When you live outside the tropical zone , you’re able to grow tilapia ina backyard pondwhere they can thrive if you keep the water at the needed temperature . A Pisces with firm , white flesh , tilapia endure in poorer H2O conditions and lower O degree than many other types of pond - raised fish . But they choose a water temperature of 82 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit , as they grow slowly in 68 degree F pee and may die when the H2O temperature discharge to 50 degree F. Many tilapia ponds average one - one-half acre or large in size of it , but are only 3 to 6 feet recondite , so a large backyard or land area is a necessity .

Suitable Location

Before constructing a tilapia pond , confer local grading and pool - construction grammatical construction codes or professional . To successfully grow tilapia year around , you must live in a year - round of drinks warm mood or inflame the water when water temperature drop below livable temperature for the Pisces . Conduct a soil test before grading to influence its makeup , as this influences the character of pool and building method . For example , clay soils tend to hold water , while sandlike grime do n’t .

Pond Dozing

A bulldozer or other earth - proceed equipment removes the stain to the desired pond depth . lightly slope the face with a two - to - one slope between the top of the levee , its side and the bottom of the pond . Build the levee high enough so that its top measures approximately 8 to 12 inches above the water supply level . Many levee range from 10 to 16 feet extensive at the top , allowing for vehicles to tug on them .

Pond Bottom

Smooth and tauten the bottom of the pool . Remove any junk such as tree pulpit and rock outcroppings . graze all organic material , such as leaves and weeds from the bottom of the pond . Test the pH value of the soil at the pond ’s bottom and sides to secure it is within the desirable range for genus Tilapia , which need a neutral to slimly alkaline 7 to 9 pH. A 1 to 2 percent bottom slope allows the ponds to drain successfully .

Water Flow

Install a piss recess pipe approximately eight inches above the desired water system level . Construct an way out pipe so it is possible to completely drain the pond during and after genus Tilapia harvest . cut across the intake and outlet pipe with covert with small enough yap to prevent Pisces the Fishes from getting into the pipes . By adding a harvest home sump to aid run out the pond , you could successfully assemble the fish during harvest . The sump also allows for cleaning of fingerlings and fry from the pond before reuse .

Things to Consider

flora grass and other suitable vegetation around the pond to reduce soil erosion . instal a cementum or plastic line drive if the grime texture does n’t allow the pool to sufficiently hold the water . Carefully look out for tunnel animals such as mole , gophers or musquash that can make jam in the levee . To kick upstairs a large number of tilapia in the pond , add an aeration gadget to increase the oxygen content of the water .

References

Tilapia fish isolated