Tilapia Farming Guide 2
Tilapia Farming Guide 2
The success of freshwater fishpond farming depends on the selection of ideal fishpond site, proper
planning and layout design, proper construction and appropriate pond management.
Considering the expenses involved in pond construction, freshwater fishponds smaller than half a
hectare are not commercially viable. This technoguide is designed for freshwater fishponds with
an area of one-half hectare or more.
Site Selection
Water supply. Water supply is the foremost factor to consider in selecting a fishpond site. The
site must be accessible to adequate water supply throughout the year and free from pesticide
contamination and pollution. Sources of water can be a surface runoff, stream, creek or irrigation.
Soil characteristics. Clay, clay loam, and sandy loam soils with deposits of organic matter of
about 16% are best for fishponds. Hard mud of the above types are preferable to the soft and very
loose kind. Avoid sandy, rocky or stony soils because these do not retain water in the ponds.
Choose flat terrains for easier excavation and leveling. If the topography is to undulating, the
construction costs increase greatly and excavation work removes the fertile portion of the pond
bottom. Avoid sites that are frequently flooded.
Other factors to consider are availability of quality fingerlings and cheap skilled labor,
accessibility to market and peace and order condition.
In designing and planning the layout of freshwater fishponds, give careful consideration to the
following:
Pond compartments. There are three compartments in a complete freshwater fishpond system
namely: nursery pond, brood pond and production or rearing pond. The nursery and brood ponds
may comprise 10% of the total area, and 90% for the production pond.
Water supply. Provide each compartment with an individual water supply system and drainage
outlet. Provide also a mechanical emergency spillway for the flow of excess water from ordinary
rain and to maintain desired water level in the pond.
Drainage. Construct the pond to facilitate easy drainage when harvesting fish stock and proper
cleaning of the pond bottom.
Elevation. Construct the pond one meter or more lower than the source of water supply but
slightly higher than the drainage area to obtain at least an average water depth of one meter for
maximum production.
Wind direction. Wind plays a role in fishpond design. Strong wind generates wave action that
destroys the sides of the dikes. To minimize this, position the longer pond dimensions parallel to
the direction of the prevailing wind to lessen the side length of the dike exposed to wave action.
Protection from flood. If the fish pond site is prone to flooding, construct a diversion canal along
the perimeter dike to divert runoff water during heavy downpour. Construct a larger and higher
perimeter dike to prevent inflow of water.
Designing dikes. Construct dikes with trapezoidal cross section with the top width, the side slopes
and the height proportionally designed according to the soil material used. The following are
guidelines in designing the dikes:
1. Height above water line. Extend the top of the dike sufficiently above the water line to give a
safe margin against overtopping during flood. Include margin for wave action caused by exposure
to winds. Perimeter dike should have, after shrinkage, a freeboard height of 0.60 - 1.0 m above
the maximum level observed in the locality. Freeboard for secondary dikes is 50 cm.
The allowance for settlement and shrinkage depends on the characteristics of soil fill, soil
foundation, and on the method of construction. On the average, an allowance for settlement and
shrinkage is 25%. Provide a settlement allowance of not less than 40% for soils high in organic
matter while dikes compacted by construction equipment is 5% less than the filled height.
2. Top width. The minimum top width or crown is 1 m for dikes less than 3 m high. The top width
of dikes used as access road is 4 m. Provide a 0.60 m wide berm or shoulder on each side of a
roadway dike to prevent rovelling.
3. Side Slope. The side slope or steepness of the dike is the ratio of the horizontal length to the
vertical rise. Fishpond dikes lower than 3 m should have a slope of 1:1. Dikes above 3 m should
adopt a 2:1 slope. Refer to the table below for relationship among the top width, bottom width
and height of dikes.
Relationship among the top width, bottom width and height of dikes with a given side slope.
Plan fishpond construction carefully and systematically. The system of pond construction is based
on the prepared program and schedule of development.
