Business idea for fish farming. Breeding sturgeon fish at home: how to start a business from scratch

2018-01-25 Igor Novitsky

By approaching the formation of the pond correctly, studying the water parameters and preparing everything for the launch of the fry, the owner will be able to grow the fish to the optimal size. Careful care and cleaning of an artificial reservoir will allow you to increase the amount of fish for sale, and therefore increase the volume of profit received.

At the moment, many experts in the field of fish farming consider the fishing business to be a rather promising area. Therefore, by creating conditions for its development, it is possible to solve the problem of providing the state with fish and help fish farms in such a difficult task as growing various fish species.

Previously, it was popular to breed fish in artificial reservoirs, but in this case, poachers prevented the growth and development of young and older individuals, which is why fish farmers began to engage in organized reproduction and cultivation of fish on mini farms and at home. But in order for fish breeding to be successful, a novice fish farmer needs to study the breeding instructions and adhere to all the prescribed rules. Without what will home fish farming not bring the desired results?

Home fish farming from scratch

The most important resource for growing any type of fish is water. The growth, development and health of young animals will depend on its quality.

Step one. Creation of an artificial reservoir.

Before you start creating a pond, you need to devote time to a complete analysis of the water, studying all the indicators and quality standards necessary for populating the reservoir with new residents.

For this purpose, it is best to contact Epidemiological Surveillance and ask specialists to conduct the necessary analyzes of the aquatic environment and provide advice on improving it, if necessary. If the water quality does not meet standards, do not despair. It is enough to aerate and clean the pond and everything will return to normal.

Step two. Determining the quality of water resources.

The water in a fish pond must have the following characteristics:

Optimal salt ratio;
Regular and irregular temperature conditions;
The total number of microorganisms living in it and PH;
General transparency;
The presence of minerals necessary for future fish;
Color qualities;
The ratio of gases dissolved in water;

If all these characteristics meet the stated standards, then it will be possible to grow fish without any problems.

Step three. Launching the fry.

Before you release the fry into the pond, you need to know what temperature conditions are suitable for the breed of fish you have chosen. There are fish that are more suited to cold water, and there are fish species that will only feel comfortable in warm water.

Cold-loving species include grass carp, carp, catfish, crucian carp, sterlet, silver carp, trout, peled, etc. Heat-loving fish need to ensure the water temperature is not lower than twenty degrees, and for those who prefer cool waters, from ten to twenty degrees. Wintering in a reservoir will also be determined by the species of fish.

Step four. Stages of growing fish.

In order to properly build your mini fish farm, you need to know that when growing fish, the stages of breeding are taken into account. First, the fish spawn, then the fry appear, followed by the wintering stage, the next stage of growth, and experienced fish farmers consider the feeding stage to be the last step.

Taking them into account, it is possible to clearly distinguish between these periods and create the necessary scheme for the growth and development of young animals and grown individuals. For each of these stages, it is best to equip your own pond or use plastic pools.

In a pool or spawning pond, fish farmers hatch fry from the eggs. The hatched fry are transplanted into a pond where they will grow. Upon reaching a certain age, they are placed in a nursery pond, where they will gain weight. When the generation gets stronger and there is no longer any need to worry about its health, it is transferred to a feeding pond, and for wintering a special wintering pond with conditions appropriate for fish is used.

In order for fish to grow and develop well, the water in the reservoir must be clean and enriched with oxygen. Also, it should not contain hydrogen sulfide and methane. To avoid their occurrence, the pond must be created in an appropriate area, which can be determined using a geodetic map. Also, the reservoir must have appropriate vegetation that will saturate the water with substances beneficial to fish.

Step five. Feeding.

Not only water plays an important role in growing fish, but also the use of appropriate feed additives. In order to grow healthy fish, it is necessary to use feed mixtures appropriate for each breed. They consist of fats, fiber, legumes, grains, proteins, minerals and vitamins that fish need. The secret of success is simple: in order for the fish to grow well, fish farmers fertilize the reservoirs and mineralize them.

For each age of fish, it is necessary to use their own feed additives, just as to boost immunity, they use therapeutic-stress food to help the fish cope with the disease and gain immunity to it. That’s basically all that fish farmers who decide to grow fish at home need to know.

Breeding fish at home as a business

For growing fish, the most important thing is water; without it, it is simply impossible to breed any of the fish species. It is for this reason that before deciding to grow fish at home, it is necessary to build a suitable artificial reservoir for it.

For this purpose, you can rent a state reservoir, but it is better to abandon this idea. Because it will take you a lot of time to obtain various permits and approvals, and in addition to all this, your “fishing place” will also be threatened by poachers trying to catch as much fish as possible in your reservoir. For this reason, it is best to forget about renting a pond from government agencies. Moreover, the cost of a business based on state lease will be very expensive for you.

