Breeding fish at home as a business - all the nuances of organization

Artificial reservoir for breeding and keeping fish

Reservoirs used for water supply to livestock farms, irrigation of plots, watering livestock, etc. are suitable for fish breeding. In addition, separate reservoirs - fish ponds - can be built for these purposes. The first option is in most cases suitable as an additional source of income and increasing the profitability of livestock farming. The second option can become an independent type of profitable business. The main feature of a fish pond, which distinguishes it from natural reservoirs, is the ability to control all biological processes occurring in it - from growing fish to breeding food supplies.

You need to start this difficult business by finding a place for a pond in which fish will be kept and bred, or a place for it. It doesn't matter whether you are planning to build a new pond or restore a damaged pond, a pond used for fish farming purposes must meet several basic requirements.

These requirements apply to both its location and the characteristics of the reservoir itself. In the first case, pay attention to the presence of developed infrastructure near your future fish farm. It is necessary to have access roads and settlements nearby. As mentioned above, the minimum area of ​​your pond should be at least one hectare. However, one should not go to the other extreme: a large pond is much more difficult to maintain, expensive to maintain, and its fish productivity is noticeably lower than small ponds. Artificial reservoirs are constructed in two main ways: using dams or by excavation. The choice of one method or another depends on the terrain, soil characteristics, source of water supply and other factors. Experts consider the most suitable body of water formed using an artificial dam on a flowing source (spring or stream). In this case, it will be easier to organize water exchange. Another quite profitable option is to construct a dam for spring and rainwater. With intense movement of such waters, it will be possible to simply install a dam in the right place.

But digging a reservoir from scratch is the most expensive option. If you prefer it, then carefully select the site for its construction, taking into account the structure of the soil and the composition of the water. Sandy and swampy soils will not be suitable in this case, or you will have to make an artificial bed for the reservoir from monolithic or precast reinforced concrete. The first option is more expensive, and the second requires additional sealing of the seams.

However, regardless of the type of reservoir, its bottom should be as smooth as possible. If there are holes and low places at the bottom of the pond, the soil becomes swamped, which can be fatal for fish. A fish pit should be provided in the center of the reservoir near the drainage, which will allow you to quickly catch the inhabitants of the pond and drain the reservoir for the winter. Please note: overwintering of fish is only possible in ponds with running water. It is most advantageous to supply water to the pond by gravity through pipes or channels. Using a pump significantly increases the cost of the entire project.

It is best to make the pond drainage. If you can drain and refill the pond, this will allow you to fish and regularly clear the bottom of the pond of silt. Drainage ponds are more convenient, produce more fish and are less prone to waterlogging. When choosing or arranging a reservoir, pay attention to the area adjacent to it.

Shrubs, trees, stumps, snags growing near the shore of the pond must be uprooted, otherwise in the future they may contribute to its siltation and overgrowth. It is advisable that springs, groundwater outlets or springs are located nearby. If such sources exist, it is recommended to clear them, thus ensuring a natural flow of water into your pond.

Selling fish

In order to make a profit from a business such as growing fish in a pond, you need to think about ways to implement it.

You can offer your fish for sale in small private shops, markets or supermarkets with a large fish department. To do this, an agreement is concluded with the seller for the supply of fish to the place of sale.

You can use the Internet and social networks to advertise your products with delivery to the buyer’s home.

You can also set up your own store and sell your products, without any intermediaries. This is an additional cost, but if the business is well thought out, the income will justify the expense.

An alternative way to earn income from fish farming is to allow other people to fish in their ponds for a fee. To do this, you can even build a special pond, only with fish that have grown to the required weight.

Types of ponds suitable for fish farming

There are several main types of ponds, which vary in location. The most common are the so-called stagnant or low-flow gully ponds, which are located on gentle ravines or dry hollows. Such household ponds are small in area (from 0.5 hectares with a depth of up to 1.5 meters) and are used for water supply, bathing, irrigation, etc. Due to their shallow depth, the water in such ponds quickly warms up in the sun.

