Types of Fish Pond Construction and Design in Nigeria -

Isn’t it great to have an actual fish pond beside your house? To rest by its edge, watching the fish moving in water, feeling the cool breeze, and relaxing, thinking about your future profitable fish business? Surely, it’s a great opportunity! But you need to know everything about artificial fish ponds, their types and construction.

Artificial fish ponds are a great alternative to natural water reservoirs, in which fish can be bred in a controlled environment. There are two main types of artificial fish ponds: concrete and earth. However, fish can also be bred in plastic, fiberglass or wooden reservoirs.

Demands for Successful Fish Pond Construction

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There are several crucial things to keep in mind before you even get started. The success of the construction of fish pond will depend on these factors.

The location of the nearest marketplace. Breeding fish for sale requires transportation and logistics. If you have a fish market nearby, that’s great, you can start building the pond. If no, maybe, it’s better to consider searching for a better pace. If there are no other location options, try to create the most effective transportation plan in advance.

The quality of the local ground. This is very important if you are into constructing an earthen pond. You should find a place where clay makes about 20-25% of the soil. Clay prevents the absorption and leaking of the water. It will help your pond stay in place. Besides that, it’s necessary to check whether the soil is polluted by chemicals, which can be dangerous for the fish.

The natural resources of the area. It makes sense to construct a fish pond in an area where there’s enough water. Shallow waters tend to become too difficult to use during the dry season. It’s also possible to use already existing natural hollows in order to save on digging.

The quality of the available water. It’s better to use natural underground water that’s not polluted by chemicals and different waste. The water from canals or rivers can be polluted by cities or agriculture and dangerous for the fish.

Fish Pond Design and Construction Details

Construction of an earthen pond. The process involves digging a hole in the ground, which is about 1m deep at the shallow end and 2m deep where the fish is bred. There are no specific demands for the design of such ponds. You can make them whatever you like providing they meet all the needs of fish. Typically, earthen ponds are round or square but you are free to choose any shape you like. Make sure that you have a stable supply of pure water to the pond.
Construction of a concrete pond. Concrete fish pond construction in Nigeria is not much different from the same process anywhere else in the world. You will need several blocks and some cement in order to create thick walls (about 5cm thick) and an even thicker bottom (about 10cm thick). All this means that you will need a slightly bigger hole than for an earthen pond if you want to hold the same amount of water in it. Still, concrete ponds are better in terms of hygiene.
Construction of an embankment pond. This is probably the simplest construction that requires only a little effort. All you need to do is create a dam that will cut a part of a natural reservoir of water, creating a pond.

What about a Plastic Tank?

Apart from these types, there’s one more fish pond construction and design option that can save you a lot of money and space. Since having a piece of land is quite expensive, not to mention the process of digging and construction, it may be better and cheaper to purchase a plastic tank and breed fish in it. Such tanks can be of different shapes and sizes, so you can have the right size and price which matches your requirements best of all.

Having a fish pond of your own can be a great business. If you are into taking care of fish and then selling it at a local marketplace and earning good money, you should definitely consider having a pond with your own fish. Here's a video on how to start fish farming and reach success.

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