Many people are starting to raise fish in their backyard ponds because of the various benefits they get from fish farming. Aside from the beauty and the enhanced look of your backyard landscaping, having a backyard pond would also give you a steady supply of food. The good news is that many people are able to provide a steady supply of healthy food to their families from home ponds. Raising your own fish would also ensure that your fish are grown without any harmful chemicals, antibiotics or GMO.
Aquaculture can be done according to your needs and abilities. If you wish to feed your family through homegrown fish, you could easily dig a pond in your backyard and start raising fish in it. You could also use pools, fish tanks, or aquariums to raise fish either indoors or outdoors. If you own a bigger property you can take it a step further and start fish farming commercially.
In commercial fish farming, you can utilize either an intensive or extensive strategy. You probably won’t have the amount of space or the equipment that a commercial fish farm has when starting out with your home pond. In this case, you will have lower production and profit than a commercial fish farm. If you start with a large amount of land and dig several ponds in it, then you can start as big as a commercial fish farm or commercial aquaponic system. There are star-tup costs, costs for supplies, overheads, equipment costs, and learning processes associated with commercial fish farming. Make sure to check those out before you decide to start a commercial fish farming business on your own.
Fish farming at home
You can start your own home version of a fish farm with a just small pond in your backyard. If you are fortunate enough to have a big enough pond in your backyard, you can easily stock it with appropriate fish. There are several types of fish you can grow such as different types of trout, carp, catfish, and tilapia. The type of fish you raise in your pond would depend on where you live and the size of the pond. Tilapia and some other species of fish do not grow very well in cold weather. You could consider bluegill, crappie and bass, which are both viable choices for larger ponds.
You need to take special care to maintain the recommended depth and size of your pond for the type of fish you want to grow in order to avoid overcrowding the fish. Also, if you live in an area where your pond water can freeze in the winter, try to connect a water heater to it. Planting aquatic plants will provide food and shelter for the fish during summer.
If your ponds are ecologically balanced then you will need very little pond management. A well balanced fish pond will almost run on autopilot. If you put several types of fish together in a large enough pond, you may not have to feed your fish at all, except for the purpose of connecting with your fish.
Fish can be classified in three ways according to their eating habits: the bottom eaters, the top eaters and the mid eaters. The top eaters are always visible. They eat the green algae or the stuff floating on the top of the pond. You will rarely see the bottom eaters on the top of the surface. They are the ones who keep the bottom of the pond clean. For fast growth and quicker harvests, you may want to feed your fish once in a while. But make sure you don’t over-feed your fish because overfeeding causes most of the problems related to fish diseases, bacteria, and water quality degradation.
Feeding your fish
Your fish will be able to feed on plants and insects that fall into your pond water. But if you are concerned about feed shortages or if you want your fish to grow faster, you may supply them with organic fish feed. Most fish food supply stores will carry organic fish feed. Observe how your fish react to the supply of food you give them. If you give them food and they quickly devour it, they are probably facing shortages of food and need to be fed regularly.
Fish is very healthy and a type of food that can provide a good supply of protein for you and your family. Eating fish also supplies you with the ingredients you need to stay healthy such as Omega-3 fatty acid, which is good for your brain and heart. Eating fish regularly keeps your blood pressure under control, keeping you healthy and young. We recommend that you eat fish at least three times a week. Also, grow your own fish rather than buying it from the supermarket. This would help the eco-system as well as the environment to stay sustainable by reducing negative impacts. Most people don’t realize that when they buy locally grown food, they not only help the farmers, but they also help the ecosystem by saving energy that would have been wasted in packaging, transporting, storing, and marketing the food that comes from the supermarket.
We will be posting tips on fish farming regularly, so please comeback often. We’d appreciate it if you put down a few words in the comment box to let us know what you thought about this blog. Your comments really inspire us.