They are suitable for breeding carp, tench, pike perch, crucian carp and other types of fish. If you have chosen just such a pond for your fish farm, then its preliminary preparation for the release of fish will consist of cleaning the bottom of the reservoir from silt, installing a bottom drainage and catching weed fish.

Forest and park ponds are less commonly used for fish farming, as they require a lot of preparatory work before releasing the fish. First, they need to be drained (for at least one to two years), cleared of silt, snags and stumps, and a bottom drain installed.

Reservoir ponds, as a rule, have a vast water area - from several tens to hundreds of hectares, and are used for irrigating fields. If such a pond is planned to be used for fish breeding, then experts advise paying special attention to cleaning and leveling the bottom. In such areas you can breed carp, carp, pike perch, bream, trout, sterlet, whitefish, etc.

Peat quarry ponds are formed after peat has been extracted. Their area is several hundred thousand hectares. However, due to the large number of snags, stumps, earthen embankments, holes, etc., fishing in such ponds is very difficult. On the other hand, if there are sufficient funds for preparing and filling a quarry pond with water, the “productivity” of such a fish farm, even with extensive cultivation, can amount to a couple of centners of fish per 1 hectare of water area per year.

So, no matter where your pond is located, it may require a whole range of expensive preparatory work: drainage (to drain a non-draining pond, water is pumped out), clearing the bottom, removing stumps and branches, leveling the bottom and slopes, installing supply and drainage channels water, filling the pond with water.

Fish farming equipment

The most used equipment for running a business such as fish farming in a pond are:

Gravity filter - costs about five thousand rubles, hangs on the pond. designed to purify water from organic waste from fish.

Ultraviolet sterilizer – Helps protect water from blooms.

Compressor – designed to saturate the water with oxygen, which the fish breathes.

Installations for artificial lighting of ponds and for heating water, if necessary for the physiological needs of a particular breed of fish.

Basic water requirements

The quality of the water in your pond is key. Of course, there are some species of fish that survive in polluted and oxygen-poor water, but it is better to spend time and money on creating a suitable environment so that the fish not only survive, but grow well, quickly gain weight and reproduce.

The quality of water in a reservoir is determined, first of all, by the oxygen it contains, which is consumed by fish during respiration. Lack of oxygen negatively affects all life processes of fish and can lead to its death. In natural reservoirs, water is saturated with oxygen from the air under the influence of wind and temperature changes. A large amount of oxygen is also released by aquatic plants. The recommended oxygen content in a pond is 5-7 mg per liter of water.

When the oxygen content in water drops to 0.3-0.5 mg per liter, the fish die. In winter, due to the formation of ice on the water and the cessation of oxygen release by plants in stagnant reservoirs, the oxygen content drops sharply, so in the cold season it is necessary to carry out additional aeration of the water.

In addition to oxygen, other gases also dissolve in water, including methane, hydrogen sulfide, and carbon dioxide. Free carbon dioxide levels of more than 10-20 mg per liter can also have a detrimental effect on fish. In order to avoid the formation of harmful gases in the water, it is necessary to regularly clean the pond of excess silt and aquatic vegetation. For the same purposes, the soil is drained and mineralized, peat areas are poured with lime and excess vegetation is burned.

In addition to the oxygen content of water, its reaction is also of great importance, which can be acidic (pH less than 7), alkaline (pH above 7) and neutral (pH = 7). To reduce the acidity of water, lime is added to it or lime filters are installed at sources. For the full development of any organisms in water, various minerals are needed - potassium, calcium and other salts, phosphorus and nitrogen compounds.

In the natural environment, salts come from the soil, dissolving in water. In addition, the enrichment of water with minerals occurs during the decomposition and mineralization of silt deposits into two reservoirs. In artificially created reservoirs one cannot do without organic and mineral fertilizers, which enrich the water with all the necessary minerals.

Iron in fresh water is usually found in the form of oxide salts. If the reservoir is supplied with water from a spring, then it may contain salts of ferrous iron, which, when converted to oxide, absorbs a large amount of oxygen, forming iron oxide hydrate. The latter can accumulate on the gills of fish in the form of a brown coating, making breathing difficult. This is especially harmful when the water is highly acidic. On the other hand, plant and animal organisms cannot do without iron. To reduce the iron content in water, the water is additionally aerated, since oxygen leads to the oxidation of iron and its precipitation.

