Wednesday, March 11, 2015

Fish Farming Basics

Understanding the basics of fish farming can lead to a profitable business.


Fish farming basics cover the essential steps required to raise fish to sell in an area that is either man made or naturally occurring. This process is also known as aquaculture, where the fish are raised and harvested just as cows, chickens and other animals are raised on a farm.


Instructions


1. Decide what kind of fish you want to raise. Do you want to raise one species of fish or more than one? If you decide to farm two or more types of fish, you will need to make sure they are compatible and that they can thrive well in the same climate.


2. Set up a "tank" for your fish. A tank can be anything from a large glass tank to a three foot swimming pool. The main objective is creating the ideal aquatic environment for your fish. The water should maintain a pH level of 7 and a temperature of on average 55 degrees. Catfish and trout are among the most popular types of fish to farm. Some fish, like big mouth bass, prefer warmer temperatures closer to 70 degrees. Your tank should also have a high concentration of oxygen.


3. Use a filter and aerator. The aerator will make sure that the water maintains the correct level of oxygen. Before adding your fish to the tank, fill it with water and run the filter and aerator for 10 days to make sure the water is in the best condition possible before you add the fish.


4. Visit a fish hatchery for fish. The fish will come in plastic bags filled with water. Simply place the unopened bags into the tank and allow the water in the bag to reach the same temperature as the surrounding water in the tank before you release the fish.


5. Feed your fish commercial food. You can feed the fish commercial pellet fish food purchased online or at a local store.