Dike construction. Clear the dike site of vegetation, slumps and debris. Clear the strip 2-4 m
wider than the base of the dike. For sites with decaying matters, construct a puddle trench at the
center of the path of the dike. Excavate 0.5 m wide by 0.5 m deep trench filled with clay soil to
prevent excessive seepage on the finished dike. Dig blocks of mud for construction of dike at least
one meter from its base. Allow each layer to settle firmly before adding another layer until the
desired height is attained. Construct dikes either manually, mechanically or both.
It is very important to have a uniform dike height. To do this, get a 50 m long transparent plastic
hose. Fill the hose with water. Hold one end of the hose at the first station and the other end at
the next 40 m away. If the water level at both ends are the same, the dike is level. Repeat the
process until the last station has been marked.
Canal construction. Construct the canals simultaneously as the adjacent dikes. Stake markers to
serve as guide during the excavation of canals. Slope the canal gently towards the drainage gate
of pipe to keep the flow of water sluggish and to avoid excessive erosion.
Construction and Installation of Water Control Structures. Water inlet or outlet structures are
usually made of wood or concrete gates, galvanized iron sheets or reinforced concrete pipes.
Place 3 pairs of grooves on each side of wooden or concrete gates extending to the top of the dike
where they are installed. The middle pair of grooves allows the removable slabs to regulate the
flow of water. The first and third pairs enable the screens to prevent the escape of cultured fish.
These screens may either be of bamboo splits or nylon attached to a wooden frame.
In freshwater fishponds, galvanized iron pipes or reinforced concrete pipes are often used instead
of concrete wooden gates. The following is a guide in determining the proper pipe diameter to be
installed.
Size of drain pipe in inches - Condition
• 4 - Can drain 1 ha. pond with average depth of 1 m in 6 days
• 6 - Can drain the same in three days
• 12 - Can drain the same in one day
With proper scheduling of draining time, it is adequate to use 4 to 6 inch pipe for one hectare
pond and 6 to 11 inch pipe for larger ponds. Construct water supply and drainage system
simultaneously with the dikes.
Pond Bottom Leveling. Mechanical leveling is cheaper and faster than manual leveling if the pond
bottom can support the equipment used. Use farm tractors or tillers with a back blade. The
carabao and the harrow may be used in small ponds. The pond bottom should slope gently towards
the drainage gate to facilitate complete drainage.
After leveling the pond, plant creeping grasses at the dikes to prevent erosion. Plant bananas at
the outside slope of the perimeter dike to serve as wind breakers. Do not plant trees along the
dikes because the roots will cause leakage and seepage.
Fishpond Management
A. Pond Preparation. Prepare the ponds a month before stocking fish in the following manner:
Draining and drying. Drain and dry the pond completely. Dry for about a week or more,
depending upon the weather, until the bottom cracks or harden sufficiently to support a man on
his feet without sinking more than 1 cm. Make sure the pond soil is dried every time the pond is
harvested. Periodic drying stabilize soil colloids and oxidizes organic matters that encourage the
growth of natural fish foods. Draining and drying eradicate competitor fishes and predators, and
kill disease-causing organisms.
Cultivation of pond bottom. Till or cultivate the pond bottom as soon as it is drained. Do this by
stirring or cultivating with a shovel or a rake for small ponds. For large ponds, use a rotavator.
Cultivation makes sub-surface nutrients available at the surface for the growth of fish food in the
pond, eradicate burrowing predators like mudfish and eliminate undesirable pond weeds like
“aragan.”
Leveling. Level the pond bottom after this is cultivated. Leveling makes the pond bottom slope
gradually from its farthest end down towards the drainage structures - the deepest portion of the
pond.
Repairing gates and screens. Check all gates and pipes for broken slabs and other parts. Repair
screens to prevent predators and pests from entering the pond system. Clean to remove debris
which may cause clogging.
