How to Raise Tilapia Properly? Farming Methods and Technical Key Points

Tilapia is considered one of the more delicate farmed fish species, intolerant of high temperatures and intolerant of low temperatures. Below 18°C or above 40°C, the former easily leads to a dormant state, while the latter easily leads to death. Today Qinnongwang will tell everyone about some points to note regarding tilapia farming.

1. Pond Preparation

In order to provide a good growing environment for tilapia, the pond must be disinfected and repaired before farming. First drain the water completely, clean out the silt, and then rinse it thoroughly with water. After that, repair the pond walls to be smoother, so as not to accidentally injure the tilapia later. Next, introduce lime water, and be sure to ensure it is spread all around. After clearing the lime water, be sure to rinse it thoroughly and let it dry for 7-10 days to ensure the disinfection effect. Then add pond water and let it settle for a period before slowly releasing the fry.

2. Releasing the Fry

In the early stage, since the fry are relatively delicate, be sure not to make the water too deep; about one meter is fine, as this helps the fry breathe. Before releasing, they can be disinfected with salt water at a ratio of 3%, for about 30 minutes. Generally, the fry are released around March, when the temperature has just returned to 18°C, which is the most suitable temperature for tilapia fry to survive. To increase the survival rate, some high-protein fish meal can be added in the early stage to improve nutrition. Stock 4000 fry per mu; once they exceed three centimeters, the stocking number should be appropriately reduced.

3. Feeding Management

Tilapia is a highly omnivorous fish species; it generally actively swallows organic debris and some aquatic plants and the like, so the feed provided can be mainly grass-based. To ensure the flow of pond water and the richness of aquatic microorganisms, some aquatic plants can be planted along the edges, and organic fertilizer can be added. Feeding times are generally at 8-9 in the morning and 5-6 in the afternoon, and can be adjusted according to seasonal and climate changes. At noon the temperature is generally higher, and tilapia will choose a place to escape the heat.

4. Points to Note

The feeding spots should be fixed, to make it easier for tilapia to find food, and each feeding should last about half an hour to ensure feeding efficiency. The pond water depth is generally controlled at three meters; if later tilapia are often found coming to the surface in batches to breathe, then oxygen-increasing equipment should be prepared. The tilapia growth cycle is about 4 months; if longer, the investment and income will not be proportional.

The above are some issues to note when farming tilapia. Due to the delicacy of tilapia, everyone must put in 12 parts of effort to manage them, and the returns from this farming will basically satisfy everyone.