Tilapia ranks second after carp when it comes to most farmed fish in the world. The demand for this fish is very high in national and international markets and many farmers are getting attracted to tilapia fish farming these days. It can generate the best income for farmers if they follow the right method or approach. Proper management of the pond or tank is needed and the most advanced farming methods should be employed to optimize the production.

Several factors determine the quality of fish farming and they include pond selection, pond maintenance, breeding methods and water management. The most vital aspect is that the production system must provide the best congenial environment to encourage the optimal growth of the tilapia. High density fish farming must correctly manage critical environment parameters such as carbon dioxide, nitrites, ammonia, alkalinity, pH and dissolved oxygen and so on. If a farmer wants to produce tilapia in a cost effective way, he/she must create a production system that is capable of maintaining all water quality variables in a safe range during the entire grow-out period.

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Correct feeding is a very vital factor

When it comes to feeding tilapia, a nutritionally balanced fish feed is absolutely essential. It is really critical to maximize the production in a high density farming system. For maintaining the best growth rates, you have to provide moderate to high protein pelleted diets and they should range between 1.0% to 3.0% of the body weight of the tilapia per day based on the size and age of the fish. This fish consumes algae and other types of aquatic plants. Commercial fish feeds are also available and purchasing or making organic fish feeds are the best option available.

Develop your tilapia system carefully

You can grow tilapia in a wide range of environments such as ponds, tanks, cages and raceways. Growing this fish in the pond is the simplest method and many people are resorting to this method for high density fish farming. If you are utilizing a tank or cage, you have to buy the right systems, materials and tools. Setting up the right culture environment must be done on the basis of your requirements, preferences and budget.  Many people employ Monosex Tilapia Fish Farming and it refers to raising male tilapia by separating the females. This method offers high degree of disease resistance, better survival rate in adverse weather conditions and the ability to consume natural pond feed.

Important needs of tilapia

In addition to quality feeds, tilapia also needs clean water, adequate oxygen, sufficient lighting and proper room for movements. If you can provide your tilapia with these aspects, they are going to stay healthy and grow faster. Whenever you supply new water into your pond or tank, you must make sure that it is completely pure like drinking water. It is always advisable to use a filter, nitrate remover, softener or a high volume reverse osmosis system to retain the purity of the water. The dissolved oxygen should be kept at optimal levels and tilapia farms should also be equipped with proper lighting arrangements. The best practice is to provide light for 18 hours per day. Although this fish can tolerate crowded conditions better than other fish species, overcrowding can deplete the shared oxygen supply. It also results in stress and reduced immune system response. In order to provide normal surface aeration, you have to maintain two pounds of tilapia for every cubic foot of water.

High quality aeration methods for tilapia farming

You have to choose a specially designed aeration system for your tilapia farm. High quality systems maintain high efficiency in both fresh water and salt water and, they are made using a combination of materials that offer excellent air flow and durability. The running expenses can be reduced to unimaginable levels with the best aeration system and the yield can be increased beyond your expectations. The process of dissolving oxygen becomes highly effective and faster across the water body and it occurs deep under the water to deliver oxygen to aquatic life at depths. The bottom line is that uniform oxygen distribution all across the pond becomes a reality with the best aeration systems. Other benefits include excellent food conversion ratio, reduced maintenance and minimal interference with the natural aquatic life.

Related : Aeration solutions to assist with high DO levels in fish / shrimp ponds

Tilapia has been farmed in different parts of the world successfully because of its high resistance to different farming conditions. This fish can withstand high density farming and it breeds quite easily. Moreover, tilapia is highly resistant to disease and mature females lay eggs within three to four months in the nests created by males. You have to keep the temperature levels at optimal levels and the tilapia breeds well when you maintain the temperature levels between 15 degree Celsius and 35 degree Celsius. Most importantly, the best aeration system should be used to take the production to higher levels and it is always advisable to separate large fingerlings from smaller ones in the breeding area to avoid cannibalism. When you focus on creating the best environment for the tilapia to thrive, farming becomes highly effective and profitable as well.

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