In fish farms, it is extremely important to regularly analyze the water in the reservoir, paying attention to the following parameters: temperature, acidity, oxygen content, hydrogen sulfide and minerals. In some cases (primarily in winter), such measurements need to be carried out daily. Before stocking a reservoir with fish, experts advise having the water analyzed in a hydrochemical laboratory. Such laboratories are located at SES and Vodokanal. There are also independent laboratories that perform more advanced analysis, which is preferable.

Type of fish for breeding

The choice of fish breed plays a significant role in organizing fish farming.

Basic selection criteria:

1. Omnivorous.
2. Unpretentiousness to conditions.
3. Accelerated growth and weight gain.
4. Disease resistance.
5. Popularity in the market.

We advise you to start with species that are in constant demand among buyers, for example, with growing carp in pools or ponds; besides, breeding carp in a pond as a business activity is technologically simple and not too expensive.
Having gained experience in carp breeding, you can move on to more expensive breeds - salmon. Raising trout or sturgeon in a RAS is not easy, but the result is worth it, the breeds are not cheap, and the fish tastes excellent.

We recommend you study! Follow the link:

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A worthy choice for beginners is silver carp, which grows and gains weight quickly. Some specimens of silver carp reach 1 m in length and 30 kg. weight.

Tench also deserves attention. The fish is tasty, unpretentious, resistant to disease, and easily tolerates a lack of oxygen.

Features of fish breeding

The choice of certain groups of fish depends, first of all, on the condition of the reservoir. According to their keeping conditions, all types of fish that are suitable for pond farming can be divided into heat-loving and cold-loving. Heat-loving fish thrive in well-warmed, standing water. They are not so demanding on oxygen content. This group of fish includes representatives of the carp family. Cold-loving species, on the contrary, need clean, cool water with a high oxygen content. These fish are suitable for breeding in reservoirs that are fed by springs or underground sources.

Carp, carp, crucian carp, tench, pike, pike perch, grass carp, and silver carp are most suitable for pond fish farming. In the northern regions, trout, whitefish, and peled can also be grown in artificial reservoirs. To maintain the microclimate of the reservoir, it is recommended to keep several species in one reservoir. If you do not have experience in the field of fish farming, be sure to consult with specialists about the composition of the fish being released at the planning stage.

Beginners often make the mistake of introducing certain species into the pond that can harm other fish (for example, dwarf catfish, Amur chebak, etc.). If fish farming is only an additional source of your income, then you can also keep low-value fish species in the reservoir - both small ones (minnow, galyan, verkhovka) and weed fish species (roach, ruffe, perch). However, if the former do not interfere with the breeding of commercial species (unless they take up free space), and even serve as additional food for predatory fish, then weed species simply take food away from valuable fish species.

Most fish farm owners prefer carp and trout. Carp are unpretentious and survive well in most bodies of water. Trout is more demanding on conditions and water quality, however, with slightly higher maintenance costs, the retail price of this fish turns out to be 3-3.5 times higher! On the other hand, carp breeding does not require much experience. If you decide to fish for trout, you will have to seek help from a qualified specialist. A one-year-old fry (in the case of carp) or a two-year-old fry (trout and some other species) are suitable for populating a pond, as they take root well and are large enough not to be eaten by predatory fish.

Feed

The business of breeding fish in artificial reservoirs cannot do without expenses such as the purchase of fish feed. Each type of fish has its own nutritional needs. It is necessary to take into account their breed characteristics. The conditions under which fish are kept greatly influence the efficiency of their feeding. Special feed containing healthy proteins and microelements can accelerate the growth and development of fish.

Fry have a greater need for vitamins and minerals than older fish. The most important trace elements: valine, lysine, tryptophan, arginine, methionine, leucine. With a lack of these microelements, the fish loses its appetite and stops growing.

Fish food should also include animal fats; they are necessary for the proper structure of muscle mass and organs. For this purpose, flour from the bones and meat of livestock is used. And for fry, food with dry low-fat milk is used.