Another option is to create an artificial pond on your country or summer cottage. Creating an artificial reservoir will also not be cheap, but it will still require significantly less material and stress from you, and you will also be one hundred percent confident in the reliability of your business.

If you want to breed fish for which fresh water is suitable, then you can use a polycarbonate greenhouse with a plastic pool installed in it. It is also necessary to purchase compressor and filtering equipment, which will cost three thousand dollars. If you can create such equipment yourself, you will significantly reduce the cost of equipment for the pond. But before you start creating or purchasing it, you need to find out exactly what equipment and materials you will need.

Pond equipment

Water purification in a reservoir should be done using a gravity filter. Installing it is quite simple and it will not take much of your time. It costs about five thousand rubles. It is used not only for water purification, but also allows you to remove microorganisms that cause water blooms and the appearance of mud.

In order to saturate the water with oxygen, compressor equipment is used. Its cost can reach ten thousand rubles. In order to prevent the water in the reservoir from blooming, sterilizers with ultraviolet diodes are used. To pump water out of a reservoir, you need to purchase a hydraulic pump (about five thousand rubles). You can also make it by assembling it yourself from tubes. In this case, the reservoir will be filled with water from underground sources and springs. Feeders can be purchased at stores that sell fishing tackle. Also, do not forget about drainage equipment.

Costs and technology of fish farming

The benefits of fish farming are obvious. On the market, let’s take sturgeon, for example, a kilogram costs about two hundred rubles. By buying fry or breeding them yourself, you can get up to a ton of fish per year, which is about one and a half thousand kilograms, which means three hundred thousand rubles.

By spending one hundred and fifty thousand on your fishing business, you can work off the costs in a year and still make a profit. The main thing is to find sales points and then you don’t have to worry about profits.

Of course, only those people who understand all the risks and are ready to take them can engage in fish farming, because this type of business is quite competitive. And if you are not ready to fight and breed really high-quality and selected fish, it is better not to start it.

And now, finally, you have made a firm decision to create your own fishery. What documents will you need? Since you will be starting a business, you will need to register your business. This will also require additional costs. Also, to grow fish you will need a license, which will need to be issued. And when you receive the first “harvest”, you will still have to undergo product quality control and obtain special permission from the relevant structures.

What is the best fish to choose for breeding?

While it is easy to calculate the costs of creating an artificial reservoir, the costs of purchasing and growing fish are very difficult. It is for this reason that it is necessary to draw up a clear business plan.

The most unpretentious fish to eat and keep is carp. It is also affordable. When purchasing a ton of carp fry, you will need to spend about a thousand dollars. Moreover, this fish breed will not begin to reproduce immediately, but only after three years. In addition, during the cold season, carp grow twice as slow.

In industrial terms, all varieties of sturgeon are considered the most profitable fish species. An adult sturgeon weighs on average five hundred grams. A kilogram of sturgeon sold wholesale will cost approximately ten dollars. In your artificial pond, you can grow about a ton of such fish in six months. And this means that this business can really be called profitable.

Growing fish at home on a mini-farm: how to organize it correctly?

If you follow all the tips described above, then growing fish in your pond or pool is not a problem. This is exactly what farmer Mikhail Atamanov does, growing sterlet and trout on his farm in Yaroslavl. Over the course of a year, he grows and sells up to ten tons of fish and does not intend to stop there. According to him, such a business brings him not only tangible profit, but also pleasure.

Today, more and more people are starting to think about organizing their own business. The area of fish breeding in artificial ponds seems quite interesting.

Our article will discuss which species is best to choose for breeding, what conditions are needed for this, and how to properly provide them.

Carp.
Trout.
Crucian carp.
Carp.

Trout, carp and carp (the carp family) are considered highly productive. Fish is in stable demand among domestic buyers. Carp is easier to care for; trout is considered a “capricious” fish. However, it also costs more.

The choice of type depends on the climate of the area in which the reservoir will be located.

In addition, it is necessary to calculate the possibility of providing food. For example, crucian carp and carp feed on bottom microorganisms, algae, and plant shoots. They have a very good attitude towards mixed feed.

Trout is considered a predatory fish; cattle organs (spleen, liver and other entrails) are used to feed it. She also feeds on shellfish, fresh small fish, and bird eggs. If you have your own livestock or poultry farm, it is more logical to breed trout.

Equipment and structure of the reservoir

Fish are bred either in pools or ponds. The easiest way is to build your own pond on your own plot of land. But there is also the possibility of renting a lake or natural pond: the agreement is concluded with the owners, most often these are federal authorities. The term of the contract is usually 20 years, but it can be terminated if the tenant does not properly care for the reservoir and the surrounding area.

Long-term rent is a risky undertaking, so it is better to organize your own pond on the site.

