growing fish in the country requires constant monitoring of the quality and composition of water, its hardness and acidity. There are additives that improve these indicators. Also, an aeration device will be useful. This is especially important in winter in order to avoid mass death of fish due to lack of oxygen, as happens in the wild. It is also necessary to feed your pets with special food.
A body of water is a small closed ecosystem, within which a certain balance must always be maintained. The most important ...
The best fish for your pond
… And now everything is ready. The pond is well equipped, the plants are sprouting, the water is optimal. It's time to move in! What types of fish are best for a pond in the country? First you need to decide what goals you are interested in: the aesthetic pleasure of observing animals or eating them. For the first, decorative fish are needed, for the second, edible ones.
Decorative types include:
- goldfish;
- koi carp;
- minnow;
- verkhovka;
- orpha;
- sunny perch.
Unconditional favorites are goldfish, captivating with their color and unpretentiousness. Koi carp farming is also gaining popularity. These are large (up to 80 cm) fish with a magnificent variegated color. A shallow body of water is not suitable for them. The depth for carp should be about 2 meters. These aquatic inhabitants are highly voracious and omnivorous. In the presence of plant food, they will be content with it, in the absence they can eat other fish and fry. They are interesting in that after some time they begin to recognize their owner - when feeding, they almost take food from their hands.
There are also plenty of fish species suitable for cultivation. Pay attention to the unpretentious, hardy carp and tench. They do not need a lot of oxygen and special feed. However, they grow rapidly. This also includes common carp. Only he needs more space, like the pike perch, which grows to impressive sizes. Ruffs, gobies, minnows are unpretentious and omnivorous.
Is trout breeding possible? Yes, trout do well in such conditions. There is only one but. If your dream is to breed trout for human consumption, nothing will come of it. These fish need to travel to the cold northern rivers and streams for spawning. Trout does not breed under normal and comfortable conditions. Therefore, it can be grown only for decorative purposes and periodically replenish the trout "livestock".
And for crayfish, a rather deep hole is required - at least a meter, and cozy places for "houses". These creatures live one at a time, each needs a reliable shelter under a stone, a snag. Therefore, at the bottom, it is necessary to provide a sufficient number of loopholes and building material. They also need to be fed - meat, fish.
Conclusion
If you follow all the rules and approach business with full responsibility, then a fish hobby, whether it be breeding crucian carp, trout in a pond, crayfish, koi or any other species, will bring joy, satisfaction, and can also diversify the menu and even bring a small additional income.
Study in advance all the information on how to properly equip a fish house. Learn about the features of different types, and most importantly - their compatibility. After all, a seemingly charming creature can turn out to be a formidable predator that will mercilessly destroy all its competitors.
You should also take care of devices and additives that will ensure the correct composition and properties of water, about feeding, about wintering. And most importantly, even if your goal is to make a profit, do not overpopulate the pond. For normal development, fish require space.
Can be used not only for decorative purposes, but also for fish farming. In a small artificial reservoir with a depth of 2 m, more than 200 individuals of carp or crucian carp can be kept. Crayfish can also be populated in the reservoir.
Moisture resistant coating
If you do not strengthen the walls of the pond, then over time, the water will wash out the ground. To avoid landslides and water leakage, the inner surface of the pond is covered with plastic wrap, which does not allow water to pass through. A pond 2 m deep, 3.5 m wide and 8 m long will require about 50 m 2 of plastic wrap.
Three cuts of the double film sleeve, 15 m long and 3 m wide, need to be soldered to obtain the required size of the moisture-resistant coating. Soldering is carried out using a soldering iron for polypropylene pipes, heated to a temperature of 260 ° C, and the rules. A strip of paper is placed under a hot soldering iron. After soldering, you should get two even seams 1 cm wide.
Lay a double-layer soldered film in the pit. Over time, the top coat will deteriorate. A two-layer coating will last longer.
A fence can be made around the perimeter so that animals do not fall into the pit before it is filled with water. In addition, the fence will serve as protection from thieves, and its supports are perfect for installing lighting.
Lighting installation and safety
Metal pillars 2.5 m high are installed around the entire perimeter of the pond at a distance of 2.5 m - 3 m from each other. Then they are covered with a netting. An electrical panel with a socket for an aerator and a switch must be installed inside the fence.