Repairing dikes. Check all dikes for leakages and seepages. All dikes must be water-tight. Put a
puddle trench excavated about 30 cm wide and 50 cm deep or more along the dike. Build this at
the center of dike towards one side, or dig two puddle trenches at both sides of puddled trench
long enough to cover the entire seepage and sufficiently deep to go beyond the general level of
the pond floor. Fill the trench with new mud or soil. Allow the soil to settle well to give a firm line
of earth.
B. Pests, Competition and Predator Control. Fish production in ponds is commonly affected by
some pests and predators. Predators are organisms which prey on the cultured fish. Animals that
compete for food or space are called competitors.
Piscivorous or predatory fish and other competitors. Catfish (hito), mudfish (dalag) and gurami
may enter ponds during floods or when accidentally stocked with the cultured fish. These
predators devour fry and fingerlings during or after stocking. To avoid them, drain the pond
totally after harvest or before stocking.
Mudfish which tends to burrow into the mud, can be totally eliminated by using tobacco dust at
the rate of 500 kg/ha. Screen water gates and outlets properly to prevent entry of unwanted
fishes. Check fingerlings properly for any possible contamination by predatory fish prior to
stocking. Competitors are associated with predators. Both compete with the stocked fish for space
and food.
Birds. Herons, kingfishers and other birds must be prevented from frequenting the ponds. They
devour fish and fingerlings and are also carriers of parasites. Ponds constructed without shallow
areas are not attractive to birds.
Snakes. Snakes prey on small fish. Always keep banks and dikes clean to prevent snakes from
harboring in the ponds.
Frogs. Frogs eat fry and fingerlings. Tadpoles also compete with the fish for space and oxygen.
Frogs are seldom found in well-fertilized and well-stocked ponds. Their population can be
controlled by removing their egg sacks from the pond water.
C. Soil Conditioning. Soil acidity limits the production of natural fish food by decreasing the
amount of plant nutrients and, in some extreme cases, kill fish. In cases where soil pH is below
7.0, it is important to control acidity to ensure high fish production.
Analyze pond soil at least once a year to determine its exact pH value. Soil analysis is especially
recommended for newly constructed fishponds as basis for proper soil conditioning. Refer to
Appendix D for proper collection of soil sample.
Methods of controlling and correcting acidity
1. Leaching. Wash or flush the pond bottom to reduce acidity. This process is effective in slightly
acidic soil.
2. Liming. Apply lime in fishponds primarily as a soil conditioner. Liming corrects soil acidity,
promotes the release of soil nutrients, precipitates suspended materials which hamper light
penetration and reduces incidence of fish diseases.
Agricultural lime (CaCO3) is the most common time used in fishponds. Unslaked lime or quicklime
(CaO) and slaked lime (Ca COH)2 or hydrated lime may also be applied. These are available on
arrangement with agricultural input dealers.
Broadcast or spread the needed lime over the drained but moist pond bottom. Mix the lime,
thoroughly with the soil to attain maximum effectiveness. Allow one week to lapse before
applying phosphate fertilizer.
Fertilizer Application
Applying fertilizer in ponds to supply the nutrients needed for plant growth is a fundamental part
of fishpond management. Fish production per unit area can be increased as much as five-fold by
proper application of fertilizer. Fertilizers are classified into two groups:
Organic Fertilizer. The nutrients and organic matter content of manure increase the water
holding capacity of the soil, decrease the rate of evaporation and increase enzymatic activity, all
of which increase fertility and yield. Animal manures contain the major nutrient components such
as nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P), and potassium (K), in addition to such trace elements as calcium
(Ca), copper Cu) iron (Fe) and magnesium (Mg). Phosphorous comes mainly from feces except from
swine manure which has more nitrogen and potassium. Animals fed with roughage ration excrete
more potassium than those fed with high concentrate ratios.
The chemical composition of manure also varies depending upon the animals, nature and amount
of manure and the handling and storage of the manure before use. The most common organic
fertilizer used in fishponds are chicken dung, cattle manure and swine manure. Chicken manure
may be utilized as fish feeds and at the same time helps create a soft mulch bottom to make a
habitat for other food organisms. Compost, rice bran, and sewage may also be used.