Fiber is no less important for the digestive system of fish. Each breed has its own diet. Bran and grains are a good source of carbohydrates and fiber.

Dietary supplements are required in fish nutrition.

Rules for feeding fish during artificial breeding

When kept naturally in a pond, unpretentious fish species have enough natural food, which includes insects, aquatic vegetation, bloodworms (mosquito larvae) and small crustaceans (cyclops, daphnia), but you should not count on high productivity with such maintenance. In the case of artificial breeding in a “densely populated” pond, the fish are fed with meal, cake, bran, feed for birds or pigs, which is mixed with water until the consistency of dough. Properly selected food can increase the natural weight gain of fish up to five times. True, in this case they become the main expense item for fisheries. They account for up to 60% of all costs.

Feeding begins in May, when the water temperature reaches 12-15°C, and this temperature will last for at least half a day. During this period, no more than 7% of the total volume of feed calculated for the growing season is given. It is recommended to feed the fish twice a day (the most favorable times are 12-13 and 18 hours). It is best to determine in advance the location of the so-called “feed tables”.

The latter are square trays made of heavy wood or stainless metal measuring 50 by 50 cm and a side height of 4-5 cm. A hole is made in the center of the feeder for a pole. The tables are lifted to the surface using a fishing line. A one-hectare pond will require at least four feeding tables. These devices help reduce the consumption of granulated feed. At first, food is given in small portions so that the fish gets used to the feeders, and according to a certain signal (ringing a bell or clapping a hand on the water).

Regularly monitor how your fish eat their food. You can estimate the volume of food eaten 40-60 minutes after feeding. Do not feed a large amount of food at once. On average, the daily food intake for carp is 1.5-3% of the estimated weight of all fish in the reservoir, depending on the water temperature (the lower it is, the less food).

A new portion can be added only after the fish have eaten the previous one. Remains of food that the fish have not eaten must be removed from the feeders every 2-3 days to avoid contamination of the reservoir. When the oxygen content in water drops to 2 mg per liter, you need to reduce the usual portion of food by half. It is also necessary to reduce the amount of feed during preventive treatment of the reservoir, transplanting and transporting fish: under stress, their food reaction is inhibited.

Do not skimp on food: it must always be fresh (the shelf life of any food does not exceed six months from the date of manufacture), and stored correctly (in a dark, dry and well-ventilated area). Following these simple rules will allow you to avoid many problems associated with pool pollution, which entails the emergence of various fish diseases.

Business profitability

Depending on the type of fish, the profitability of such a business varies from 8 to 10%. It is worth noting that the profitability of small and medium-sized farms may exceed the revenue received by large fisheries.

An important role is played by the fact that the owners of such a fishery can switch to a special taxation regime and pay a single agricultural tax to the state treasury instead of a large number of fiscal payments that entrepreneurs working on the general taxation system are required to make.

The first profit from running this type of business can be received by its owner 2.5-3 years after entering the industry, provided that during this time he has created a sufficient number of product sales channels.

So, growing fish in artificial reservoirs is quite labor-intensive, but at the same time highly profitable type of business. To enter the industry, you must have significant start-up capital, as well as have a wealth of theoretical knowledge and practical skills that will minimize the loss of money from incorrectly selected technology for breeding and selling fish.

Features of fish farming business

If you are not specialists in the field of fish farming, then it is best to start such a business with a small pond with carp. The optimal water temperature for carp is 20-27°C with an oxygen content of 5-7 mg/l. If the temperature drops to 14°C or lower, the fish eats less and does not gain weight. At a water temperature of 7°C, carp stop feeding and lose activity. Under favorable conditions, carp weight gain can reach 7-8 grams per day. Sexual maturity occurs at 3-5 years of age. Carp spawn in the spring, laying eggs on vegetation in shallow areas of the reservoir. The fry hatch on average after five days.

The production cycle of fish farming lasts two years. By this age, the weight of one carp is 300-800 grams. And by the age of three, the weight of a male can reach 1-2 kg. The weight gain of carp is greatly influenced by the quality of water, feed, living conditions, and climate. It is most profitable to breed carp and other types of fish in the southern regions of our country.