Two are installed on one of the pillars. One of them should be directed towards the pond, and the other in the opposite direction. A light sensor can be installed on the lamps so that they automatically turn on in the evening or in cloudy weather.
The aerator and lamps will receive power from the electrical network shared with the residential building. To avoid electric shock, a separate high-sensitivity RCD is installed in the house. If a wire breaks, a pump or aerator breaks down, the protective device will cut off the electricity supply.
Arrangement and filling of the pond
In order to breed fish, you need to create all the conditions for its comfortable life:
- cover the plastic cover at the bottom of the pond with clay and sand;
- make a wintering pit for fish;
- install artificial burrows and a place for masonry;
- lay logs, stones on the bottom, plant algae in the pond, that is, create conditions close to natural.
The logs need to be weighted down so that they do not float when the pond is filled with water. The luggage space is a wooden canopy with several artificial holes made of plastic pipes or bottles.
The canopy can be raised above the surface of the water and a ladder can be attached to it. Then you can swim in the pond.
At this stage, you can fill the pond with water two-thirds and send several fish there. Typically, 20% of the maximum number of individuals is first populated. 50 small fish can be put into the pond for 250 fish. It is desirable that these are three different types.
Strengthening the pond bank and planting algae
To plant plants in a pond, use a pots filled with clay and sand. These pots are lowered to a depth of 20-50 cm and fixed with wire.
When fixing the planter, do not pierce the plastic cover. For fasteners, a nylon mesh is used, under which a stainless steel wire is run.
Higher algae and marsh plants are planted in an artificial pond, such as:
- golden algae;
- cryptophytes;
- calamus marsh.
After the plants are planted, the bank of the pond is reinforced with oak stumps. They are nailed to a nylon mesh. This additionally protects the pond from landslides and also provides overflow protection. For aesthetics, the bank can be leveled by pouring sand and clay into the level with the stumps.
Fish food
The fish will grow slowly if you do not find a suitable food base for it. Make a fish feeder and fill it with food regularly. Steamed wheat, millet or barley can be used as feed. As a treat, the fish are fed earthworms, bloodworms, or wheat malt.
Water filtration
To filter water, an inclined reservoir is made next to the pond, filled with rubble and covered with a fine mesh, for example, an old curtain. This is a bioplato. It is necessary to supply water to the filter container and back to the pond through a hose passing through the mesh.
Preparing for winter and liming the pond
The pond needs to be prepared for winter. In order to provide oxygen for the fish, reeds are placed in the water. This plant will keep the water from freezing and a natural hole will form.
In winter, the fish hibernates and does not move. Because of this, it is susceptible to pest attacks. For the prevention of diseases in the fall, the pond is liming. 6 kg of lime are added to 50 m 3 of water.
By placing the right fish species in an artificial reservoir, you will always have access to fish specialties and meat. How to breed fish in a home pond correctly - read in this article.
When planning fish farming in a pond on a personal plot, you need to choose the right type of fish, focusing on financial capabilities, features of the reservoir and water characteristics. In addition, it is important to take into account the water temperature and climatic conditions of the region. Today we will give the characteristics of the most common types of fish and talk about the features of their cultivation.
What is the best fish to breed in a small pond
When choosing a type of fish, first of all, they are guided by the climatic zone in which the backyard farm is located. For example, species adapted for breeding in southern regions are not suitable for northern latitudes and vice versa. In addition, the quality of the water and the intensity of the water supply must be considered.
Below are the main characteristics of common breeding species. These tips will help you determine which fish is best to breed in your small home pond.
Fish breeds
When choosing which fish is best to breed in a pond, you should definitely familiarize yourself with the most common breeds of aquatic pets, the peculiarities of their cultivation and the main characteristics.
To help you choose which breed is best to breed in your large and small pond, we provide detailed descriptions of the most popular breeds.
Possesses many useful economic qualities and is bred in many farms. This is one of the most unpretentious freshwater species: it easily tolerates changes in feed and chemical composition of water.