Inorganic Fertilizer. These are chemical fertilizers containing concentrated amount of at least
one of the three major plant nutrients: nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium. The common
fertilizers used in fishponds are Super phosphate (0-20-0), Monoammonium phosphate (16-20-0),
and Diammonium phosphate (18-45-0).
Plankton Production
Plankton is a collective term for all the small suspended organisms that passively drift and float in
the water. Most planktonic organisms are microscopic and consist of phytoplankton (very small
plants) and zooplankton (very small animals).
Tilapia consumes plankton as food. Plankton is responsible for producing greater fish weight than
any other type of natural food raised in ponds.
D. Stocking of Fingerlings
Sources of Fingerlings. High quality fingerlings ensure better profit in tilapia culture. Inferior
tilapia fingerlings grow slowly and may not reach the desired marketable size of 85-100 grams in
4-5 months culture period. Fish-farmers should secure their initial stocks from reliable sources.
Time and Method of Stocking. The best time for stocking fingerlings in the pond is late afternoon
or early morning. Before the fingerlings are released, ensure even temperature between the
water in the plastic bags and the pond where these are to be stocked. If the difference in the
temperature is more than 3°C, introduce water gradually from the pond to the plastic bags until
the temperature is almost the same.
To stock, bring the plastic bag of fingerlings to the pond preferably near the gate which is
supposed to be the deepest part of the pond. Bring down each bag to the pond and tilt towards
one side to allow the pond water to flow gently into the bag. Allow the fish to swim out of the
container voluntarily. One oxygenated plastic bag contains 300 fingerlings.
Fish Stocking Density. Fish stocking ratio is one of the several factors that affects fish growth. At
low stocking density, the amount of natural food in the pond is higher for each individual fish and
the excess food is not utilized. As long as other factors are not limiting, the growth of fish is not
utilized. As long as other factors are not limiting, the growth of fish will be better. The maximum
physiological growth of tilapia is attained at low stocking density.
A one-hectare pond with plankton can accommodate 10,000 to 20,000 fingerlings of nile tilapia
measuring 3-4 cm. Supplemental feeding is necessary to have better produce.
The stocking density influence the inputs needed and yield of the fishpond. Failure to select the
most appropriate stocking density results in poor growth and low market value of fish.
Fishpond Care and Maintenenace
1. Water Management
The water should be free from toxic chemical contamination and unwanted predatory or wild
fishes and must be available when needed. Employ precautionary measures when using water from
rivers, streams and communal irrigation systems.
Maintain water depth from 70 to 100 cm to satisfy fish requirement for space and oxygen and to
prevent over-heating of water during hot weather. Early breeding of tilapia results when water
temperature highly fluctuates, as in the case of rice-fish paddies where tilapia are observed to
breed earlier. To discourage early reproduction and to increase the growth rate of tilapia,
maintain water depth at one meter in grow-out pond.
Employ some management modifications when water supply is seasonal. When using rainwater or
irrigation water with limited flow, it is necessary to increase the volume of pond water by
increasing depth if possible, store enough water in the pond during the rainy days.
Water Quality. Water quality is one of the most important factors in ensuring a healthy fish
production. Water quality in aquatic environment considerably affects the growth and
reproduction of fishes. If the water quality is beyond tolerable limits, fish health is adversely
affected.
Water Temperature. All fishes have upper and lower temperature tolerance limits. When the
temperature goes beyond the temperature tolerance limit of the fish, the effects are:
• abnormal metabolism resulting in poor growth,
• abnormal activities or stress poor response to supplemental feeds
• very poor feed conversion ratio
An ordinary thermometer or an equivalent device can be used to measure water temperature.
Tilapia nilotica can tolerate water temperature range of 14° - 42°C. However, for culture
purposes, the ideal water temperature should range from 25°C to 30°C.
