What kind of fish are grown artificially in small ponds. Home-based fish farming as a business

Pond fish farming as a business is not the easiest thing to do, but it has a good profitability.

Russia is a country rich in natural resources. It ranks second after Brazil in terms of water reserves. A large number of reservoirs with fresh water allows you to breed fish. This type of agriculture is currently underdeveloped among modern entrepreneurs, largely due to serious competition with foreign fish suppliers.

From the point of view of profitability, fish farming in a pond allows you to get about 20% of the net profit. This business can be done both in the southern and northern regions of the country. The zone of the Krasnodar Territory is more preferable.

In the article, we will consider the features of fish farming in a pond, find out why this particular breeding format is the most preferable, calculate the profitability, study cultivation technologies, information on feeding.

There are 2 directions of fish farming - in artificial and natural reservoirs. The latter option is rather difficult to implement due to serious administrative barriers. Renting a pond is not easy. It will take time to collect papers, carry out approvals. And you can get the right to rent a specific reservoir only after winning a competitive bidding.

If an entrepreneur does not want to engage in all this paperwork, then he can independently create an artificial reservoir for keeping fish. Today it is grown in one of the following ways:

• in ponds (allows you to grow a large number of fish, including different types, is distinguished by a high level of profit and lower cash costs);
• in swimming pools;
• cage breeding (usually this method is used for breeding large individuals);
• breeding in barrels and tubs (almost always does not imply the possibility of making a large profit).

Businessmen who have decided to seriously engage in fish farming stop at raising fish in a pond. This is the most promising and profitable method.

What is the best fish to grow?

Before choosing a place to breed fish, you need to decide what kind of fish to breed. The most demanded in the sales market today are:

• trout;
• carp.

The ideal option is to raise fish of these two varieties at once. But it is only available if you have a fairly substantial initial capital. If this is not possible, then the following features should be considered:

As you can see, both breeding formats have their own advantages and disadvantages, so the breeder must make the final decision on his own, assessing the level of his knowledge, start-up capital and responsibility.

Choosing a place for fish farming

Surely even novice fish breeders know that the rate of increase in the number and mass of individuals, as well as their health, depends on the level of water temperature and its acidity. It is rather difficult to assess these factors on your own, therefore it is better to use the services of a specialist who can give a fish-biological justification at the end of his work.

The choice of location directly depends on the type of fish. For example, trout feels best at temperatures from 16 0 C to 19 0 C. It is better to keep it in a reservoir with a depth of at least 15 meters.

But carp is more thermophilic. It must be kept at a temperature of 24 0 C - 25 0 C. They do not require great depth. One and a half meters will be enough.

It is better to breed any fish in a drainage pond, so it will be much easier to collect fish for further sale.

If the entrepreneur has already decided that he will breed fish in the pond, then he has a few more unresolved questions. He must:

• choose a growing method;
• properly equip the reservoir;
• purchase the necessary inventory;
• develop a food system in accordance with the recommendations of more experienced businessmen in this field.

The growth rate and further productivity of adults will depend on the amount of food, the correctly selected climatic zone and the quality of water.

Fish farming method

The growth rate of fish depends on the conditions and place of residence. If it is contained in a pond, then it takes about 1.5-2 years to grow. This is how long it takes for a fish to reach a significant mass. To breed individuals in a pond, you can use one of the following methods:

1. extensive (fish eats food from a reservoir, no additional additives are used) - almost does not require current investments from a businessman;
2. intensive (reclamation of the reservoir is carried out to enrich the feed, additionally purchased feed is used) - requires more investments than in the first method, but it allows you to increase the growth rate.

In addition to methods, there are also several technologies for fish farming: traditional and continuous.

The traditional format consists of a 2 to 3 year growing cycle. This technology is used for breeding exclusively herbivorous fish. This technique is not so common today, as it takes a long time. It consists of several stages, ending with the release of water from the pond. In this case, it is necessary to use several types of ponds - wintering, feeding, fry. During the transfer of fish, their mortality is high.