Carp are thermophilic, so the optimal temperature for growth and reproduction is in the range of 18-30 degrees. The period of onset of puberty also depends on the temperature regime. In temperate and cold climates, sexual maturity occurs at 4-5 years, and in southern latitudes - at the second or third. It is noteworthy that males mature earlier than females. However, if the carp is provided with a consistently high temperature, sexual maturity can occur at one year of age (Figure 1).
Note: Fecundity of females is very high, but it depends on the conditions of keeping. As a rule, spawning takes place near the coast, and the optimal water temperature is 17-20 degrees.
The larvae hatch and begin to actively feed within 3-6 days after spawning. To feed the larvae, you need to use small plankton (daphnia, rotifers, cyclops), and with age they gradually switch to bloodworms or mollusks, but willingly eat food of plant origin.
Carp grows quite quickly, and at the age of three years, its weight exceeds 1 kg, but in good conditions, carp can reach a weight of 2 kg.
Figure 1. Carp: adults and fry There are several types of carp, which differ in the type of scales: scaly, mirrored scattered, mirrored linear and leathery (naked). The first two types are suitable for breeding in temperate climates, but regardless of the type, carp will grow well in a shallow warm reservoir with a weak current.
- Golden crucian carp
Small fish without antennae, with copper-red sides (Figure 2). It is best grown in stagnant bodies of water with a muddy bottom. Golden crucian carp is unpretentious to growing conditions, and normally tolerates increased acidity of water or reduced oxygen content. Sexual maturity occurs at two to four years, and spawning occurs in several stages at intervals of two weeks.
Figure 2. Gold and goldfishGolden crucian carp feeds on small plankton and aquatic vegetation, and the weight of an adult can reach 3 kg, but more often it is caught after reaching a weight of 0.5 kg. The value of the golden carp is also in the fact that it can be grown in any water bodies and crossed with other species (for example, with carp or goldfish). Hybrids are highly resistant and undemanding to nutritional and maintenance conditions.
- Goldfish
Unlike the golden crucian carp with a round body, this species has an angular shape, and the body is covered with large silvery scales (Figure 2). Like the species described above, the goldfish is undemanding to keeping conditions, and can eat both animal and plant foods, but it reaches the required weight much faster.
Note: The goldfish has an unusual biological feature. In cold and temperate climates, the number of males and females in spawning is approximately the same, and in other areas, only females are in the offspring, which reproduce by crossing with other species (carp, tench, goldfish).
Goldfish is excellent for growing in reservoirs with an unfavorable chemical composition of water.
- White amur
It is a large breed that grows rapidly. The motherland of grass carp is the rivers of the Far East and China, and in the European part of Russia it began to be grown only in the middle of the twentieth century.
The body of a white carp can reach 1 meter, covered with large scales. The weight is 40-50 kg. It feeds mainly on plant foods, giving preference to young plants, but adults can also eat hard reeds or cattails. In addition, they can feed on terrestrial vegetation that has fallen into the reservoir (clover, cereals, alfalfa).
Growth and puberty are dependent on the temperature of the water. In southern regions with consistently high temperatures, grass carp grows year-round, but if the temperature drops below 10 degrees, the individual stops feeding and growing.
Note: The ability of grass carp to eat large amounts of plant food allows it to be used as a purifier for overgrown reservoirs.
Sexual maturity occurs at seven to eight years (in males) and at eight to nine (in females). The timing of its onset depends not only on temperature, but also on the food supply. Under natural conditions, spawning takes place in the beds of large rivers with a fast current, and under artificial growing conditions - directly into the water column. Hatching of larvae occurs in about a day, but in artificial reservoirs this process can be controlled by changing the temperature of the water.
- Black carp
In terms of the region of distribution and the shape of the body, black carp is similar to white, but its body is covered with large black scales. Under favorable growing conditions, the weight of an adult can reach 55 kg. Unlike grass carp, black carp feeds on molluscs, and larvae feed on zooplankton.
Figure 3. Types of grass carp: 1 - white, 2 - grass carp, 3 - black - Silver carp
A characteristic feature is a large head with low-set eyes. Silver carps grow quickly, and the weight of an adult can reach 50 kg.