Fish farming is a profitable business, with an average profitability of 15%. However, it requires considerable investment. Most of the funds will be used to equip the reservoir (from 3 million rubles in the best case), purchase food (4 kg of food is required to obtain a carp weight gain of 1 kg) and fry.

Of course, you can also raise fish on natural food - the so-called extensive method. But in this case, no more than 0.3-0.4 tons of fish can be obtained from 1 hectare, while with additional feeding the productivity can be up to 1.2 tons per 1 hectare per year. When using a high level of intensive cultivation in cages, which involves frequent feeding of fish, high stocking density and the creation of additional conditions in reservoirs for productive breeding (constant aeration and liming of the reservoir), it is possible to obtain up to 5-6 tons of fish products per hectare.

However, in this case, feed costs will increase even more. With a high-intensity growing method, high-protein nutritious feed is used with a protein content of at least 26-28% and fat - 6-7%. The average price of carp food is 8-9 rubles per kilogram. High-protein nutritious food will cost twenty percent more.

To grow trout, experts advise using European-made feed at a price of about 0.9-1 euro per kilogram. Although such food is also produced in our country, so far only by a couple of enterprises. However, cheap feed has virtually no effect on the taste of trout meat, but with such nutrition it has a light color. Domestic consumers are accustomed to the fact that trout meat is red, and special feed additives obtained from krill give it such a bright shade.

It would seem that the high cost of trout food makes its breeding economically unprofitable. However, the high cost of feed is compensated by its lower consumption and the high cost of meat. If for 1 kg of weight gain in carp you need to spend about 4 kg of feed, then in the case of trout the consumption will be only 1 kg per 1 kg of weight gain. Ultimately, the costs of growing one kilogram of carp and trout are approximately equal - about 35-38 and 40-45 rubles per kilogram in the first and second cases, respectively.

Methods of growing fish

There are several ways to raise fish

• extensive – fish in ponds are bred naturally. Suitable for economical breeding, as the fish feed themselves on what they find in the pond. Silver carp, crucian carp and carp are usually grown in this way.
• semi-intensive - a cage type of pond is used, the fish are isolated from other inhabitants of the reservoir by a net, but at the same time they are in natural conditions for them. The fish also eat natural food. This method is used when breeding trout or sturgeon.
• intensive - fish are grown in special completely insulated containers and their growth is artificially accelerated. The method is quite expensive and is used for growing sturgeon breeds using mixed feed. At the same time, the cost of feed is more than half the cost of the fish itself.

The use of compound feed allows you to accelerate the growth of fish and obtain high-quality meat, thus increasing profits from the fishing business.

Income and expenses of pond fish farming

When calculating costs, also take into account the costs of processing all necessary documents. Before constructing a reservoir, you will need to order its design from a design organization that has a license to carry out such activities, and go through all approvals, as when constructing a real estate property, obtain permits from environmental organizations, etc.

The productivity of large fish farms is up to 1000 tons of live fish per year. They make a profit from selling fry to small fish farms, organizing paid fishing and fish processing (canning, smoking, etc.). Small fish farms choose 1-2 main directions. Moreover, one of the leading ones is often the organization of fishing

You can’t count on a quick payback in this business. Large fish are in greatest demand on the market. For carp, the optimal weight is 1.2-1.5 kg, and for trout – about 1 kg. The growing cycle for carp is three years, for trout – six months less. According to experts, the payback period for a small farm is four years.

Sysoeva Liliya (c) www.openbusiness.ru - portal of business plans and guides for starting a small business

26.09.2014

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What kind of fish can be bred in an artificial pond?

When planning to start a business in this area, you should accurately determine the type of fish for further breeding. Profitability rates depend on whimsicality, growth rate, mortality, etc.

Beginning businessmen most often engage in trout or carp breeding. In addition to great consumer demand, representatives of these species grow quickly and are unpretentious. And the undoubted leader in this case is carp, since its fattening will require less investment.