Source: WorldWide Aquaculture
After having studied aquaponics for quite a while now I still find it astonishing that traditional farmers (and politicians) don’t get it. What nutrition all boils down to is that humans need carbohydrates, fats and protein. Now the latter (and some of the fat supply) can not be better served than by eating fish. And compared to raising pigs or cattle, raising fish, at least given the right choice of species and doing it in an aquaponic setting, is much less hassle, work, less, if any, odor, no refuse, less energy if done right and much more sustainable in any sense. Yet still most politics go towards subsidizing e.g. biofuels and conventional agriculture etc.
Hi Colm. We couldn’t agree more! You sound very knowledgeable – we hope you’ll connect with us: http://worldwideaquaculture.com/news/ Get onto our mailing list and also check back to our site often for more great articles. Thanks for the comment!
Hi,
I want to start Backyard fish farm (Commercial) but I do not have knowledge about it .Please provide me detail learning material on my email address
Hi Gangaram.
Thanks for your query. We’d be happy to help. Someone will contact you soon.
I would like someone to contact me about possibly starting a commercial farm for fish. I am very actively looking for a business to start and one that interests me and I’d love more information.
Hi. I would like to build a small pond in my back yard. How do I keep it filtered or is it necessary
Dwayne,
Thanks for your question. It is a good one. I cannot answer it directly without getting more information from you. However, we have a site where you can get much information about fish farming and all other kinds of agriculture and what we call ecolonomic living (http://ecolonomics.org). That site is http://www.eatcommunity.com. We will be making you a FREE Member of that site and then we can communicate with you easily about your fish farming questions. On that site there is a questionnaire you can fill out to tell us about your aquaculture interests and even schedule a time to talk with us. I hope this has been helpful and keep up your aquaculture dreams! You are helping make the planet better.
Areeb
Hi, I want to know how i can start fish farming from home.If possible plzzzz help me with it. you can call me at 9930170576
or email at coolamul83@gamail.com
Thank you.
Hi Amul Dolas,
Please read our blogs regularly, I’m sure you’ll find them useful. Here is a blog that particulartly talks about starting a fish farming business indoors. http://worldwideaquaculture.com/start-an-indoor-fish-farming-business-from-home/
To find help with any specific question, please contact our office at
303-495-3705, and one of our expert team members will be happy to assist you.
Thanks.
I have been given a plot of land and I want to use it for fishery(catfish). How do I go about it?
hello.,you v encouraged alot about fish farming infact l m willing to try it in a plastic countainer if its ppssible
Hi Surayya Najib,
Thanks for your comment. Please go for it. For further help, please contact our office at (303) 495-3705.
Thanks.
Interested in doing fish farming in my backyard
Great. Please call us if you need help at 303-495-3705
Hi,
I would like personal to breed edible fish in plastic tanks in my Backyard purely for domestic
use.what is the smallest capacity tank required and how do I start. I am from Kerala, South India
Hi Dr. Femina,
Thank you for your query. Your fish tank size would depend on the type of fish you plan to breed. It is best if you could consult a local breeder. Please give us a call at (303) 495-3705 for more information.
Thanks.
Comment- Please help me in farming fish in pond & well fish
Comment- Please help me in farming fish in pond & well fish. Mo. 09572293188
Great article. I think you will also find this article interesting. It’s about Fish Fram in a Barrel. Here is the link to visit http://nourishtheplanet.com/2015/05/backyard-veggie-fish-farm-in-a-barrel-your-organic-farm-at-home/
Thanks for your comment.
i find breeding fish at backyard very interesting thanksfor showing us diffent choices we learned alot keep it up i would lv to start as soon as possible because ihave passion for fish farming
Thanks for your kind words
Thank for the insight. But am in Zimbabwe byo and have small fish pond would love to do backward fish farming. Could u be of help
Hello,
Welcome to our site. I’m sure you’ll find plenty of useful information on our site.
Your articles are very informative. How many fish can i keep in a 20m x 4m size pond? Tilapia type
Crispin,
Thanks for your question. It is a good one. I cannot answer it directly without getting more information from you. However, we have a site where you can get much information about fish farming and all other kinds of agriculture and what we call ecolonomic living (http://ecolonomics.org). That site is http://www.eatcommunity.com. We will be making you a FREE Member of that site and then we can communicate with you easily about your fish farming questions. On that site there is a questionaire you can fill out to tell us about your aquaculture interests and even schedule a time to talk with us. I hope this has been helpful and keep up your aquaculture dreams! You are helping make the planet better.
hi Jean tendayi Charlie did u manage to start ur fish farming
To start fish farm minimum inverstment details of our own
Hi MK,
We can meet and talk about your project. Someone will get in touch with you.
this informations are very valuable and it helps the peoples to start fish cultivation…thanks for the valuable information .
