The consumption of fish is rapidly rising worldwide. It is a great source of protein and a healthier option than some of the rich protein sources like red meat. In such circumstances, starting an indoor fish farm can be a profitable venture.
Here, we will attempt to educate you with the intricate details of fish harvesting indoors and how it can be a viable and beneficial option to run your business from home. You will find all you need to know on indoor fish farming; from the details of what exactly it is to the farming equipment needed.
Why the key to Fish farming’s future is indoors
With a rapidly increasing human population, indoor fish farms can provide a sustainable and achievable solution in terms of providing the large populations with food. The threats from pollution can be negated by an increasing practise of starting an indoor fish farm.
Although it is true that a minimal risk always remains still, it is nothing compared to the outdoor version of the same. At least in this case the problem can be locally arrested and not allowed to spread. In terms of business, the statistics show good signs for this business as the quantity of farmed fish in the global market prevailing over the ones caught in the wild.
Farming equipment needed in starting an indoor fish farm:
All that you need to start off your business, you will readily find at your local hardware stores. The local pet supplies stores can provide you with the rest, including samples of the juvenile fish you are willing to farm.
Fish harvesting indoors have never been easier really, with the U.S Department of Agriculture also at your service for any information that you might need. There are several companies in the markets doing the rounds whose speciality is equipment for aquaponics and setting up your aquaponic system. You will also be needing some testing kits with which you can often test the quality of water and the pH levels as well as the chemical balance.
Rules to follow
1. Have a dedicated space where you plan to practise the fish farming
Anything can be used to start it off. From tubs to giant swimming pools, you are only limited by your imagination to decide upon where and how start the business. This we say, because in the absence of large spaces you can easily cover it up with plastic containers and even a substantial fish tank.
The size strictly depends on the size and number of your fish. Also, some fishes tend to grow very large much before their harvest time. If such a fish is the one you are culturing then again you would need a bigger container.
2. Pay attention to details for the survival and health of your fish
We assume that you are high on information about the choice of your fish. So it is needless to say that you have to be careful in ensuring you provide them with their best habitat. In terms of regulating the temperature of the waters or in terms of controlling the light levels, you literally cannot get things wrong.
It is best that you pick a spot in your residence where there is abundant space, light and heat even during the winter months.
3. What to cultivate
Again the options are many for you to pick from. You can choose from varieties such as catfish, koi, trout, tilapia, salmon or anything else that catches your fancy. All you need to do is ensure that you are buying from a genuine supplier who has had previous experiences and also raised the specimens in natural surrounding devoid of harmful chemicals.
4. Monitoring process in starting an indoor fish farm
The moment onwards from which the juvenile fishes clout your waters, it is important for you to ensure their healthy growth and this makes the monitoring process important. Use the filtration system and the pump to ensure circulation of water from the pump to the plant trays. You have the option of using the waste from fish containers as the food for the plants and the plants you can then place in the fish tank. This helps your water stay toxic free.
5. Some home based farming methods:
We already have discussed in brief your options regarding the places where you can be staring your indoor fish farm. Here we give you some more insights regarding the same:
- Backyard pond: if space is no issue for you can you can dig yourself a small backyard pond. You must ensure though that you have maintained an ecological balance in the process. Only then will the plants and fish co-exist making your starting an indoor fish farm rewarding.
- Swimming pool: Whether you had a spare swimming pool or you build yourself a new one for this purpose, just ensure cleanliness and that it is oxygenated properly and your business from home will bloom.
- Aquariums: This can be placed in any part of the house where there are available spaces so is a viable option for those with a space crunch.
- Tubs and containers: Equally effective for starting an indoor fish farming.
- Aquaponics: This is a unique combination of hydroponics and aquaculture, where you farm your fish and your plants simultaneously. While the ways to go for the aquaponic system are many, you have several companies to help you out. Once the initial input is provided, the system maintains the balance of nutrients and ensures smooth running of both.
Final words
In times when sustainability hardly goes hand in hand with profit making, starting an indoor fish farm can be rewarding in both ways. You can start off very easily with just the basics sorted and the business can start paying you rich dividends soon after. With the kind of future for organic foods in the near future, this surely is a venture to try out and we hope our article will be of help in your attempts.