Figure 4. Silver carp: 1 - white, 2 - variegated, 3 - fry The silver carp and the silver carp differ in some external features (Figure 4). The variegated has a larger head, and the scales are silvery, with brown spots on the sides. In the silver carp, the scales are also silvery, but they do not have spots. In addition, they differ in the structure of the filtration apparatus: in the variegated gill rakers are long and frequent, while in the white they grow together, forming a network for filtering algae and small plankton. These differences can be determined only at the age of 3-5 years, when the individual reaches a sufficiently large size.
The silver carp feeds on various types of algae, but does not perceive artificial feed. The exception is the silver carp, which can also eat artificial feed.
Note: The silver carp also consumes animal plankton, so it should not be grown together with carp, so that there is no food competition in the reservoir.
Sexual maturity occurs earlier in the silver carp (at three to seven years), and the variegated one becomes mature at four to eight years (depending on the region of cultivation). Modern breeders have developed a hybrid of these two species, which is fast growing and can eat both plant and animal food.
- Buffalo
Found naturally in America. It is a large breed that looks like a carp and grows quickly. There are several types of buffalo, which differ in size and weight of adults: largemouth (up to 45 kg), smallmouth (15-18 kg) and black (up to 7 kg). In addition, they differ in the structure of the filtration apparatus and the type of food, but they mainly eat plankton, although compound feed can also be used for cultivation.
Figure 5. Appearance of the Buffalo breed - Channel catfish
A large individual, the weight of which can reach 30 kg. Channel catfish were originally grown in the United States, but later they spread throughout the world. Catfish is thermophilic, and the optimal temperature for growth is 25-30 degrees, but channel catfish successfully endures winter even in reservoirs covered with a layer of ice. However, it is picky about the oxygen content in water.
Channel catfish is omnivorous, can feed on plankton, small molluscs and small fish. Sexual maturity occurs at 5-8 years, and spawning occurs in summer, when the water temperature reaches 20-22 degrees, but for the larvae to bite, the temperature must be higher (up to 30 degrees).
In temperate climates, channel catfish are grown primarily in cages placed in temperature-controlled reservoirs. Catfish grows quickly, and its meat has a high gastronomic value, but for this it is necessary to feed it with high-quality protein and fortified feed (slaughterhouse waste or minced fish mixed with mixed feed).
- Trout
It is a carnivore that lives in the fresh waters of North America. The diet depends on the age of the individual. Fry feed on algae or zooplankton, while adults feed on shellfish, tadpoles, small fish and insects. With a lack of feed, cannibalism can begin, therefore, when growing trout-fish, you need to make sure that the individuals have enough feed, and the fry must be separated from the adults. From Figure 6, you can tell what a trout snapper looks like.
Figure 6. Species for breeding in a pond: 1 - channel catfish, 2 and 3 - trout fish Sexual maturity occurs in the first or third year of life (depending on the temperature regime). Spawning begins when the water temperature reaches 18 degrees. To lay eggs, the male digs a small nest in dense ground, and after the female has laid eggs, the male guards the nest for several weeks.
The trout eater grows rapidly, and if it is intensively fed and kept in the right conditions, in the second year of life, the weight of an individual can reach two kilograms. Trout meat tastes like trout meat.
- Sturgeon
Sturgeon breeding is one of the most profitable in fish farming. The most common sturgeon species are considered (Figure 7):
- Bester is a hybrid of beluga and sterlet. It adapts perfectly to various conditions of detention and can be bred in both fresh and salt water. In the bester, puberty begins early, and the individual quickly gains weight.
- Lena sturgeon outwardly resembles a sterlet, but it is much larger. It feeds on insects, molluscs and small fish. Sexual maturity occurs at 10-12 years of age, and tolerates high water temperatures (more than 30 degrees), but the best temperature for breeding is considered to be in the range of 15-25 degrees.
- Paddlefish began to be bred in the United States, but now it is common in Russia. It is the only insect that feeds on plant food and zooplankton. This is a large individual, which, subject to the correct growing conditions, can reach a weight of 80 kg and a length of 2 meters. When kept in reservoirs with a water temperature of 20-25 degrees, paddlefish grows rapidly, and already in the second year of life, the weight reaches 4 kg.
