Secret to Profitable Tilapia Farming in Earthen Ponds

Traditional tilapia farming often ends in significant losses, whereas meticulous planning along with advanced culture technology can transform your conventional farming into a money-making machine!

Tilapia is one of the most popular and commercially farmed fish species in the world, primarily due to its adaptability to various environments and rapid growth. As the demand for affordable, healthy, and nutritious food continues to rise globally, tilapia farming has become a great option for fish farmers.

Tilapia farming in earthen ponds has emerged as one of the most effective and cost-efficient methods of aquaculture.

This article will guide you through everything you need to know to make your tilapia farm thrive, offering expert tips and practical advice on maximizing profit.

Why Tilapia Farming in Earthen Ponds?

A cost effective farming method

Low-cost setup systems and maintenance of the infrastructure have made tilapia farming in earthen ponds a prime option. Building earthen ponds is far more affordable compared to other systems like concrete tanks or RAS or IPRS structures or cage farming.

Furthermore, earthen ponds provide natural filtration through microbial activity in the soil and water, which reduces the need for expensive water treatment systems. The ponds also allow for the natural regulation of water temperature and oxygen levels, which minimizes the need for energy-consuming aerators. This can save farmers between 20-30% of their operational costs annually.

Optimal environment for tilapia

Earthen ponds provide almost a natural habitat for tilapia by promoting healthy fish growth. These ponds are typically shallow, with a recommended depth of 1.5 to 2 meters, which facilitates optimum oxygen circulation and allows tilapia to swim freely. This type of pond enables the tilapia to grow faster and reach market size in approximately 4-5 months under ideal conditions.

In addition to the physical space, earthen ponds naturally support the growth of plankton, algae, and aquatic plants, which serve as a supplementary food source for tilapia. This can usually reduce the need for commercially formulated pellet feed and helps lower overall feeding costs to a significant level. As feeding costs can represent up to 50-60% of the total operational costs in tilapia farming when it is operated commercially.

Sustainability and Eco-Friendliness

Tilapia farming in earthen ponds is considered an environmentally sustainable method of aquaculture. The natural water filtration system and organic waste decomposition reduce the need for chemical treatments, which can be harmful to the ecosystem. By maintaining good water quality and pond management practices, farmers can minimize pollution and prevent the spread of diseases that typically arise from overcrowded or poorly managed systems.

Furthermore, the use of earthen ponds in aquaculture aligns with the principles of sustainable farming. In many cases, tilapia farming in earthen ponds supports biodiversity by providing habitats for various species of aquatic life, contributing to healthier local ecosystems.

Research has shown that well-managed tilapia farming in earthen ponds produces a lower carbon footprint compared to other intensive aquaculture systems. A study conducted by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimates that tilapia farming in earthen ponds produces approximately 0.5 to 1.0 kg of CO2 per kg of tilapia produced, making it a relatively low-emission method of farming.

Soaring global demand

At present, the global market value for tilapia has been estimated at USD 8.0 billion. This demand is driven by tilapia’s status as a healthy protein source, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. It is also popular among consumers seeking affordable alternatives to other fish species like salmon or tuna.

Tilapia is particularly in demand in international markets, including the United States, China, and Europe, where it is sold fresh, frozen, or processed into value-added products like fillets or smoked fish.

The estimated global market value of tilapia is approximately USD 9.0 in 2024. We are expecting that it will project into an approximate value of USD 11.49 billion at a CAGR of 2.75% by the end of 2033! This scenario presents a significant opportunity for tilapia farmers who can produce high-quality fish at competitive prices.

Steps of tilapia farming in earthen ponds

If you want to start your tilapia farming in earthen ponds, just try to follow the steps described here:

1. Site selection and pond construction

The first step is to choose the right location for your farming. A perfect farming site must have access to clean water, communication, proper drainage, suitable soil conditions, availability of inputs (e.g., fish feed, fingerlings, fish medicines, mechanical tools, and other nutritional ingredients), and favorable weather conditions. Consider the following before you start:

Source of water

Your pond should be located near a reliable freshwater source, such as a river, canal, stream, or well. Water quality is a critical factor for successful tilapia farming, so regular monitoring for pH, ammonia, oxygen levels, and temperature is a must.

