Fishpond Project For Tilapia

Republic of the Philippines
Kalinga State University

College of Engineering and Information Technology
Bachelor of Science in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering
Purok 6, Bulanao, Tabuk City Kalinga
IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE SUBJECT AQUACULTURE ENTITLED

FISHPOND PROJECT OF TILAPIA
Submitted by:
SICNAO, BENHUR XERXES
BALINGOG, JAYMAR
CANAO, RODEL
PALAT MARILOU
ALIB-ON, ROSABEL
Date submitted:
DECEMBER 19, 2022

INTRODUCTION
TILAPIA
Tilapia are prolific

breeders. With the proper environmental conditions,
tilapia can easily reproduce and provide ample fish for
home consumption or for growout for commercial farms.
Tilapia is the second most important cultured species in
the country accounting for 281,111 MT total production in
2021. Philippines’ total production was 263,871 MT in 2020,
which makes up 20% of the Philippines’ aquaculture
production, with Central Luzon as the leading region with
tilapia production of 136,218 MT. The most common species
is the Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), or gray
tilapia, which has several improved breeds available from
government and private hatcheries. It can tolerate
brackishwater with salinities of up to 25 parts per
thousand (ppt). Tilapia is an important commodity for food
security because it is widely accepted and is suitable for
mass production through grow-out culture in backyard and
commercial scale.
Tilapias are an increasingly important farmed fish for
human consumption. Hailed as an important source of protein
for growing populations, production is set to double within
the next ten years and expand beyond traditional areas of
production in Africa and Asia. With a practical focus, this
book is aimed at tilapia farmers and producers, describing
best practice production methods, egg management, new
technologies, nutrition, business practices, marketing,

equipment maintenance, accounting and logistics.
LIFE CYCLE OF TILAPIA
TYPES OF TILAPIA
1. the Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)
most popular, globally farmed tilapia species. It has
vertical black bands on the body and caudal or tail fin.
The dorsal fin (or the fin on the top part of the fish) has
a black outline and the caudal fin has a red margin. Nile
tilapia is most preferred because it grows fast, is hardy,
and well adapted for farming in warm tropical countries
like the Philippines. Nile tilapia comprises about 70-80%
of the world’s tilapia production.
2. Mozambique or ‘Java’ tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus)

The Mozambique or ‘Java’ tilapia is generally black in
color. The underside of the head is white, and dorsal and
caudal fins have red margins. The O. mossambicus can thrive
in freshwater, brackishwater and/or seawater and it is the
most common tilapia found in coastal waters upstream of the
surf zone. This tilapia breeds in short and successive
cycles. It is a commercial food fish, and the small-sized
Mozambique tilapias are also used as forage fish for
carnivorous marine fishes like groupers, snappers, and sea
bass. This fish accounts for about 10% of world tilapia
production.
3. Red tilapias (Oreochromis spp. hybrids)
The red tilapias are hybrids produced from crosses between
Oreochromis mossambicus and O. niloticus (Taiwanese red
tilapia) or O. mossambicushornorum and O. niloticus
(Philippine red tilapia). Red tilapias have no stripes on
the caudal fin.
4. Blue tilapia (Oreochromis aureus)
The blue tilapia grows fast and thrives in colder waters,
such as those found in mountain lakes and reservoirs. At
present, the blue tilapia is maintained for experiments
undertaken at research and academic institutions.
5. Black chinned or Blackchin tilapia (Sarotherodon
melanotheron)
The S. melanotheron found in the Philippines have black
blotches on the lower part of the head and this character
has become the basis for farmers to call this species as
“tilapyang Gloria” or in some areas, the fish is called
“molmol”. In a study confirming the identity of these
tilapia species found in Manila Bay and in an aquaculture
pond in Bulacan, some were noted to have melanic areas or
black blotches around the lower part of the mouth.
CHOOSING THE POND FARMING SITE