Increasingly, fish breeders today are using continuous technology as it is much easier to apply. According to this method, young animals are raised separately, and then planted in a feeding pond for their further growth and reproduction.

Features of the selection of a site for creating a pond

Fish farming is possible not only outside the city, but also within it, provided that you have your own large plot. The presence of plants in the pond is a must. In no case should there be peat and silt at the bottom. It is important to make sure in advance that the reservoir is suitable specifically for growing and incubation, and not just keeping individuals.

You can choose the decorative elements of the pond at your discretion, but during the construction you need to take into account the following tips from more experienced entrepreneurs engaged in fish farming:

• the most suitable pond volume is from 30 to 50 m 2, a smaller pond will need to be carefully monitored, and a larger pond will result in serious costs;
• you need to place a pond in a low-lying area;
• there must be a shade so that the fish can take refuge in it during the hot season;
• it is better not to make a flat bottom, but to make sections with thresholds, ledges;
• each type of fish requires the creation of a reservoir with different types of soil.

When breeding fish in an artificial pond, it will not do without special equipment. An entrepreneur will need:

• gravity filter (will filter water, easy and convenient to use);
• compressor (will saturate the water with oxygen);
• ultraviolet sterilizer (will not allow the reservoir to bloom).

In addition, other devices may be needed, here everything will already depend on the type of fish being grown.

Diet

One of the most important factors in fast growth is proper feeding of the fish. There is no one-size-fits-all solution. It all depends on the species grown, because each variety has its own food preferences, it grows to a certain size. Of course, much depends on the conditions of detention. If a businessman wants to accelerate the growth of individuals, then food rich in protein should be added to food.

Fish do not require a lot of food. So, to increase the mass by 1 kilogram, the diet must have a value of at least 4,500 kcal.

It is important to monitor the amount of amino acids in food, as they induce appetite and directly affect the rate of mass gain. It also prevents many diseases in fish, especially fry.

A healthy diet must also include:

• vegetable and animal fats;
• fiber (the amount of its consumption depends on the type of farmed fish, the minimum amount is 20%, for some species this value may be even higher);
• biologically active substances (these can be enzymes or premixes);
• cereals (for example, you can add bran to the feed, they will become an excellent source of carbohydrates);
• vitamin B;
• meat products (special flour, low-fat dairy products).

Such a balanced diet will allow the fish to grow quickly and maintain their health and reproduction.

Disease as a cause of high fish mortality

Sometimes entrepreneurs underestimate the impact of disease on reproduction rates and mortality rates. But when you breed fish in a pond, the risk of disease is very high. That is why it is necessary to check the condition of individuals at least once every 10 days. Freshwater fish most often suffer from the following diseases:

Name of the disease	Symptoms of the disease
Rubella	Bulging of the eyes, the skin is inflamed, dropsy begins, minor hemorrhages appear.
Gill rot	Dying off of the edges of the branchial tissue, pallor of the gills. Large individuals refuse to eat, become inactive.
Discocotylosis	The gill tissue is injured. The disease is especially dangerous for young animals.
Ichthyophthyroidism	White bumps appear on the body.
Dactylogyrosis	Decreased level of activity, exhaustion, anemia of the gills, drooping eyes. Usually manifests itself during the hot season. Young individuals are most susceptible to this disease.

Fish distribution channels

Farmed fish are fairly easy to sell. Most often, entrepreneurs use the following sales channels:

• fish shops and kiosks;
• supermarkets and small shops;
• restaurants;
• sale to local residents;
• Internet trade.

To be eligible to sell fish, you must register officially. It is better to choose the unified agricultural tax as a form of tax.

Influence of the seasonality of a business on its payback and financial results

Pond fish farming is a seasonal business. The peak of growth activity occurs in the spring and summer. But even in winter, individuals need to be looked after: feed them, make holes on the ice. Fish are usually sold in the autumn.