Size of Ponds

The ideal size of your pond will depend on the scale of your operation. For beginners, a small – to medium-sized pond (around 0.5 to 1 acre) is usually sufficient. As soon as you have become an experienced farmer, you can upscale your farming area without any hesitation!

Water depth

Ensure your pond is at least 1.5 – 2 meters deep to accommodate the individuals of tilapia without hampering their growth and allow for proper water circulation. In the case of semi – intensive farming, the depth could be a bit higher.

Design of the pond

You would scarcely find anyone who feels comfortable talking about the design of an aquaculture pond! Most of the fish farmers and aqua-experts related to this aquaculture industry preferably like to talk about the culture technology and farming management; however, the design and construction of a pond remain unrecognised.

Traditional tilapia farming in earthen ponds actually doesn’t follow strict guidelines of pond design and construction compared to the improved-traditional or advanced or semi-intensive farming systems.

Earthen ponds must be rectangular in shape if you go for low-intensity or improved traditional tilapia farming where you may not introduce an artificial aeration system by applying aerators. In that case, the lengthy part of the pond should be faced in a south-to-north direction as if the wind flows across the maximum surface water of that pond. This can enhance the dissolved oxygen to the optimum level (4-6 ppm).

Depending on the quality of the soil, the top portion (dyke) of the pond should be wide enough to hold the pressure of the water volume and protect the entire earthen structure from being washed off during heavy rainfall or even during a flood. If you go for integrated farming (including vegetables and fruit trees planted on the dykes), you must make your dyke wide up to 2.5 – 3.5 metres. And the slope of the dyke should be at least 1:1.25.

In modern days, farming technology has been going through lots of experiments at the field level. Fish farmers and experts are continuously working to discover efficient farming practices and faster production techniques. Commercial tilapia farms doing their farming in earthen ponds but using high-end technologies can rethink the design of their ponds.

Besides rectangular ponds, you can think about square and round-shaped earthen ponds having wide dykes and standard slope can be great alternatives. In that case, you should consider high-density farming with paddle wheel aeration facilities in your ponds. Circular ponds with fish toilets can facilitate you removing organic wastes from your pond and hence make your water quality quite better to ensure faster growth of tilapia.

2. Pond preparation

Liming with Quick Lime (CaO)

As soon as you complete the construction of your earthen pond, then you can proceed to the next step of preparing your pond for farming. In this phase, you need to identify the pH and quality of the bottom soil of the pond because water quality parameters are often influenced by the soil parameters.

Black soil, or pit soil, is often acidic, which is bad for tilapia farming. Excess nutrition and humic acid have made this soil acidic. If the soil pH remains below 6.5, you need to treat that soil by applying a minimum of 2 – 3 kg of quicklime (CaO) per decimal of bottom area as well as on the inner sides of the dykes.

If your soil exhibits a pH level close to 6.5, you can simply apply 1 kg of quicklime (CaO) per decimal of bottom area as well as the inner sides of the dykes. This strategy can make your pond bottom more alkaline, which is suitable for successful tilapia farming.

Biosecurity measure

After liming the pond, you must go for fencing or netting the entire pond in order to ensure biosecurity along with unwanted entry in the farming area. You may choose cost-effective micro-mesh-sized nylon nets supported by either bamboo sticks or splits that can serve you effectively and efficiently for at least one year! If you can make this fence stronger, then you can either go for galvanised wire nets that could be supported by steel frames or bars to stand firmly.

Watering the pond

Watering the earthen pond just after the completion of fencing can be a big challenge if you do not have a good freshwater source. You should consider the following things while filling water into the pond:

• Water should not be turbid and filled with waste.
• Water must be free from any kind of toxic chemical or contamination.
• If you use underground water, track that the water should not contain heavy metals like arsenic and iron.
• Ensure the presence of micro-meshed nets at both ends of pipes that are usually used during watering the pond from adjacent freshwater reservoirs like canals and rivers. This might help prevent the unwanted aquatic organisms from entering the culture ponds.
• You need to treat the water by checking the pH as well as the overall condition of the water. If you find the pH below 7 or close to 7; you should apply quick lime at an amount of 250-350g per decimal area of the pond.
• If you reveal that the water may contain with some unwanted aquatic organisms like like eggs of frogs, insects , and unwanted fish species, worms, infestations and even microbial contamination; you must apply strong disinfectant avilable near you. You can simply bleach the water at an amount of 500-1000g per decimal for a standard water depth of 1.8 -2 meters.
• Make sure that if you have aeration facility, the aerators must be active for at least 6-8 hours just after the bleaching.

