1. Do you know where was the fish raised and how was it caught?
wild Alaskan salmon. Line-caught is best, but probably not necessary once you're in Alaska. Line-caught somewhere else greatly increases the fish's chances of being wild outside the fish farm.
Get sodium carbonate and add it to your tank, it also depends on the size of your tank, like for 1500 litres u can add three spoonful then test. you can also add soda ash to the water. If you have a reservoir, add soda ash to it once it is filled with water, leave for few hours then pump it to d pond it will boost its pH.
3. Explain how do you fertilize?
organically, composted cow manure, sustainably, fish oil, anything that sounds like it started with the earth or an animal. It's great if a farmer says, "Well, we're not certified organic," because they will likely follow that up with the fact that they grow organically but can't afford or don't choose the certification. That nets you a safe, chemical-free product without the extra cost.
4. Do you know what are the returns from Fish Farming?
Returns depend on inputs. Inputs are correct fish stocking rates, good quality identifiable seed, proper fertilization, vigilance and strong management. Harvest techniques, proper magement of harvesters, transportation to market and having reliable staff to sell the produce is also very important. On average, you should expect to sell over Rs. 100,000 worth of fish per acre (gross). Average net income from fish farms is over Rs. 50,000 per acre per year but with proper management, net profits of Rs. 100,000 per acre per year can be achieved.
5. Tell me how much will the 1000 small fishes cost?
Catfish have sizes: we have fingerlings, juveniles and post juveniles. I always advise potential farmers to go for juveniles since most of them don't have facilities to handle fingerlings. Healthy juveniles cost between 25-30 naira
6. Tell me what's this pipe i often see popping out of the pond meant for?
Any pipe in a pond is for the control of water flow in and out of d pond.
7. Tell me where do the animals live?
outside regularly, on pasture
8. Which is the best type of culture for Pakistan?
The best type at present (2010) for the province of Sindh is a land based modified extensive or at best semi-intensive finfish / fish culture.
9. Do you know why is Alaska a good place to grow oysters?
Oysters can grow very well in cold water if there is abundant, high-quality plankton. Many estuaries in Alaska produce so much high-quality plankton during certain times of the year that Alaskan shellfish can match growth achieved by shellfish raised in warmer waters of the Pacific Northwest. Cold, clean water also reduces bacterial contamination, extending shelf life and assuring safety when eating cultured oysters, especially when eaten raw.
10. Do you know how much will it cost to feed 1000 fishes till they are ready for sale?
I could see you really know what you want and this your question will make those that deceive others shiver. I have heard where they will tell you, 'each fish will consume 200naira worth of feed for 6 months and you will attain above 1kg'. Oh my God!!! How is this feasible? Definitely it is not and yes i said it is NOT feasible because different factors and condition determine the response of fish to feed at any particular time. Factors like water quality (turbidity, ph, and temperature. e.t.c), stress and health. What I advise is to set aside considerable amount for feed. For 1000 pcs of fishes and your target is 1kg and above fed for 6 months, I will advice you keep 250,000 for feeding.
11. Tell me how can slime be neutralized or removed from pond?
For slime, you clean with foam, don't allow water to stay long and don't overfeed. Slime is a form of algae.
I can't tell you when to change the size of feeds because it depends on how fast or slow your fish grow in size. First, when you stock with juveniles feed them with 2mm for like 3 weeks to help in boosting their growth rate because 2mm protein content is higher than the rest. The greater the feed size, the lower its protein content. It's for the person feeding to discern when to change from 3mm to 4.5mm, 6mm. Like for instance when feeding with 3mm, he will know when to change to 4.5mm due to the fact the feed 3mm will look too small in proportion to the size of the mouth of the fishes.
13. Tell me what do the animals eat?
organic food, grass, including hay and alfalfa in winter (for
cows), bugs, grass, outside things, as well as either local or organic grain
(for chickens). Important follow-up:
Does the feed include corn and soy? If yes, are they genetically modified?
14. Tell me which areas are most suitable for fish farming?
Thatta and Badin are most suitable. For farmers/investors in Karachi, Thatta, Gharo/Sakro are the most suitable.
