Starting my Colored Tilapia Fish Pond

I got interested with keeping colored Tilapia fishes in a pond at my garden. Here is how I did it.

Colored Tilapia

These fishes are easily kept in ponds because they are very tolerant in many different water conditions. They are fast growers up to seven inches in 8 months if provided with proper care and spacious aquarium or pond. It has different color patterns in shades of red. They are easy to breed also. After about 4-5 months, the fishes are already mature and ready to lay eggs. It produces up to 300 eggs in one batch.

The Pond

It is a cement tank that measures 2500 mm x 900 mm x 400 mm. I tried to maximize the space in the front yard. The height was actually three hollow blocks high, the first hollow block was partially buried in the ground. I used waterproofing that was mixed with the cement to prevent water from leaking out the pond. I divided the pond using a mesh small enough to let the fry in and keep the bigger fishes in one side. The big ones prey on the smaller ones; hence, I have to separate them.

Feeding

I generally give commercial feed. The rule of thumb is to give enough feed that it can consume in five minutes. Excess feed not consumed should be taken away as it may affect water quality. Of course, there is no need to give them water to drink. Feed the fishes twice a day. An occasional serving of live feed is good for them. Make sure to wash the live feed thoroughly. Worms are the fish’s favorite. Meat scrap can also serve as feed. Ground commercial feed to give to the fry.

Maintenance

Aside from proper feeding, maintaining water quality is the key to the fish’s long life. The fish needs dissolved oxygen to live. Proper aeration will provide this. I used a fountain to aerate the pond the pump also supplies a filter to keep the pond clean. If the fishes appear lethargic and is frequently on the surface as if gasping for air, then aeration is insufficient. Install a larger capacity pump or there are excessively many fishes in the pond. Replace about 5 – 10% of the water every day. Use a hose to siphon the dirt on the pond floor. Make complete water changes whenever it gets too dirty and the water turbid. Clean the filter everyday; replace the filter media if necessary.

The pond is a great addition to my home passers by stop to look and appreciate it. A few neighbors even started their own pond and bought fish from me. A good hobby could provide you with skills for future business in the field of fish farming or aquarium shop.



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