Thanks for the kind words
Iwould like to start fish farming on terrace by using plastic tank of size 6feet X 6feet X 5 feet.Please let me know the suppliers of the above said tank in India.Please reply to my email narasayya7@gmail.com
with thanks
Narasayya
Naraayya,
Thanks for your question. It is a good one. I cannot answer it directly without getting more information from you. However, we have a site where you can get much information about fish farming and all other kinds of agriculture and what we call ecolonomic living (http://ecolonomics.org). That site is http://www.eatcommunity.com. We will be making you a FREE Member of that site and then we can communicate with you easily about your fish farming questions. On that site there is a questionnaire you can fill out to tell us about your aquaculture interests and even schedule a time to talk with us. I hope this has been helpful and keep up your aquaculture dreams! You are helping make the planet better.
Areeb
Hello am interested in starting my backyard fish pond. Can you send me that can help me?
Lucious,
We certainly can help you with your aquaculture consulting needs. Here are several things we can do for you. First, we are going to make you a FREE member of our site where we teach courses and have live webinars about all kinds of aquaculture and agriculture. That site is called http://www.eatcommunity.com and you will get an email with login instructions.
Second, one of our staff will contact you and see about scheduling a brief FREE call or skype (for outside US) conversation. He will coordinate the timing for us.
Finally, on the http://www.eatcommunity.com site there is a questionnaire you should fill out to tell us a little about your aquaculture interests and needs. Please fill that out.
Areeb
I want to setup a backyard fish farm(commercial) but I don’t have enough knowledge about it,please I will need guidelines from you.thanks
Am solely interested in doing fish pond but I am in need of capital 07064469633
Hi Emma,
We certainly can help you with your aquaculture consulting needs. Here are several things we can do for you. First, we are going to make you a FREE member of our site where we teach courses and have live webinars about all kinds of aquaculture and agriculture. That site is called http://www.eatcommunity.com and you will get an email with login instructions.
Second, one of our staff will contact you and see about scheduling a brief FREE call or skype (for outside US) conversation. He will coordinate the timing for us.
Finally, on the http://www.eatcommunity.com site there is a questionnaire you should fill out to tell us a little about your aquaculture interests and needs. Please fill that out.
Areeb
Good post. You mentioned that the size of the pond was crucial to deciding the kind of fish to raise. We’re currently digging a 60′ long by 30′ wide by 10′ deep farm pond, and we live in southern Minnesota. Our water source is groundwater and chemical-free runoff from a nearby pasture. Any idea what our maximum potential would be as far as fish types and quantity?
Thank you!
Isaiah,
Thanks for your question. It is a good one. I cannot answer it directly without getting more information from you. However, we have a site where you can get much information about fish farming and all other kinds of agriculture and what we call ecolonomic living (http://ecolonomics.org). That site is http://www.eatcommunity.com. We will be making you a FREE Member of that site and then we can communicate with you easily about your fish farming questions. On that site there is a questionnaire you can fill out to tell us about your aquaculture interests and even schedule a time to talk with us. I hope this has been helpful and keep up your aquaculture dreams! You are helping make the planet better.
Areeb
Good morning
It is best program to provide regarding the home fish farming and I am very thanks full to you about the basic informing.
thanks
First thank you for the valuable information! I am looking to start a fish farm on property here in tucson az, i am looking to start my fish farm in a used shipping container, any advice would be greatly appreciated.
I have two Small pond(4 decimal) fresh water,how I can stat commercial fish firming, please give me complete project, investment and profit also.
hi my temi, I want to start small fish farming but I need studies materials to guiding. thanks
most fish species in our river is almost depleted and the idea of fish farming is more appropriate now than before but I lack information. Our region is blessed with many natural lagoons where fish farming can be done.is it possible for me to use these natural water bodies and raise fish for commercial purposes?