Hydrogen ion (pH) Concentration. The pH of the water determines its acidity or alkalinity. If the
pH is between 0-6.0, the water is acidic, and if the pH is 7.0, it is neutral. Alkaline water has a pH
of 8.0 -14. The ideal pH range of freshwater culture is 6.5 - 9.0. The effect of the various pH value
on fish is shown below:
pH Rage Effect
4- below Fish die because of acidity
4-5 No reproduction
5 - 6.5 Slow growth because of fish food production
6.5 - 9.0 Fish thrive well and grow fast
11 - above Fish die becaue of alkalinity
Measure the pH with the use of litmus paper, pH comparator, portable pH meters or the Hach kit.
In the absence of any of these equipment, tasting the water is a practical way to determine the
pH. The water is acidic if it tastes sour and it tastes bitter, if it is alkaline.
Acidic water usually comes from swamps, bogs or water in stagnant areas. Liming and correct
water management corrects pH in pond water.
Hydrogen Sulfide. This is a poisonous gas which evolves from the pond bottom as a result of
decaying and decomposing organic matter. Its presence can be detected by a smell similar to that
of a rotten hard boiled egg. Hydrogen sulfide in the pond causes mass mortality and small patches
or hemorrhage in the gill region of the fish.
Eliminate hydrogen sulfide before stocking by draining and drying the pond for 1-2 weeks until the
bottom cracks. If this is not possible, agitate the water with any gadget or by running pump-boats
or introduce freshwater into the pond. Do not apply organic fertilizer until the smell disappears.
Ammonia. This is highly toxic to fish. the symptoms of ammonia toxicity in the fish are:
• spongy appearance of gill filaments
• presence of bloody gills
• excessive production of slime
• poor growth of fish
One of the most common causes of high ammonia level in ponds is the heavy application of
manure. Organic matters increase the ammonia level during decomposition and overgrowth of
plankton.
Dissolved Oxygen. All fishes, regardless of species and culture conditions, need oxygen for
growth and survival. Lack of oxygen results in poor growth and outbreak of diseases or mortality.
Generally, most warm water species need dissolved oxygen at a level of one part per million
(ppm) for survival and about 3 ppm for comfort. Dissolved oxygen of 5 ppm is the most ideal for
growth and is excellent in maintaining fish health. However, tilapia species can grow well at
dissolved oxygen level of 1 - 3 ppm.
Some causes of oxygen deficiency in ponds are plankton bloom, decaying or dead fish, and
decomposed organic matter. Most prominent of these, however, is heavy application of organic
fertilizer in ponds since decaying organic matter absorb oxygen and give off carbon dioxide.
Good water management prevents the occurrence of dissolved oxygen depletion. In order to
maintain high dissolved oxygen level in the pond, do the following:
Turbidity. The presence or suspended solids in the water causes turbidity and muddiness of the
water. Generally, suspended solids include sediment particles, organic matter like detritus, fecal
materials and phytoplankton. Turbidity can be either an advantage or a disadvantage in fish
culture. It is advantageous if it is caused by plankton. However, if the water is turbid due to
minute solid particles, then this becomes a disadvantage because the sediment particles prevent
photosynthesis.
To solve turbidity problem, spread about 2-3 ton/ha or 200 grams/sq m of rice stalks or chopped
hay on the pond bottom.
The simplest way to measure water transparency is by using a Secchi disc or one’s hand. A Secchi
disc is a white and black disc (about 30 cm in diameter) suspended from a calibrated rope (usually
in centimeters) into the water. If the disc appears at the depth of 30-35 cm, the water is not
turbid, but if it disappears within a depth less than 30 cm, the water is turbid. With the right arm
stretch forward, slowly dip your hand into the water until the palm becomes invisible. Water
transparency is expressed by the distance (cm) from the wet wrist to the end of the water mark
on the arm.