The cost per kilogram of fish will depend on the season of sale. The lowest prices will be in September, October and November. But in the remaining months, the cost will be slightly higher, which will allow you to get a higher profit for the sale of the same amount of fish.

It is the seasonality in this area of ​​entrepreneurship that is its main drawback, which negatively affects the development of individual farms. Real income is possible for only 3-4 months. All other periods of time will need to be invested.

So that the enterprise does not turn out to be unprofitable, it is necessary to think over all the nuances in advance, draw up a detailed business plan with accurate calculations. We must not forget that the level of competition in this area is very high, so working in the fishing industry is worth those who are confident in their abilities and are ready to work for the result.

Due to the presence of seasonality, it will not be possible to return your investments quickly. The payback period can reach 6-12 months. And without special knowledge in the fishing industry, you can even go to the minus.

The main cost items will be:

• purchase of fry;
• purchase of feed and all kinds of additives to them;
• purchase of special equipment;
• the costs of arranging the pond and its maintenance.

It is possible to hope for high incomes only in the case of proper maintenance and care of fish, a constant increase in their number. This format of entrepreneurship requires special attention from a businessman or hired staff.

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 goldfish

Golden 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):

1. 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.
2. 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 old, and tolerates high water temperatures (more than 30 degrees), but the best temperature for breeding is considered to be within 15-25 degrees.
3. 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 food ration, therefore, mainly carps, 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.

In their free time, many men like to go fishing. For many of them, business is a dream. Many men would like to have their own fish farm. Is it possible? The director of the fish processing plant, which is the largest in the Moscow region, Andrei Semyonov, talks about the conditions of fish farming and all its secrets.

What is more profitable to breed trout or carp?

In order to start your own business, you need to understand what kind of fish is worth breeding. You will have to make a choice of what to breed - carp or trout. These two types of fish are in the greatest demand, and the very technology of the fish industry will depend on this.

If opportunities allow, then it is worth breeding both carp and trout. Our farm sells about 1000 tons of live fish, and 500-600 tons are grown in the Moscow region, and the rest is imported for sale and overexposure from other fish farms. In addition, we rent reservoirs in the southern regions and breed fish there, arrange paid fishing, and also process it (smoking and canning).

Carp is easier to grow, it is unpretentious, many reservoirs are suitable for it. To breed carp, it is enough to read a book, there are a sufficient number of them on the market. Trout farming costs twice as much and is very moody. You cannot do without a specialist fish breeder, here you need education and experience.

Low fish prices have been formed this year. Trout has fallen in price from 175 to 140 rubles per 1 kg, and carp costs 50-63 rubles per 1 kg. However, the business remains profitable. The average farmer may have higher profits, they do not need to maintain a large staff. The profitability of our plant is 8-9%. This year, all fish farms have switched to a single agricultural tax. We pay the state 6% of income, reduced by expenses, exempt from VAT, unified social tax, income tax, property tax.

Where is the best fish farming business?

Water temperature and oxygen content determine the health and growth of fish. In addition, the condition of the reservoir and its acidity (pH) are important. These factors can be determined by a specialist. It is necessary to carry out a “fish-biological justification”. You can invite specialists from the Research Institute of Fish Farming from Dmitrov, Moscow Region.

Video on this topic:

The optimum water temperature for trout is 16-19 degrees Celsius. At water temperatures up to 24 degrees, fish can die. We keep trout at a depth of 15 meters. At this depth, the water temperature will not rise.

Breeding carp is easier. It is important that the pond is not clogged with dirty drains, decomposing organic matter and oil products. The optimum temperature of the pond is -24-25 degrees, the depth is up to 1.5-1.8 meters.

All fish farming in Russia is divided into zones. Moscow belongs to the first and second zones, and the southern regions, such as the Stavropol and Krasnodar Territories - the fifth, sixth. It is more profitable to breed fish in them, so we began to rent ponds in the Rostov region.