Hi,
We have an empty swimming pool that we are planning to convert into a fish pond. Where can I get materials on how to start and maintain a fish pond? We’re planning to raise St Peter fish or tilapias, catfish, bass, bonitas and fish that will thrive in Riverside, California. Where do we buy the baby fishes and the time frame of their maturity from eggs hatching or baby fish? We’re basically new at this business but we want to start for our own consumption. Thank you. You can email me at tgatchi@aol.com.
CommentThanks for the tips on how to start fish farm at home please furnish me more about it. through my email address. God bless you.
CommentThanks for the tips on how to start fish farm at home please furnish me more about it. through my email address. God bless you.
Hi
I will love to start a small scale fish farming
And also know outlets or establishments that grant loans to fish farmers.
Thanks
We certainly can help you with your aquaculture consulting needs. Here are several things we can do for you. First, we are going to make you a FREE member of our site where we teach courses and have live webinars about all kinds of aquaculture and agriculture. That site is called http://www.eatcommunity.com and you will get an email with login instructions.
Second, one of our staff will contact you and see about scheduling a brief FREE call or skype (for outside US) conversation. He will coordinate the timing for us.
Finally, on the http://www.eatcommunity.com site there is a questionnaire you should fill out to tell us a little about your aquaculture interests and needs. Please fill that out.
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from my iphone4. I’m trying to find a template or plugin that
might be able to esolve this problem. If you have any recommendations, please share.
Thank you!
Hi, I’m an accountant by profession but I have always been thinking of a business that is cost effective and easy to manage. So far with the insight from that article above on fish farming, I think I’m now breaking through. Apparently I happen to have small pond initially stocked with 60 fingerings. So these have started multiplying making my dreams a reality. Fish farming seem to be easy business. I look forward to more articles of this nature to have more knowledge.
Hello,
I want to start Backyard fish farm for commercial purposes but I do not have knowledge about it .Please provide me detail learning material on my email address. i will be happy to have your response.
Thank you.
I love to be knownlegdeable about raising fish in the backyard pls send me information from time to time.
Hello,
I want to start Backyard fish farm for commercial purposes but I do not have knowledge about it .Please provide me detail learning material on my email address. i will be happy to have your response.Thanks
I am a novice I want to invest in fish farming in Africa (in a tropical rain forest- with high rainfall intensity). How do I build my ponds and what can I use to feed the fish since buying the fish feed will be difficult? The aeration process how is it achieved and what is the optimum PH range for the pond. What is the required pond space/area 500 fishes? Please I will appreciate all the helps you can give to me.
Hi,
I want to start Backyard fish farm (Commercial) but I do not have knowledge about it .Please provide me detail learning material on my email address
It was a very helpful information. But I think there should be more details relating to how wide and deep u can make ur fish pond of various fishes. Thanks
Your fish will be able to feed on plants and insects that fall into your pond water. But if you are concerned about feed shortages or if you want your fish to grow faster, you may supply them with organic fish feed. Most fish food supply stores will carry organic fish feed. Observe how your fish react to the supply of food you give them. If you give them food and they quickly devour it, they are probably facing shortages of food and need to be fed regularly.
everystockphoto-852162-hFish is very healthy and a type of food that can provide a good supply of protein for you and your family. Eating fish also supplies you with the ingredients you need to stay healthy such as Omega-3 fatty acid, which is good for your brain and heart. Eating fish regularly keeps your blood pressure under control, keeping you healthy and young. We recommend that you eat fish at least three times a week. Also, grow your own fish rather than buying it from the supermarket. This would help the eco-system as well as the environment to stay sustainable by reducing negative impacts. Most people don’t realize that when they buy locally grown food, they not only help the farmers, but they also help the ecosystem by saving energy that would have been wasted in packaging, transporting, storing, and marketing the food that comes from the supermarket.
Hi,
I want to start Backyard fish farm (Commercial) but I do not have knowledge about it .Please provide me detail learning material on my email address