Proper running of a fish farm requires use of the right fish farm equipment. This list contains the major pieces of equipment that are necessary to run a modest commercial fish farming operation. Use of air pumps to raise the level of dissolved oxygen in the water has contributed to massive increase in number of fish stocks in River State, Nigeria.
- Harvesting Tools
A seine is a large fishing net, held down along the bottom by weights and with its top floating. It is used in harvesting fish. It is important to also have a smaller scoop net which is used for catching single fish, perhaps for purposes of weighing to regularly assess weight gain. The seine and dip net has to be made from soft material to make sure it does not injure the fish.
- Tools for Digging up the Pond
Tools for digging include machetes, hoes, shovels, pickaxes, and wheelbarrows. These are all required for digging the pond. The hoes, shovels and machetes are great for scooping off soil, the weeds can be cleared using the machete and soil carried away using a wheelbarrow and later used to help form a dyke around the pond to be used for aquaculture.
- Equipment for Measuring Out the Pond
Before the pond is built, a site has to be selected and the dimensions of the fish pond set out. A measuring tape is great for deciding the length and width; wooden pegs can be used to mark out the edges of the rectangle. These pegs can be joined using a string which can be used to construct a barrier. Strings can also be run across the pond to discourage predators.
- Equipment for Weighing Fish
A weighing scale is an essential piece of equipment. If fish are weighed on a fortnightly or at least monthly basis, the fish farmer can ensure that the fish are gaining weight at a healthy rate.
- Equipment for Stocking
When stocking, it is important to have buckets and tubs which can be let into the water and tipped gradually so that the fish swim into the water. If they are let in abruptly, fish may die of shock. The buckets must be free of any sharp edges which can hurt fish.
- Taking Care of Fish Farming Equipment
All equipment used within a fish farm has to be cleaned thoroughly every time they are used. Use clean water to rinse the equipment and dry them in the sun to reduce spread of fish diseases.
- Equipment for measuring temperature of water
It is important to monitor the temperature of the water and a thermometer is essential.
- Equipment for Feeding Fish
Sometimes farmers use feeding machines to release feed into the pond at regular intervals. It is important to ensure that the feeders are operational and have feed in them. There are also machines for processing feed in case the farmer wants to process his own fish feeds: grinders, mixers, pellet making machines etc.
- Aerators/Air Pump
An air pump raises the level of dissolved oxygen inside the pond and makes it possible for fish farmers to raise more fish. It is more necessary in a situation where the water in the pond is still.
- Water Pump
Ideally, a fish farm should be located on a gentle slope in order to take advantage of gravity. Otherwise, fish farmers can use water pumps to get water in and out of the pond.
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