Pool

You can build it yourself or purchase a ready-made one. If you build it yourself, you will have to spend a lot of money and time to install the Closed Water Supply Installation (RAS). Such equipment is necessary for breeding, since the density of “heads” in an artificial reservoir is much higher than in the usual habitat.

When purchasing a ready-made pool, you have the opportunity to immediately purchase a RAS and a mechanical filter included.

Pond

Artificial reservoirs (ponds) come in several types:

Growing up.
Foraging.
Spawning.
Wintering.

There is no particular need for spawning ponds, since a start-up business does not involve breeding fry; ready-made planting material is purchased immediately. And then comes the fattening of the fish. In fact, only the nursery pond is used.

How to make it:

Dig a pit.
Compact the bottom. Reservoirs can have an artificial or natural bottom. The artificial bottom is covered with film, tiled, cemented, and even car tires are used. If the soil is too clayey or sandy, it needs to be strengthened.
Fill with water.

Don't start the fish right away. The water should warm up well and settle. Microorganisms will settle in the pond, creating a climate close to natural.

Dimensions and additional equipment

In small ponds, carp gain weight much faster than in large reservoirs. Trout requires complete saturation of the water with oxygen, so if it is bred in a pool, the installation of a RAS is mandatory. You also need to purchase a feeder.

The depth of the reservoir must be at least 1 meter. For trout - from 2 m. You should not build a pond that is too deep, as the water will not be sufficiently warmed by the sun and saturated with oxygen. Recommended surface area – from 4 meters.

In winter, reservoirs are not sufficiently saturated with oxygen; artificial aeration is necessary. It is also advisable to equip them with a gravity filter. Fully It is recommended to change the water 2 times a year.

Purchasing fish, feeding and care

Fry are purchased for breeding. The quantity depends on the size of the reservoir. It is worth considering that the fry grows at least 8 times during the season. During the breeding process, 10-15% of the fry die.

Experienced entrepreneurs recommend breeding fry yourself, i.e. carry out cultivation from larvae (fertilized eggs). This method is cheaper than purchasing fry, but this technology in any case requires many years of breeding experience and knowledge of the nuances. Therefore, it is advisable for novice entrepreneurs to raise livestock from fry.

Young animals need to be fed every 12 hours. It is wise to use automated systems that will supply power to the reservoir at the right time.

There are several types of feed:

Starters (for fry).
Productive (for building mass).
Productive (before spawning).
Pigmented (used for salmon to give the meat a distinct orange tint).

If the reservoir is open, then in some regions of the country it freezes for the winter. Under ice, the life processes in the fish’s body slow down as much as possible, therefore they don't feed her in winter. Only in spring, autumn and summer. If the pond is located in a warm climate zone, then the fish are fed in winter, but the dose is significantly reduced.

To determine the amount of food, tables are used that are provided by companies that sell fry. The table takes into account the average weight of the individual and the temperature of the reservoir; at the intersection of these columns the optimal weight of food is indicated.

Some nuances of feeding:

In summer, when the temperature of an open reservoir rises to 25-30 degrees, you need to reduce the amount of feed.
The daily dose cannot be given at once; it is better to divide it into several doses.
It is not recommended to “overfeed” the fish; this will not give any practical effect. In this case, the water will be polluted not by the food eaten, but by toxic decomposition substances.

In addition to following the feeding regime, you need to monitor the health of the fish. Frequent diseases: rubella, gill necrosis, fungal infections. Epidemics can almost completely destroy the entire population.

To prevent the occurrence of diseases, water must be kept clean. In addition, when purchasing fry, you need to request a veterinary certificate to ensure that the material is healthy. Disease control of the population is recommended to be carried out 2 times a month.

Sales of products

Sufficient weight for sale of trout – from 500 g, for the carp family – 300 g. The larger the fish, the more expensive it is on the market. Therefore, you should not rush and try to sell all the livestock in a year. It is better to wait 2-3 years and get a good profit. Yes, this is one of the disadvantages of such a business - profitability does not come immediately. However, in the future it will bring constant and stable income.

Products can be sold in stores, sold to wholesalers, and sales can be negotiated with private entrepreneurs who own fishing points. Large supermarkets usually have aquariums with live fish for sale. It is also possible to sell it from the barrel in the markets yourself. But at the same time, you need to resolve the issue with the tax authorities and obtain all the necessary documentation.

Business seasonality and pitfalls

It is best to purchase fry in the spring. The fish grows intensively in the warm months; in winter, growth practically stops. In cold regions, stock in ponds hibernate. Peak sales occur in October and November.

If the climate of the region allows, then the goods can be “held” until the New Year holidays. However, it is worth taking into account the risk: fish lose weight during the winter, and even in warm areas frosts can hit.

If fish are bred in pools, it is necessary to purchase a power source - a generator - in case of power outages. The device will ensure uninterrupted operation of filters, aeration equipment, etc. This is especially necessary for breeding trout and salmon.