Figure 7. Sturgeon species: 1 - bester, 2 - Lena sturgeon, 3 - paddlefish Paddlefish tolerates winter well and can stay under the ice for several months. Paddlefish meat resembles beluga meat, and caviar is similar to sturgeon caviar.
- Acne
There are 15 species of eel, but mostly European and Japanese eel are bred (Figure 8). The eel has a long body with short fins. The eel is an anadromous species and reproduces in the ocean. For example, the European eel goes for spawning to the Bermuda and Bahamas in the Atlantic Ocean, and the current carries the eggs to European rivers, where it develops in the future.
Figure 8. Types of eel: 1 - European, 2 - Japanese Long and narrow containers are best for growing eels. Eels are predators, so small frogs, crustaceans, insects and fry are used to feed them.
- Tilapia
In the wild, it is found in Africa and the Middle East. Tilapia reproduces easily, grows quickly and is undemanding to feed. The meat has a high gastronomic value (Figure 9).
There are about 70 types of tilapia, but the genus Oreoochromis is considered the most common. The development of eggs occurs in the oral cavity of an adult, which has a positive effect on the replenishment of the population. Under favorable breeding conditions and keeping in warm water, tilapia spawns several times a year, but it does not differ in high fertility.
Figure 9. Adult tilapia and its fry Tilapia is undemanding to keeping conditions: it can be bred in fresh and brackish water bodies, as well as in ponds and pools with a low oxygen content. However, for full growth, the water temperature should not be lower than 13 degrees. It feeds on plant food, but some varieties also eat plankton.
Belongs to the species that thrive in cool water. It is quite simple to breed it, and the meat is distinguished by its high taste. The color of the trout is silver with black dots, and a bright rainbow stripe runs along the side (Figure 10).
Figure 10. Adults and fry of rainbow trout The optimum temperature for dilution is considered to be 16-18 degrees, but at the same time there should be enough oxygen in the water. If its content is 3 mg / l or less, the trout will die.
It feeds mainly on insects, tadpoles and crustaceans, but adults can also eat small fish. In case of artificial breeding, it is better to feed trout with protein compound feed.
Sexual maturity in rainbow trout occurs at two to three years, and fertility depends on the age and weight of the individual.
- Peled
It is found in rivers and lakes with cool water. Differs in fast growth, undemanding conditions of keeping and feeding.
Figure 11. Peled (adults and fry) It can feed on aquatic plants, small plankton and insects. In comparison with trout, peled is less demanding on water quality and oxygen content.
- Peipsi whitefish
It is found in Lake Peipsi, but it can also be grown in other artificially created lakes. The weight of an adult can exceed 3 kg. For the rapid growth of the Chud whitefish, it is necessary to provide it with clean water at a temperature of 15-20 degrees and high-quality animal feed (Figure 12).
In the wild, it occurs in the Arctic waters, where the summer is very short. It grows very quickly and reaches puberty at three to four years. Spawning begins in November when the first ice begins to form (Figure 12).
Figure 12. Freshwater breeds: 1 - Chud whitefish, 2 - broad Due to its rapid growth and simple maintenance, the broadleaf can be bred in artificial reservoirs of the northern regions. Additionally, a hybrid was created - pelchir (based on peled and broadleum), which is less picky about feed, has increased resistance to diseases and accelerated growth.
Can be bred in stagnant cool waters. The only breeding requirement is to provide quality feed of animal origin (insect larvae, frogs, tadpoles or fry).
Pike should be reared separately from other species, and since it grows fast enough, the reservoir for its maintenance should be large.
Figure 13. Adult pike and its fry It got its name due to its biological feature: it changes color after being caught. After being pulled out of the water, it immediately becomes covered with black spots, which disappear and yellow skin is visible in their place. This is because the skin of the tench is covered with a thick layer of mucus that hardens in air (Figure 14).
Figure 14. Adult tench and its fry For tench breeding, it is better to use calm waters with a weak current and a lot of vegetation. The tench feeds on small crustaceans, molluscs, insect larvae and remnants of food that has settled on the bottom. Due to this, the tench is grown together with other species, mainly carp. The only drawback of the tench is its slow growth.
It is found in fresh waters with warm water. Catfish are carnivorous, and feed on fry, frogs, crustaceans, and sometimes they can eat small waterfowl.