3. Installation of aeration systems

High-density tilapia farming requires sufficient dissolve oxygen concentration in water. You should install either paddle wheel aerators or air blowers to support the existing oxygen supply to the fish.

Usually this kind of addition of aeration system would certainly add additional costs on overall production costs. Before installing this system, properly justify your market price of the farmed tilapia where you want to sell.

4. Water quality management

Maintaining optimal water quality is crucial to ensure a healthy, fast-growing fish population. In that case, you should focus on the regular testing of water quality parameters :

Temperature: The optimal temperature for tilapia farming should remain between 78°F and 86°F (25°C to 30°C). If the water temperature drops below 70°F (21°C), tilapia growth may slow down.

pH Levels: The pH should be between 7.5 and 8.5. Acidic water can lead to stress, while too alkaline water can harm tilapia.

Oxygen: Tilapia requires well-oxygenated water. In case of high-density farming, aeration systems such as diffusers or paddle-wheels can help increase oxygen levels. Although tilapia is a tough species that can tolerate high level of oxygen fluctuatuions in water. The standard oxygen concentration for tilapia farming is 4-6mg/L.

Ammonia: Ammonia is a nitrogenous compound that is primarily produced as a metabolic waste by fish. It is a byproduct of protein digestion, which occurs when tilapia consume feed. This compound is highly toxic to aquatic life, particularly to fish gills and respiratory systems, and can disrupt normal biological functions.

Ammonia enters the water not only through the excretion of nitrogen waste by fish but also from the decomposition of uneaten feeds, organic matters, and plant detritus in the aquatic environment. This accumulation of ammonia can lead to toxic effects if not properly managed.

Ammonia can exist in two forms in water:

Un-ionized Ammonia (NH₃): This is the toxic form of ammonia and is most harmful to fish. Its toxicity is highly influenced by water pH and temperature. In water with higher pH (above 7.5) and warmer temperatures (above 25°C), the concentration of un -ionized ammonia increases, making it even more dangerous. The un-ionized ammonia can pass through the gill membranes of fish and enter their bloodstream, causing damage to gill tissue, reducing their ability to absorb oxygen, and ultimately leading to death at high concentrations.

Ammonium (NH₄⁺): Ammonium is the ionized, less toxic form of ammonia. It typically forms in water with a lower pH (below 7.5). While ammonium is less harmful to tilapia, it still contributes to the overall nitrogen load in the system and can cause problems if concentrations rise too high. However, it does not have the same severe toxic effects as un-ionized ammonia.

Nitrites (NO₂⁻): Nitrites are another critical factor in the nitrogen cycle of aquatic systems. They are formed when ammonia is biologically processed by nitrifying bacteria, primarily Nitrosomonas, which convert ammonia into nitrites. This process is part of the natural nitrogen cycle, which helps break down and manage organic waste in the aquatic system.

While nitrites are less toxic than ammonia, they are still harmful to tilapia at elevated concentrations. Nitrites interfere with the fish’s ability to transport oxygen in their blood by binding to hemoglobin and forming methemoglobin, which reduces oxygen delivery to tissues. This condition, known as “brown blood disease,” can cause respiratory distress, lethargy, and in severe cases, death. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor nitrite levels closely in tilapia farming systems.

In a well-maintained aquaculture environment, the buildup of nitrites should be managed by ensuring the presence of another group of bacteria, Nitrobacter, which convert nitrites into nitrates, a much less toxic substance that can be further utilized by plants or removed through water changes.

How control these water quality parameters effectively?

Temperature: Always try to keep the water depth minimum of 1.8 – 2 m to avoid the critical issues related to temperature rise.

pH: To maintain optimal water and soil pH, the best way is to use quality water and soil probiotics consistently throughout the farming period.

Oxygen: In order to keep the dissolved oxygen level at 4-6 mg/l, you should consider an aeration system either with an air blower or paddle wheels.