Types of containers

The main types of tanks for growing fish are:

• pool;
• pond;
• cage method.

Each of the above containers has its own pros and cons, which should definitely be taken into account before making the final decision on how to raise fish. It is recommended to analyze each method and, by calculating costs, choose the most suitable one for yourself.

Let's take a closer look at each type of container.

Pool as a fish tank

Such pools are very popular. Perhaps the most significant advantage in their favor is the fact that they can be placed absolutely anywhere. Another plus in their piggy bank is the ability for the customer to choose absolutely all criteria, from the volume of the container to the material. The pool can be installed both under the roof and outdoors. The pools also have a long service life due to the high-strength materials from which they are made. Most often, pools are also equipped with a self-cleaning system. Thus, you get an almost hassle-free operation that can pay for itself many times over.

Possible materials of manufacture are metal, fiberglass and even reinforced concrete. One of the most modern developments is polypropylene pools. They quickly occupied their well-deserved niche in the market thanks to a list of factors. These factors are: unprecedented strength, environmental friendliness, high functionality. Despite its frighteningly complicated name, polypropylene is absolutely harmless to the environment, humans and fish. Also, unlike metal, the owner of polypropylene pools will not have to worry about corrosion.

Plastic pools also have a number of advantages. The smoothness of their walls does not provoke contamination, and this will not only save you money on cleaning the tank, but will also prevent diseases in fish.

When choosing a pool as a container for breeding fish, made of absolutely any type of material, you will certainly be pleased with the opportunity to completely mechanize the process. Thus, this type of breeding is the least labor-intensive. In the modern world this is a huge plus.

Among the disadvantages of this method, it is worth noting that in the absence of experience it is highly not recommended to immediately target a huge volume of fish production. There is a great risk of losing a huge amount of raw materials. The recommended starting point is 20 kilograms of fish productivity per 1 cubic meter.

Also, you should not try to save money on equipment. Of course, you don’t have to shell out for the most expensive, but you should definitely choose trusted manufacturers and reliable tools.

Advantages of using a pool as a fish breeding tank:

• Variety of prices, shapes, materials and volumes.
• Possibility of installation in any place convenient for you.
• Possibility to completely mechanize the process.
• The pool does not need frequent cleaning.
• Durability.

The disadvantages are:

• Danger of mistakes due to insufficient experience.
• The need to wait before turning to more production.
• The need for good reliable equipment.

Artificial pond as a reservoir for fish breeding

According to experts, breeding fish in a pond is the least risky method of all existing ones. If you are new to this business, it is highly recommended that you adopt this technique. So, what are the main aspects of this technique?

There are two ways: find a natural pond or create one yourself. If you choose the second option, you will have to invest in construction work, but the possibility of locating such a pond in any place convenient for you is a strong argument in its favor for many. A significant disadvantage of such a pond is the fact that in order to obtain significant profits, a pond with an area of ​​1 hectare is required. If you nevertheless decide to take such a step, the profitability and simplicity of farming will not let you be disappointed.

Below are the materials you need to create a pond with your own hands:

• boards;
• nails;
• shovels;
• ruler;
• glue;
• stones;
• PVC film.

As you can see, the list is small and all the tools in it are quite accessible.

The most difficult step, perhaps, is choosing a location for your future pond. Not many people know this secret, but it is very important that the pond is located on a hill. Otherwise, when precipitation falls, your pond will very quickly fill with silt. Also, the best option would be a place where the sole will consist of clay. The pond must be in relative shade, because sunlight for more than 7-8 hours a day is detrimental to fish. However, light deficiency can also cause pathologies in fish. The best place is in the shade of a spreading tree.

If you are not sure that you can do the job competently enough, it is better to turn to a specialist. However, if you are full of determination, let's get started.