15. Do you know what's the difference between fingerlings and juveniles?
Fingerlings are fishes that are after birth about 1 week to about 3 weeks old, while juveniles are 4 weeks to about 6 weeks after birth. Juveniles should be about 8 cm in length and 2 grams in weight.
A capsule for about 300- 400 litres of water
17. Tell me what is aquaculture?
Aquaculture is the growing of aquatic plants (mainly seaweeds) or animals (fish, shrimp, prawns, crabs, lobster, alligators) for all or part of their life cycles. Aquaculture is the production and husbandry of aquatic plants and animals in controlled environments. aquaculture is also known as Fish Farming, Fish Culture, Shrimp Farming and so on.
Plants and animals can be grown in freshwater, saltwater/marine or brackish water (a mixture of sea and fresh water)
Aquaculture production can be extensive (basic, limited capital & management, low production), semi-intensive (in between extensive and intensive) and intensive (high capital & management, high level of control and high production rates)
18. Do you know which are the most common species cultured?
Major Carps - Rohu, Morakhi/Mori & Theri/Thela; Chinese Carps - Silver & Grass Carp; Catfish - Singhari, Malli/Yarko; Snakehead - Mundi/Sowl, Phool/Chitti Mundi; Tilapia Nilotica;
This is another good question. Catfish price varies from place to place. In some places, 1kg-sized fish goes between 500-520, while in some places, we have 460-480. But also have this in mind that not all the 1000 pcs will survive and also not all with attain 1kg averagely. However, if they are well fed and raised under the appropriate conditions, you should have above 850kg at the end of the day. So if you do your maths with the price range I give above, you will still make profit. Profit margin however depends on the pond type you choose. Concrete and tarpaulin ponds consume more money than earthen ponds because of the need to change water.
It's possible, but you'll make sure that there is constant water supply 2 d pond. You'll have to put water in the pond 24/7 to sustain d water level. For 500 fishes you can dig a 10 by 6 feet pond with a depth of five feet. It's very possible, so far u have a reliable source of water supply. 14/9 feet with 2 metres depth should do.
21. Do you know how much capital is required for Fish Farming?
A very difficult question. This depends on the land layout, the height of the water and the depth of the drainage channel, topography of the land, how much to excavate wothout ruining/removing the top soil, distance of the water from land, the water channel, stocking rates of fish per acre and so on. Generally speaking, a minimum of Rs. 50,000 per acre (excluding price of land) of Capital investment is required to completion of ponds and stocking. There would be the matter of recurring expenses such as fertilization, staff salaries, construction of chowkis, chowkidars and ration etc. This too depends on the size of the farm. As such working capital of Rs. 30,000 per acre per annum is required.
22. Tell me as a starter, how can we neutralize the cement odour in the pond?
To neutralize the cement such that they don't have any harmful effect on your fishes, use this method which ever suits you. A faster method is to use muratic acid. Briskly scrub all surfaces of the pond with this solution using a brush or broom. The cement may bubble some as the lime works free. This will not harm the pond. Mix more solution if needed. Make sure it reaches all surfaces. Rinse the pond thoroughly, drain and refill. Your pond is now ready for your catfish. Or lime the new Concrete pond, u can get lime from plumbers, Or wash with vinegar or palm oil. Then lime.
23. Explain what material can we use for the hatching pond asides concrete ponds?
Alternate materials are canopy, plastics, even big bath containers (wide)
24. Do you know what are the Consultancy charges and when do these apply?
Charges will start from the day from first meeting whether the project is started or not by the client. Consultant will evaluate and only start if the project is viable or guaranteed by the client that any disadvantages such as water shortage or electricity can be ovecome by them. Charges will depend upon the time, meetings, research, site visits, discussions and recommendations, pre-feasibilities and feasibility study andso on.
No, the water can't be too hot for the fishes. In their natural habitat they aren't protected. It is only hot on d surface. You can plant banana around your earthen pond or locate your mobile or concrete/mobile ponds where there is shade. High temperature affects the oxygene concentration of the pond water.
