Pond Size for 1000 Catfish: Calculation Made Easy

The size of the pond in use matters a lot when it comes to fish growth. In this post, we will show you the best pond size to grow about 1000 catfish up to the maturity stage.

In catfish farming, accurate calculation is needed when it has to do with stocking. When the fish pond is overstocked, it exposes the fish to diseases, cannibalism, and oxygen deficiency.

However, our post on the stocking density of catfish in concrete ponds and plastic tanks will teach you more about what to do.

How to Calculate Pond Size for 1000 Catfish

No matter the type of pond you use in raising your fish, knowing the right size of the pond will help you determine the number of fish to stock.

In determining what number of fish to stock in 1000 litre tank, we will calculate using a concrete pond for better understanding.

The pond size capable of giving you the result you want by square metre is 10ft by 15ft with a 4ft dept. That is;

Width = 10 feet

Length= 15 feet

Dept = 4 feet. The dept can be 5ft or 6ft depending on the construction.

The formula for the calculation is:

Width x Length x Dept / 3

 Width x Length x Dept / 3

   10 x 15 x 4 / 3

 600/3  = 200 sqm

  5 x 200sqm = 1000

From the calculation, it means that 1000 catfish can be raised in a pond size of 200 square metre (10ft by 15ft with 4ft dept).

How many catfish can be in 1000 litre tank? If you have asked this question, you already have the answer.

Note: A square metre can contain five (5) catfish without any problem. 5 catfish can manage square metre space comfortably.

Pond Sizes for Fingerlings

This section looked at different pond sizes and their carrying capacities.

• 1000 Litres Pond: This type of pond or tank can contain between 200-300 fingerlings. When they begin to grow bigger you sort them and retain between 50. Do not leave more than 60 fish if you want to experience stunted growth.

• 2000 Litres Pond: For a 2000 litre tank, 500 fingerlings and juveniles can be stocked initially. If you intend to grow them to table size, the pond can only carry about 150-180 fish to avoid overstocking. Remember too much stocking affects growth and the health of the fish.

• 5000 Litres Pond: This type of pond takes up to 1000 fingerling but for grout out, it can only take between 350 fish. Once the fingerlings begin to grow you sort them and remain between 350 and 370. The reason is to allow them enough space to grow.

Wrap Up

The majority of new catfish farmers prefer to start fish farming with about 1000 catfish to know how profitable the business is.

Some even start with 5000 but the pond size for the 5000 fish they do not know. Often time many complain that their fish did not grow as expected while others complain of mortality and stunted growth.

We have come to understand that among other factors that could lead to common catfish diseases and mortality in catfish farms is pond size. The bigger the pond or ponds the better the result.

Pond size matters whether you intend to grow 10,000, 5,000, 2,000, 1000, 200, or even 100 catfish. Knowing the right size and capacity of your pond is important to have a good result.