In order to produce 10 tons of carp, you need a pond with an area of ​​5 hectares. The larger the reservoir, the easier it is to breed fish in it. In a large reservoir, the temperature regime is more uniform.

It is advisable that the pond be a drain, this facilitates the process of catching fish. It is possible to build a dam if the reservoir was formed by damming the river.

Enhanced nutrition

The main item of consumption is feed, they will account for 50 to 60% of all costs. From one hectare we get 22 quintals of carp using the high-intensity method (high stocking density plus Reflex feeders with a protein content in feed of at least 26-28%, fat -5-7%. The average price of carp feed is 7-8 rubles for 1 kg.

Trout is more difficult to feed. For her, you need to buy German feed at 0, 7-1 euros per 1 kg. Sergiev Posad produces feed of this level. If you buy cheap feed, the trout meat will be white.

When feeding fish, it is important to know when to stop. Surplus can cause fish to stop growing. Every day, carp need food in the amount of 1.5-3% of the weight of the fish, depending on the temperature of the water.

Trout spends their whole life in cages measuring three by three meters from a nylon mesh, its depth is 5 meters. We make these simple constructions ourselves.

Fish diseases and their prevention

Fish disease and epidemic is the main risk in business. The health of the entire population must be constantly monitored every 10 days. It is necessary to check the condition of internal organs, gills, fish growth. Medicated feed should be added to the diet to enhance immunity.

Size matters

Large fish are in great demand. The optimal weight of carp is 1.2-1.7 kg, trout is 0.8-1 kg. To reach this weight, carp grows for three years.

Trout is grown in 2.5 years. But it can be sold after 1.5 years and weighs 300 grams.

How much can you earn from this?

• Trout stocking material costs 250-400 rubles per 1 kg. Loss should be covered by 10%. It is profitable to buy fertilized eggs in Adler, where 100 thousand eggs cost 20 thousand rubles.
• Planting material for carp costs 60-120 rubles per 1 kg, and the mass of fish is from 14 to 25-40 grams.
• In winter, it is profitable to grow trout at the state district power station. There is an optimal temperature regime.
• If you have trade connections, cage lines, fish trucks, you can buy fish for overexposure.
• The budget can be replenished by arranging paid fishing. It gives 5-6% of the turnover.

Sales problem

• The market will not eat a lot of fish.
• Very strong competition is a problem in the marketing of fish. In addition, the demand for fish has dropped somewhat. This product is not available to all buyers.
• Fish breeders have a difficult relationship with the trade. Everyone is asking for money to put goods on store shelves and not everyone wants to get involved with live fish. All the goods are transported by the fish farms themselves.
• Wholesalers don't deal with live fish, and stores don't want to take on that burden.
• Only 10% of stores have aquariums for fish in Moscow. In addition, all shops pay for the fish upon sale. Payments are received with a delay of 7 to 30 days.

We can conclude that it is risky to build a fish farming business if you count on a stable sale. It is better to start with the organization of paid fishing.

Artificial ponds in a personal plot can perform not only a decorative function, being an effective part of the design, but also bring good benefits. Fish farming in artificial reservoirs is an exciting activity that allows you to diversify your leisure time and grow ecologically clean fish. When deciding to create a reservoir for fish farming in order to make the dream of fishing in your own summer cottage come true, you need to organize everything correctly. This is what we are going to talk about today.

The ideal option for a good rest and a favorite fishing activity is the location of the site near an existing reservoir. In the absence of the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of nature, the owners of personal plots can always breed fish.

Crucian carp and carp can be safely attributed to the number of the most picky fish in leaving. These unpretentious species perfectly adapt to life even in stagnant and rather shallow bodies of water.

Carp is a fish that gets along well in fairly small areas. As practice shows, carp in small ponds grows faster than in large ponds. This is due to the fact that in a small area the fish spends less energy looking for food. A small pond is also convenient for the owner, since it is easier to care for a small reservoir.