2. Supplemental Feeding
Supplemental feeds increase available food for fish and are useful for fattening. During persistent
inclement weather, the natural fish feeds may become depleted. To maintain the growth of the
stock, give supplemental feeds such as rice bran, coconut meal or chopped succulent vegetables
singly or in mixture. Fine rice bran (D or D2) is the most common supplementary feeds. Feeding
rate varies from 3 to 5% of the total body weight depending on the size of the fish Younger fish
consume more feeds at 5% of their body weight while fish weighing more than 50 grams consume
3% of their total fish weight.
To compute total fish weight in the pond, multiply the number of fingerlings by their average
weight. For example: a pond stocked with 1,000 fingerlings weighing 20 gm each will have a total
fish weight of 20 kg. With a feeding rate of 5%, the amount of feed to be given is one kilogram per
day. Give one-half of the total ration of the day in the morning preferably between 6:30 - 7:30
and the other half between 4:30 - 5:30 pm.
3. Subsequent Fertilization
Fertilize the pond to maintain the growth of plankton. Stop applying fertilizer two weeks before
harvest. Do not apply fertilizer during inclement weather since fertilizers are not effective when
there is no sunlight.
4. Aquatic Weed Control
Ponds with dense aquatic vegetation interfere with the production of fish. Weeds use up plant
nutrients and occupy space intended for fish. They also make fish harvesting difficult. Examples of
these weeds are “aragan”, water hyacinth, water lilies, cat tails and duck weeds. Most weed
problems result from poor planning and poor pond management.
5. Harvesting
For better regulation of fish density in ponds, employ harvesting methods that can efficiently
remove most of the fish. A small number of fish left in the pond after harvest may be caught
during the next harvest to allow the fish to grow larger. However, too many fish left in the pond
may affect the growth rate of the fish stocked in the next production cycle. Harvest only
sufficient number of stocks while allowing enough space for the remaining fish to grow.
Methods of Harvesting
Thinning. Start harvesting partially in the later part of the growing season. Wild spawning
normally occurs in this part of the culture period. When the fish reach maturity, thin the bigger
fish in the pond to allow growth of the remaining fish stock. If thinning is done for marketing only,
use a net that can catch the desired size of fish. In tilapia culture, thin only once. Harvest the fish
totally one to two months after thinning.
Seining. Although seining is often recommended in harvesting fish in the pond, it is not very
effective in ensuring total harvesting of the stock. Tilapia often burrow themselves into the mud
to escape from the net.
Draining. Drain the pond to the half-level mark the night before harvesting. Catch larger fish with
a 1? mesh sieve and place in a drum, suspension net or “hapa” or large buckets filled with clean
water to wash away mud. To keep tilapia alive indefinitely, place these in cages or net enclosures
in a pond with clear water. In case the fish has an earthy smell or taste, hold them for about two
days in separate pond with flowing water to improve their taste.
Catch the remaining fish by lowering the water level using a fine mesh sieve to collect the
fingerlings. Transfer and keep the fingerlings alive in suspended net enclosures (hapa) installed in
another pond. Do not overstock the fingerlings in the holding units to prevent heavy mortality. Sell
or use these fingerlings for future stocking.
Harvest only the exact amount of stocks that can be absorbed by the consumers at the specific
time. There is risk in harvesting the stock in bulk without any formal or closed arrangement in the
market.
To eliminate undesirable predatory species and competitors, drain the pond completely. If
needed, spray pesticides for total elimination of predators left. Expose the pond bottom to
sunlight to increase its fertility.
6. Marketing
Prices of fish are largely controlled by supply and demand. Tilapia have to compete with other
cultural fishes and the marine catch. Marketing trends show that tilapia commands higher price
when sold during holidays, i.e., holy week, Christmas, fiestas and when supply of marine fish is
low during bad weathers, full moon days and the northeast monsoon months from November to
February.
To ensure the higher profits, prearrange the schedule of harvesting with fish dealers. Fish-farmers
are also encouraged to form a marketing cooperative to increase their bargaining power.
References:
For more information, and Seminars & Training, contact:
The Freshwater Aquaculture Center
Central Luzon State University Science
City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija
Telefax: (044) 456-0681