How to Construct Fish Tanks for Backyard Farming

Fish farming can provide a great source of sustainable food for your family or, on a larger scale, for members of the public. The size and scale that you want to farm on will influence what sort of tank you construct. If you are farming for your family only, you could probably manage with a small tank, but for a commercial business you will need to invest in larger aquariums.

Things You'll Need

  • Tank or aquarium
  • Charcoal filter for chlorinated water
  • Aerator
  • Water testing kit
  • Copper testing kit
  • Fish food
  • Dip net
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Instructions

    • 1

      Decide how big you want the fish tank to be. This will depend on factors like how much space you have available, where you are going to locate the fish tank and how many fish that you want to rear. The tank should be at least 10 feet square and around 3 feet deep. Remember that the tank will need to be near a protected power outlet to power filters and heaters that might be needed. Sunlight will help the water in the tank to stay warm so it should ideally be situated where it will receive regular exposure to the sun.

    • 2

      Run the water through the charcoal filter and fill the tank. Use the water testing kit to test the water for its PH level, which should be between 6.5 and 7. If the water is too alkaline you will need to add gypsum to it, and if it is too acidic you will need to add lime. The lower the PH level the more acidic it is.

    • 3

      Use the copper testing kit to check the water for a copper content level. If the water you filled the tank with ran through copper pipes there is a chance that the metal level will be too high, and if this is the case you will need to install a filter. Assemble the filter according to the manufacturer's instructions and either lay it on the bottom of the tank or hang it on the side, depending on the model you have chosen. Place the aerator in the bottom of the tank and switch it on. Run both the aerator and the filter for two weeks to neutralize the bacteria in the water.

    • 4

      Place the fish and the bags that they were delivered in into the tank. This allows the fish to become acclimatized to the temperature of the water inside the tank. After a few hours, open the bags and release the fish.

    • 5

      Feed the fish according to the instructions on the packet. Commercial fish foods are designed for the individual needs of different breeds of fish and will supply the fish with all of the nutrients that they need.