The dimensions of the pit may vary depending on the preferences and capabilities of the site owner.

A small pond can accommodate up to two dozen crucians and several medium-sized carps. On average, 10 to 20 fish are taken per 1 cube of water.

For breeding carp and crucian carp, a home pond, measuring 4x6 meters, with a reservoir depth of 0.8 to 1.5 meters, is optimal. The main advantage of such a pond size is the rather rapid heating of the water in summer to a temperature of 24-26 degrees, which is the most favorable for the life of these species. Lowering the temperature in the reservoir to 12 degrees can lead to a decrease in the intensity of feeding and growth activity in fish. An increase in temperature over 30 degrees also leads to a decrease in the activity of the vital processes of carp and crucian carp.

Preparing a fish pond

An alternative budget option is the use of a dense polyethylene film for laying the bottom.

With careful use of the film, a sufficiently strong base can last more than one season. Laying pre-glued together car chambers from trucks at the bottom of the pit is also a fairly common option that does not require large financial costs.

If you want to breed crayfish in addition to fish in the pond, you can put broken pots, pipes and stones of different sizes on the bottom of the reservoir. Such "caches" will allow crayfish to hide from fish during molting.

The coast of the reservoir can be planted with moisture-loving plants such as reeds and willow

You can fill the pond with well, spring or artesian water, as well as with ordinary tap water. Regardless of what kind of water the reservoir is filled with, you should not rush to launch fish into practically "sterile" water in the first days. The water should warm up well in the sun, settle and acquire microorganisms. In other words, the water must become "alive". A couple of buckets of "living" water transferred from an inhabited pond, as well as a bunch of wilted grass, lowered to the bottom of a new reservoir, will help speed up the process of enriching water with microflora.

Creating the right microclimate

The acidity in the reservoir should vary in the range of 7-8 ph. A neutral environment is considered optimal for fish farming. A decrease in acidity to 5 pH is unfavorable for the life of carp and crucian carp. You can increase the acidity in the reservoir by adding a portion of limestone or soda solution. To determine the average level of acidity of water, measurements should be taken in several places around the perimeter of the reservoir. It should be borne in mind that the speed of the chemical reaction of the interaction of substances directly depends on such a factor as the intensity of sunlight. Direct sunlight speeds up the process significantly.

It also happens that even the use of additives can only have a short-term effect.

If the acidity even under the influence of substances decreases over time, then one should look for the reason that determines the development of such an environment.

An equally important condition for launching fish into a reservoir is an optimal temperature regime. It is very important that the temperature of the fish tank and the pond is exactly the same.

The process of equalizing the water temperature of the tank with the fish with the temperature inside the reservoir will reduce the risk of developing a temperature shock in fish, which can lead to the death of even adults during the first day.

After completing the preparatory work, you can release the fish.

The material on the choice of plants for the pond will also be useful:

How to feed our fish?

Breeding fish in artificial reservoirs also provides for artificial feeding, which can significantly increase the weight gain. Since carps are omnivorous, it is quite possible to use compound feed intended for poultry and pigs to feed the fish.

Fish with pleasure also absorbs the natural resources of the reservoir: earthworms, insects

Loose friable feed should be applied in the form of porridge or thick dough, which is formed by mixing the feed with water in a bucket. The grain of legumes and cereals, which are given in a steamed swollen form, can serve as a substitute for compound feed.

Video example of building a pond for koi carp

The ratio of the volume of grain feed to the mass of fish should not exceed 3-5%. When organizing feeding fish, it is advisable to adhere to a certain schedule. Fish are fed at the same time 1-2 times a day in a specially designated place. When arranging a feeding place, you can prepare a pallet table that can be easily lowered and removed from the water. The use of a "feeder" will allow you to control the presence of uneaten food residues, acidification of which can spoil the water. To develop a conditioned reflex in individuals, calling on the fish to feed, you can use a bell.