Catfish can be bred in small reservoirs, canals, or simply pits filled with water. In winter, the catfish hibernates and is highly resilient. An overview of popular types of fish intended for breeding in ponds in personal plots is given in the video.
How to breed fish in your home pond
If there is a free area on the site, it may well be used for arranging a pond and breeding aquatic pets. In addition, such a reservoir can have not only practical, but also decorative value: if you install a mini-waterfall or an alpine slide on it, such a pond will become a real decoration of the site.
But most often, home ponds are used precisely for breeding and further catching fish for consumption. It is important to properly organize the conditions for reproduction and growth of the livestock, and choose the right breeds that will easily take root in your reservoir.
You will learn more about breeding in the video.
What you need to know
To regularly get a rich catch, you need to know exactly how to breed fish in your home pond.
This process has some peculiarities. First of all, you need to correctly build an artificial reservoir, comfortable for fish not only in summer, but also in winter. The depth of the pond should be at least 120 cm, but if possible, it is advisable to make the reservoir deeper. This is necessary, since in severe frost the water will simply freeze and the individuals will die.
Note: In winter, ice holes are made in the ice so that the pets do not suffer from a lack of oxygen. If you are planning a large-scale breeding, it is better to install a water pump or air compressor right away.
The size of the pond directly depends on the number of livestock that will be in it. For example, for small breeds (up to 10 cm in length), a reservoir with a volume of water of 50 liters is needed, and if the fish grows larger, then a much larger pond is needed.
Other important breeding points include:
- Adjustment of the number of livestock is necessary, since when the pond is overpopulated, the individuals will begin to hurt or fight for food, which ultimately will lead to the death of some of the individuals. To prevent this, part of the livestock will have to be caught for sale or consumption.
- The correct selection of material for the walls and bottom of the reservoir also plays an important role, since it must be absolutely safe. For this purpose, it is better to choose a high-quality film or special coatings for artificial reservoirs. The bottom must be covered with a layer of sand and gravel with underwater plants, which will not only create comfortable living conditions for the fish, but also provide it with additional food.
- Feeding should be moderate, and active complementary feeding is recommended only in summer or spring, when the underwater inhabitants are growing and developing. After feeding (after about 10 minutes), the remains of the food are caught from the surface of the water so that it does not deteriorate and cause water to rot. In autumn, feeding is stopped, since when the temperature drops below 10 degrees, the fish completely stop feeding.
It is important to properly relocate the purchased fish to the new reservoir. To do this, it is placed for some time on the surface of the water directly in the bag for transportation and only after that it is released directly into the water. This is necessary for the fish to adapt to the new temperature conditions and not experience shock. In no case should individuals caught in the river be released into the artificial pond. They can be infected with dangerous diseases and become a source of infection for other individuals. It is recommended to buy fish for home breeding only in specialized farms or pet stores. If you find a sick individual (lying on its side, swimming strangely, rubbing against objects, and a white bloom has appeared on its body), be sure to isolate it and take preventive measures with the rest of the individuals.
Peculiarities
It seems to many that it is difficult to breed fish in a pond on the site, but this task is quite simple and within the power of anyone who knows the basic features of growing.
Figure 15. Basic requirements for home ponds It is best to populate the fish in an existing, natural reservoir located on the site. If this is not the case, the pond is dug independently. The main feature that will help to equip an artificial reservoir in the country is the correct selection of the variety.
So, what kind of fish can be grown in a pond in the country? The best breed is considered to be carp, which feels good in small bodies of water and quickly gains mass, as it spends less energy looking for food.
Note: A small reservoir is also convenient for the owner, since such a reservoir is much easier to care for.
For breeding carp or crucian carp, a pond with a size of 4 * 6 meters and a depth of up to one and a half meters will be enough. To determine the optimal number of individuals, you need to calculate the volume of the reservoir. Based on this indicator, no more than 20 individuals are populated per cube of pond water.
Another advantage of a small reservoir is the fact that the water quickly warms up in it, which has a beneficial effect on the growth and development of carp. The optimal temperature regime is considered to be within 24-26 degrees. If this indicator is higher or lower, pets will slow down the basic life processes, they will stop eating and growing.
