How do you make tilapia cages?

Answer 1

Cage Construction Cages can be purchased from several sources or easily constructed by the fish farmer from materials available from companies serving the aquaculture industry. Cages can be made almost any size or shape but most round cages are 4 feet deep and a little less than 4 feet in diameter because rolls of plastic mesh or plastic coated welded wire are sold in 4 foot widths. Rectangular cages are usually 8 ft. x 4 ft. x 4 ft. or 8 ft. x 8 ft. x 4 ft deep. Optimum mesh size appears to be 1/2 x 1 inch. Plastic coated, welded wire is preferable for cage construction because of its durability. Muskrats and other animals cannot chew holes through this mesh. An anti_fouling paint can be applied to cage mesh if excessive algal growth reduces water flow through the cage. This is most commonly a problem in clear bodies of water. A feeding screen made from 1/8 inch plastic mesh, 1 ft. wide is attached to the upper inside perimeter of the cage to keep feed from floating out before it can be eaten. The cage is floated with blocks of foam or plastic jugs and anchored to a dock, cable or the pond bottom to prevent movement. The top of the cage is usually made of the same material as that used for the rest of the cage. However, in clear ponds an opaque cover that blocks the light may encourage light sensitive fish to accept feed more readily. Cage construction materials cost from $2.00 to $2.60 per cubic foot of cage. Cages have a life span of 10 to 20 years with proper care.