Ammonia: Dealing with ammonia in fish farming is a big challenge indeed! You should better use quality probiotics, salt and biological gas-reducing agents like Yucca extract.

5. Stocking Density

Stocking density refers to the number of tilapia you place in your pond per square meter. Too many fish can lead to overcrowding, poor water quality, and stunted growth. On the other hand, too few fish may not yield sufficient profit. Here’s a guideline:

For improved traditional farming system you should stock around 6 – 8 tilapia fingerlings per square meter or 250 to 300 tilapia fingerlings per decimal area of the pond.

For semi-intensive farming system in earthen pond with full stack aration facilities you can stock 15 – 20 fingerlings per square meter or 600 – 800 fingerlings per decimal.

5. Feeding management

Feeding tilapia properly is key to ensuring faster growth. Although tilapia are omnivores, which means they eat both plants and animals; however, when you consider commercial farming, you must go for formulated fish feed pellets that are readily available in the market.

Try to use nutritionally balanced, high-protein commercial tilapia feed for faster growth. This feed should contain the standard level of protein (30-35%), charbohydrates, fish oil, enzymes, vitamins, and minerals.

Earthen ponds also provide natural food sources like algae, phyto and zooplankton, decomposed organic matters and small aquatic insects. Productive ecosytem of the pond can significantly reduce the feeding cost upto 10 – 15% of the total feeding cost of a single culture.

Feeding rate and frequency

Just after stocking, you should feed your tilapia fingerlings 4-5 times a day at a rate of 25-30% of ABW (Average Body Weight) of the fish. This feeding rate needs to be reduced gradually and even periodically as fish start growing.

Check our dedicated article on “Standard feeding practices in commercial tilapia farming”

Feed your tilapia 2-3 times a day when they become 50g or bigger, but avoid overfeeding. Overfeeding leads to water pollution by producing excessive toxic gases like – Ammonia, Hydrogen Sulphide, Methane and waste. Monitor your fish’s feeding behavior to ensure they are eating enough without excessive leftovers.

6. Monitoring Fish Health and Disease

Healthy fish are key to a successful farm. Keep a close eye on their health by:

Regular Inspections: Check for signs of illness, such as abnormal swimming behavior, discolored skin, or lesions.

Water Quality: Maintain good water quality and proper aeration to prevent stress, which can lead to disease.

Vaccination and Treatments: Consider vaccinations or treatments for common tilapia diseases like fish tuberculosis, parasites, and bacterial infections. Consult a local aquaculture advisor or consultant for advice on managing disease outbreaks.

Pro tips for maximizing profit from tilapia farming

Now that you’ve set up your tilapia farm, it’s time to focus on maximizing your profitability. Here are a few professional tips for you:

1. Effective pond management

A well-maintained pond will yield better results. Regularly clean the pond, remove excess debris, and monitor the water quality. Installing aeration systems will help improve fish health and increase growth rates.

2. Harvesting and market timing

Tilapia can be harvested after 4 to 6 months of growth, depending on the stocking density and feeding practices. The timing of your harvest is crucial to maximize profits. Tilapia grow faster in warmer temperatures, so harvesting during peak seasons can yield better returns.

3. Diversifying revenue streams

Consider diversifying your income by offering value-added products like smoked or processed tilapia. Additionally, you could sell tilapia fry to other farmers or engage in fish-based farming techniques such as aquaponics.

4. Marketing and sales strategies

To sell your tilapia, establish relationships with local fish markets, restaurants, retain chains, or suuper stores. Building an online presence or working with a local distributor can also help expand your reach. Make sure to highlight the quality and freshness of your tilapia in your marketing materials.

The bottom line

Profitable tilapia farming in earthen ponds is a rewarding aqua-business with the right approach. By selecting the right site, maintaining optimal water quality, feeding your tilapia correctly, and managing your pond effectively, you can ensure that your tilapia farm flourishes.

Remember, success in tilapia farming doesn’t happen overnight, but with patience, dedication, and proper management, you can bring a lucrative business that supports both your aqua-farming venture.

Key Takeaways:

• Tilapia farming in earthen ponds is cost-effective, sustainable, and profitable.
• Focus on water quality, stocking density, and feeding for maximum growth.
• Diversify your income and leverage marketing strategies to boost sales.
• Stay patient and manage your farm effectively for long-term success.