Instructions:

1. After the pit has been dug to the depth and size you need, you need to sprinkle the bottom with sand (at least 10 cm) and proceed to gluing the PVC film.
2. The only easy and quick way to do this at home is to solder with a special soldering iron. Since not everyone has the time and money to purchase this tool, there is another, much cheaper, but slightly more troublesome method. This is the use of glue. We recommend turning to trusted manufacturers, such as, for example, Fix-All. Under no circumstances do we recommend that you buy Chinese glue from an unknown manufacturer. A poorly constructed pond is a great danger to your farm.
3. PVC film must first be degreased. Use alcohol for this. Then carefully wipe the film dry and let it dry in the sun.
4. Lay out the seams perfectly evenly and secure them. Carefully glue all seams.
5. We lay out the bottom of the pond with film. Make sure that the bottom of the pond is as smooth as possible. Also, avoid angles sharper than 120 degrees. At the same time, avoid angles of 90 degrees, otherwise the film will stretch when filled with water.
6. We lay stones. Leave the most beautiful specimens for the top rows - let them serve decorative purposes. Stones must be laid from bottom to top. During the process, align the film if it lies unevenly.
7. You can add any decorative elements to your taste. Don't forget to install a water purification system.

Cage method

When using the cage technique, natural water areas are used. This method, like any other, has its pros and cons. The most significant advantage is that you will not need to worry about the water supply. The most prudent solution would be to locate the cage near sources of warm water.

The cage technique includes two types: stationary cages and floating cages. The advantage of stationary cages is that you can partially mechanize the business, for example, regulate the automatic timing of fish feed supply. The main thing for the location of the cage is that the water in the reservoir is as calm as possible.

The most popular size of cages is 3 by 4 meters. This size allows the fish to express their schooling instincts and feel the need to feed well.

Advantages of raising fish in cages:

• Such farming allows for very economical use of space.
• Year-round use.
• Can be implemented in a variety of types of reservoirs.

Is it profitable to engage in fish farming?

This business is an agricultural activity, so its advantage is the ability to choose a single agricultural taxation system. Tax is paid at the rate of 6% on income minus expenses, and in some regions it is even less. However, it must be taken into account that the first commercial products can be obtained in the third year. If the business is run successfully, it justifies the investment and provides a small profit. The payback period for projects is on average 3–4 years.

The table below shows an example of a calculation for growing carp fish in a pond with an area of ​​3 hectares (Astrakhan region, 4th fish breeding zone). Prices for planting material and wholesale selling price - according to the Fishretail portal. The remaining expenses of the entrepreneur depend on specific conditions. This is the most economical way to breed fish if you have a ready-made pond and no additional feeding. As we said above, its addition significantly increases the yield of finished products.

As for trout, the costs are much higher. With a 3-year rotation, marketable fish weighing more than 2 kg can only be obtained using high-quality planting material and good feed. Little of both are produced in Russia. Therefore, fry are often imported from Germany, Poland, Finland, or hatched in domestic nurseries, again from imported fertilized eggs.

The average yield depends on the growing technology:

• when breeding fish in ponds: 5–20 kg/m3;
• when using cage technology: 30–35 kg/m3;
• intensive pool method with RAS: 50–75 kg/m3.

The density of fish stocking depends on the breeding technology and the size of the planting material. In cage technology, fry weighing 4–5 g are used, the piece price is about 15 rubles. When growing trout in a pond, it is better to choose already grown fish; the cost of two-year-old fish weighing 100–150 kg is about 480 rubles. In this case, from a pond of 500 sq. m. with a stocking density of 150 specimens/m3 in the third year, with good organization, you can get 25 tons of trout, and its wholesale price fluctuates around 170-180 rubles per kilogram. In total, revenue will be about 4.4 million rubles. Of course, the profit will be less due to the costs of purchasing material, fish food, water exchange, and sanitary measures.

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 breeding. A decrease in acidity to 5 pH is unfavorable for the life of carp and crucian carp. You can increase the acidity in a reservoir by adding a portion of limestone or a soda solution. To determine the average acidity level of water, measurements should be taken in several places around the perimeter of the reservoir. It should be taken into account 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 significantly speeds up the process.

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

If 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 releasing fish into a reservoir is the optimal temperature regime. It is very important that the temperature of the container with fish and the pond is absolutely the same.

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

After the preparatory work has been completed, the fish can be released.

The material on choosing plants for a pond will also be useful: