Pond fish farming requires proper pond clearing and disinfection as well as routine water quality management

Pond fish farming is a common form of aquaculture in rural areas, referring to the raising of fish in artificially dug or modified ponds. It has a relatively low entry threshold and flexible management methods, and can serve either as a family side business or be developed into large-scale operation, making it an introductory choice for many farmers.

Clearing and disinfecting the pond before stocking fish is crucial. Old ponds tend to accumulate a lot of silt, which easily breeds bacteria and parasites. Generally, before releasing fry, the pond water is drained, the pond bottom is sun-dried, and then quicklime and other common disinfectants are splashed over the entire pond. This not only kills pathogens but also improves the substrate, creating a clean living environment for the fish.

In terms of species selection, grass carp, silver carp, bighead carp, common carp, and crucian carp are all common species in ponds. Many farmers adopt a mixed polyculture approach, allowing fish in different water layers to take what they need. For example, grass carp eat grass, while silver carp and bighead carp filter-feed on plankton, making fuller use of water space and natural food.

Routine management mainly revolves around water quality and feeding. The pond should be regularly topped up with fresh water to keep the water moderately fertile and rich in dissolved oxygen. During hot and stuffy weather, attention should be paid to preventing fish from gasping at the surface and the pond from turning over. Feeding should be done at fixed times and in fixed amounts, adjusted flexibly according to water temperature and feeding conditions, to avoid leftover feed spoiling the water quality.

Disease prevention and control should not be overlooked either. In normal times, adhere to the principle of preventing disease before it occurs and treating it early when it does, pay close attention to the swimming and feeding behavior of the fish, and deal with any abnormalities promptly. As long as pond clearing, fry selection, water regulation, and feeding are done solidly, pond fish farming can usually achieve relatively stable harvests.