Rules
Breeding fish in a home pond is not a difficult task, but it still requires adherence to certain rules.
The main nuances that should be taken into account are as follows(Figure 15):
- The bottom and walls of the pit must be well leveled and tamped, and it is advisable to additionally cover the bottom with cement;
- The bottom of the reservoir can be covered with film or old cameras from the wheels of trucks, and if you plan to grow not only fish, but also crayfish, you need to place old pots or pipes on the bottom in which crayfish will hide during molting;
- To fill the pond, you can use any water: well, spring or even tap water. But it is not recommended to immediately populate the fish, since the liquid should warm up well in the sun, slightly stagnate and populate with microorganisms.
To speed up the process of preparing water in a pond for settlement, you can pour several buckets of water from another artificial reservoir in which fish are bred into it, or place a bunch of grass on the bottom.
What should be the conditions for fish in a pond
For normal life, fish need to create optimal conditions. First of all, this requirement applies to acidity: its indicator should not exceed 7-8 pH.
Note: If the acidity in the pond is too low, you can always increase it by adding a solution of soda or limestone.
The temperature regime also plays an important role. Before settling, it is necessary to equalize the temperature in the pond and in the containers in which the individuals were transported. This will help reduce the risk of developing temperature shock and prevent the death of young individuals on the first day after relocation.
Dry feed is mixed with water to form a thick porridge, and compound feed can be replaced with cereals or legumes. They are steamed and given in a swollen form. It is advisable to feed the fish at the same time, and pour the food onto a specific area of the pond. It is advisable to equip special pallet feeders for this purpose. They are easy to remove from the water for cleaning, and the use of such devices will help to control the amount of uneaten food and prevent sour water.
How to breed fish in a pond: video
To more accurately determine how to prepare a reservoir for fish farming and what conditions must be provided for aquatic pets, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the video. Its author will tell in detail useful tips and tricks for keeping and breeding fish in a pond in the country.
How to raise paddlefish in a pond
Paddlefish is an amazing creature, because this species can live in almost any climate, from subtropical to harsh continental.
Growing paddlefish is possible only in reservoirs with a good bottom and the ability to supply and pump out water (Figure 16). In fact, the ponds in which carp were previously raised are suitable for this species, however, it should be borne in mind that in order to obtain enough meat, paddlefish must be kept for several years.
For feeding, use natural feed of reservoirs (zooplankton and phytoplankton). In order for paddlefish to constantly have access to a natural food base, mineral fertilizers must be applied to the pond, often in fractional portions. It is important to thoroughly dissolve the fertilizer in water so that the paddlefish do not eat the particles or poison them. Superphosphate, lime, potassium permanganate or very high-quality rotted manure after a preliminary laboratory test for chemical composition are suitable for fertilizing a reservoir.
Peculiarities
There are some features that must be taken into account when growing paddlefish.
Firstly, fry and adult fish cannot be kept in the same reservoir. When the pond is overpopulated, the adults will begin to eat the young.
Figure 16. Breeding paddlefish in a home pond Herbivorous fish are considered the best neighbors for paddlefish, with the exception of silver carp, which is very close to paddlefish in terms of the feed ration, therefore, mainly carp, grass carps and channel catfish are added to ponds.
The advantage of breeding paddlefish is also explained by the fact that this fish is very easy to catch using a seine or any other simple fishing device.
Rules
For paddlefish breeding to be successful, it is necessary to provide the individuals with a good flow of oxygen, since paddlefish are more demanding on saturating the reservoir with air.
Note: The optimal level is considered to be 5 mg of oxygen per liter of water, but paddlefish will normally tolerate a slight decrease in this indicator (up to 2 mg / l) for a short time.
Larvae and fry are kept separately from adults, and from one year of age they are bred together with other fish (silver carp, white and black carp).
Grown up individuals, starting from the age of seven, are kept in separate reservoirs, and for the winter they are deposited in separate ponds. They must be deep enough, at least one and a half meters, so that the fish can move freely in the water column even after the surface of the reservoir freezes.
The larvae are fed with small aquatic insects and zooplankton, and it is desirable to feed it in suspension. Adults are necessarily weighed during the capture process and only the largest individuals are selected, and the rest are left to obtain eggs.