When growing different species, their “compatibility” is taken into account. Representatives of breeds should not compete with each other. Predators should not be added to “herbivores”.

Total costs

Construction of a reservoir: swimming pool with RAS – 250,000 rubles, pond – 200,000 rubles.
Additional equipment: separately RAS – 150,000, aeration device – 60,000 RUR, hydraulic pump – 15,000 RUR, feeders and other small items – 20,000 RUR.
Cost of fry: 10,000-20,000 rubles.
Food for 100 fish: 6,000 rub. per month.

The first year in business is the most expensive. You will have to invest the bulk of your finances on the arrangement of reservoirs and the purchase of equipment. As a result, the amount will be on average 500,000 rub.. This is provided that you do not need to pay wages to hired personnel. But these expenses are more than enough will pay off in 2-3 years after starting a business. In some regions it is possible to take out a loan or apply for a subsidy from the state for fisheries.

If you plan to breed not in a pool, but in a pond, then you can attract additional income by organizing paid fishing trips.

Profit calculation

Considered good profitability 9-10%, especially in the first year of entrepreneurial activity in this area. In the future, the percentage of profit with a competent approach will only grow. Experts say that at first it is more profitable to maintain a small farm fishery than a large enterprise.

After 3 years, the profitability will be 30% with the condition of full payback. In the future, every entrepreneur strives to expand production, and income increases accordingly. In today's conditions of our economy, we can say unequivocally that this is a very promising business.

Having experience in this matter, in a few years it is logical to start raising rare valuable species, such as shemai, Siberian sturgeon, peled, etc. Another profitable industry is the production of expensive black caviar.

Video material about this field of activity

The video clearly shows the process of growing trout in an artificial pond:

Which business idea should you choose? Let's try to find the answer to this question. Many of us don’t think about how food gets to our dinner table. We are not interested in where or how they were grown or produced, the main thing is the end result. We want to always consume fresh and high-quality products. Live fish has always been and will be in great demand among the population.

It's no secret that many men like to sit with a fishing rod by the pond, relax, fish, and making this hobby their business is a dream for many, which can come true if you set a certain goal.

Fishing business from scratch

It is possible to make fish farming a business, but before making a final decision, you need to study all the intricacies and pitfalls of this business.

Russia is a great country in which fisheries are highly developed. To be honest, several decades ago our fish farming enterprises were among the best in the world. Unfortunately, many of them went bankrupt because they could not withstand the competition of foreign companies. Those that still continue to exist are unable to provide the country's population with the growing needs for live fish. Therefore, fish farming can be a successful solution to supplying your region with these products.

The ideas of growing fish in artificially created reservoirs are not new, but they do not lose their relevance even today.

There are several areas in modern fish farming:

Artificial fish pond

Selecting a suitable site

The area where you can make a fish pond can be located not only in small towns or outside them, but also in a big city on your own plot of land (if there is one). If it is not possible to dig a pond or pool, you can make a container from sheet iron.

A reservoir for breeding and growing fish must meet this goal. The depth of the pond must be at least 150 cm. Its bottom should be free of peat or silt. Vegetation must be present in the reservoir, but within reasonable limits.

The business will be economically profitable only if the reservoir is suitable in all respects not only for keeping fish, but also for growing it, collecting eggs and incubating young animals.

Construction of a fish pond

When creating a fish pond, you should not focus on its sophistication and decorative items. Do not forget that its main goal is to create comfortable conditions for keeping fish.

When constructing fish ponds, the following should be considered: rules and recommendations:

Small ponds will require serious care, while large ones will cost you a lot. Based on this, it follows that the optimal sizes are in the range of 30 – 50 square meters. meters;
one of the areas of the pond should be in the shade. In addition, it is worth knowing that in order for the pond not to flood during spring floods, it should not be located in low-lying areas;
the bottom topography is complex, with shallow water alternating with deep-water areas, with rapids and ledges of various sizes;
To breed different types of fish you will need a variety of soil.

For example, let’s take a farm that plans to breed carp. Expenditure part of the business plan:
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* The calculations use average data for Russia

4,000,000 ₽

Minimum starting capital

From 4 years

Payback

25%

Profitability

The fishing industry is of great interest to entrepreneurs. This direction is in demand and promising, although it requires considerable investment and is associated with certain risks. Both natural and artificial (pond) reservoirs are suitable for fish farming. Domesticated fish and their hybrids are grown in them.

Pond fish farming, which is discussed in this article, is the cultivation of fish using intensive technologies and is characterized by a high degree of use of all components of the food supply of reservoirs plus additional feed. The main goals of pond fish farming are natural and artificial fish breeding, selection and breeding work and acclimatization of new fish species.

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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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.

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.

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. Carp spawn in the spring, laying eggs on vegetation in shallow areas of the reservoir. The fry appear 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.

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.

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