Similar to the criteria in choosing a tilapia cage farming
site, the following physical, biological, and social
factors should be considered in selecting a tilapia pond
farm site:
A. Peace and order
The neighborhood and the communities surrounding the farm
must be peaceful. An ideal community would be one that is
safe and where any activity related to fish farming is
acceptable so that security and poaching do not become
problems.
B. Proximity to markets and roads
The farm site must be near an urban center and major
market where farm supplies (i.e. fuel, fish nets, rope,
floats, food supplies, etc.) can be obtained, and where the
farm produce can be profitably sold. Convenient access to
roads and telecommunications is an advantage.
C. Topography
The farm site must be relatively safe from flooding, soil
erosion, waves, and storms. The lay of the land must be
such that water can easily flow in and out of the pond
without need for a water pump. If possible, choose an area
with a gentle slope to take advantage of the existing
contours.
D. Water supply
The farm site must have an abundant supply of clean water.
Water may come from rivers, streams, irrigation canals,
etc. One can also invest in a deep well with pump. The
water source must be free of harmful pollutants —
fertilizer and pesticide runoff from rice fields, heavy
metals from industries, or sludge and decomposing organic
matter from livestock farms.
E. Soil type
The clay loam type of soil is best for ponds. This type of
soil is ideal for natural food production and has
properties that prevent leakage of water out of the pond.
To determine the pond site’s soil type, soil samples may be
taken for analysis at a soil laboratory normally associated
with agriculture agencies or universities. The pH of the
soil must be checked to determine its acidity. Acidic pond
soils are not conducive to fish farming since this type
limits the production of natural food and may, at extreme
levels, kill the fish. The laboratory personnel can also
give advice on the kinds of fertilizers that would be
appropriate for use based on the soil types.
F. Availability of tilapia fingerlings.
If possible, the farm site must be near reputable
hatcheries that could provide quality fingerlings for
stocking anytime. The criteria for selection of good-
quality fingerlings are given in an earlier section of this
manual.
FARMING INTENSITY
There are three types of fish rearing management systems
based on the level of inputs. These are -
1. The extensive pond farming system
entails proper pond preparation to get rid of unwanted
species and promote the growth of natural food on which the
tilapia feed. Periodic application of fertilizers is
necessary to sustain the growth of natural food. Fertile
ponds can support stocking rates of 1-2 tilapia
fingerlings/m2 for six months until harvest. Water exchange
is minimal. While yields per unit area depend on pond
productivity and are relatively low, but so are the costs.
2. The semi-intensive pond farming system
uses moderately high stocking rates of 3-4 tilapia
fingerlings/m2 . Adequate pond preparation and periodic
application of fertilizers are necessary to produce

sufficient natural food. Supplemental food or a complete
tilapia diet is provided on the third week of culture at 2-
3% of the total fish biomass daily. Regular water exchange
is necessary to maintain optimum water quality. Additional
costs are incurred for feeds, but the yields are higher at
1-3 tons per hectare of 150-200 gram fish.
3. The intensive pond farming system
is ideal where land is limited or expensive. Stocking rates
are 5-10 fingerlings/m2 and commercial feeds are given at
3-5% of fish biomass daily throughout the growing cycle. It
is important to have life support systems for water quality
management such as (a) paddlewheels to maintain high
dissolved oxygen and (b) pumps to allow daily water change
(5- 10% of the volume). Some farms use probiotics to
maintain good pond conditions. Production costs are high,
but the yields are also SEAFDEC Aquaculture Department 29
high, about 5-15 tons per hectare, usually of 300-gram
fish. Without proper management, intensive ponds become
polluted, diseases may set in, and mass fish kills may
occur.
BODY
CONSTRUCTING AND PREPARING THE PONDS
For large-scale farms, it is important to consult a civil
engineer for the right pond design. Fish ponds greater than
one hectare require digging equipment (backhoe, etc.). For
smaller farms, ponds may be dug or diked manually, given
enough workers. A depth of at least 1-1.5 meters is ideal
for small fish ponds. The elevation of the main water canal
must be lower than the elevation of the fish pond bottom,
so that water outflow is easier.
Fish ponds must have a structure to control the flow of
water in and out. For ponds smaller than 500 m2 , a stand
pipe connected to a drain pipe by an elbow may be installed

at the deepest end of the pond or a culvert may be used.
Ponds larger than 500 m2 must have a sluice gate to control
the inflow and outflow of water. If the pond water comes
from irrigation, river, or stream, it is advisable to
construct a water reservoir.
The pond reservoir should have an area of at least 1⁄4 the
total area of the grow-out ponds to ensure sufficient water
supply in the farm. The reservoir may be stocked with a few
pieces of tilapia to serve as indicators that the water is
safe.
Pond must be at least 1 m deep and elevated higher than the

main canal
A stand pipe connected to a drain pipe by an elbow can

control water inflow and outflow in a small pond
Pond preparation
The size of the pond should be determined by the number of

fish you want to raise. A good guide is 2-3 mature fish per
square meter of water surface. The depth of the pond should
be one meter with water not less than three-fourths meter
deep. Manage the water so that it will not flow
continuously through the pond.
To insure that no fish will escape, fine-meshed bamboo or

fence should screen ponds that have waterways connecting
them to canals or outside water. Both the inside and
outside end of each waterway should be screened. Use big
bamboos for inlets and outlets for small ponds.
Pond fertilization
Since the pond is newly constructed, you have to apply

fertilizer. Do this one week before stocking. Apply chicken
manure on the pond bottom with water depth of about 6
centimeters at the rate of one kilo for every 10 square
meters.
Fertilize the pond once a month to insure good production

of algae. You can either use commercial fertilizer or
organic matter like manure, compost, ipil-ipil leaves, etc.
If you do not have organic matter, apply every month one-
half kilo of urea and one half kilo of 15-15-15 for even,
100 square meters of water surface.
Securing fish fingerlings
Obtain your first supply of young tilapia from any reliable

fishpond owner. One source of tilapia fingerlings is the
Mindanao Baptist Rural Life Center (MBRLC) Foundation, Inc,
in Kinuskusan, Bansalan, Davao del Sur. If fingerlings are

unavailable, you need about 20-30 pairs of good breeders to
start reproducing in your tilapia pond of 10 x 20 feet. If
fingerlings are available, you will need to plan on about 5
to 6 fingerlings per square meter of water surface area.
The most common breeds of tilapia available are: Nilotica,
Mozambique, and GIF (genetically modified).
Fish ponds for stocking tilapia are prepared as follows:

 Sun-dry the pond bottom to rid it of unwanted organisms.
 Apply lime to stabilize the soil and water pH. Lime
application is not necessary when the pH of Fig. 29.
Application of lime to pond bottom. the bottom soil is
above 7.5 and the alkalinity of the pond water is above
50 mg/liter of CaCO3 .
 To protect the farmed stock and ensure a good harvest,
farmers eradicate unwanted organisms such as potential
competitors, predators, pests, and parasites. Natural
toxins such as derris root, tea seed cake, rotenone,
saponin, tobacco dust, as well as lime and ammonia
fertilizers, work against pests.
 Collect all dead organisms twelve hours after
application of the toxins. A two-week period is allowed
for the pond to be rid of toxins. To test for residual
toxicity, test fish are stocked in a cage set in the
pond. If the test fish survive and show no adverse
reaction, then the pond will be ready for stocking after
fertilization.
Natural toxins, doses, and application
 In extensive and semi-intensive ponds, production of

natural food is very important. Apply fertilizers to the
pond to promote growth of plankton, which is a natural
food item of tilapia. Commercial inorganic fertilizers
provide ammonia, nitrate, phosphate, potassium, and
other limiting nutrients for algal growth. Natural
fertilizers are usually agricultural and livestock
wastes that contain a mixture of organic matter and
mineral nutrients. Farmers usually apply both kinds.
WATER QUALITY MANAGEMENT

Pond conditions must be maintained within the optimum range
for tilapia to ensure good health and fast growth. Tilapias
tolerate wide ranges of salinities and water temperatures.
Nile tilapia tolerates temperatures from 8°C to 42°C but
the normal tolerance range is from 17°C to 35°C. Although
mainly a freshwater species, many tilapias can grow in
saline environments. Mozambique tilapias can thrive best in
seawater while red tilapias grow faster in sea water.
Tilapias are generally hardy and tolerate poor water
quality. In fact, some tilapias are able to survive in
habitats with dissolved oxygen as low as 1 mg/l or 1 ppm.
Some tilapias live and reproduce in swamps and shallow
lakes where oxygen depletion occurs regularly.
CONCLUSION
MAINTAINING THE PONDS
Aside from the capital investments, fingerlings and feed
inputs, farming practices that promote optimal
environmental conditions help ensure successful tilapia
production. Some of the DO’s:
 Maintain water depth at 100 cm — shallow water is
conducive to the growth of natural food, which supports
tilapia growth.
 Prevent entry of predators into the ponds by installing
screens at the water inlet and outlet. Predators reduce
the tilapia yield.
 Remove aquatic weeds — they compete with phytoplankton
in ponds, and reduce fish growth.
 Prevent contamination of pond water with agricultural

pesticides, especially in water from an irrigation
system.
 Maintain the growth of natural food by applying
fertilizers periodically
 Monitor water quality and ensure adequate dissolved
oxygen and low ammonia.
HARVESTING
Tilapia may be harvested from the ponds when the fish reach
marketable size (150-300 grams; 3-7 fish/kg). There are two
methods of harvesting marketable size tilapia from
fishponds:
1. Total harvest
This is done on the sixth month after initial stocking.
All the fish are harvested regardless of size. Harvesting
is done after the pond has been totally drained of its
water.
2. Selective harvesting
Selective harvesting is done when the market demand for
tilapia is not high. The larger fish are harvested on the
fourth month from stocking. More fish may be harvested
every 2-4 weeks. The smaller fish are able to grow until
the next scheduled harvest.

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Republic of the Philippines

Kalinga State University

IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE SUBJECT AQUACULTURE ENTITLED

SICNAO, BENHUR XERXES

DECEMBER 19, 2022

Tilapia are prolific

technologies, nutrition, business practices, marketing,

LIFE CYCLE OF TILAPIA

2. Mozambique or ‘Java’ tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus)

CHOOSING THE POND FARMING SITE

application of fertilizers are necessary to produce

pipe connected to a drain pipe by an elbow may be installed

Pond must be at least 1 m deep and elevated higher than the

A stand pipe connected to a drain pipe by an elbow can

The size of the pond should be determined by the number of

To insure that no fish will escape, fine-meshed bamboo or

Since the pond is newly constructed, you have to apply

Fertilize the pond once a month to insure good production

Securing fish fingerlings

Obtain your first supply of young tilapia from any reliable

in Kinuskusan, Bansalan, Davao del Sur. If fingerlings are

Fish ponds for stocking tilapia are prepared as follows:

 In extensive and semi-intensive ponds, production of

WATER QUALITY MANAGEMENT

 Prevent contamination of pond water with agricultural

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