Climbing perch has firm, delicious flesh that is prized by discerning diners. In traditional medicine, climbing perch meat is also valued for nourishing the blood and spleen and for treating physical weakness. As a result, more and more farmers are raising climbing perch. In particular, the model of high-yield climbing perch farming techniques in cement tanks is becoming increasingly popular. Yet, how to raise climbing perch effectively is not an easy question to answer? Duc Binh Microbial Products will share with farmers: Climbing perch farming techniques in cement tanks for the highest yield.

1. Preparing the cement tank for raising climbing perch

The first step in the model of raising climbing perch in cement tanks is preparing the tank. There are 2 different ways to build a rearing tank: a sunken tank or a raised tank. However, a sunken tank is the more optimal choice because it makes caring for and feeding the fish easier and more stable.

Raising climbing perch in cement tanks brings high economic efficiency

Raising climbing perch in cement tanks brings high economic efficiency

For climbing perch to live comfortably and grow well, farmers need to build a tank with an area of about 15 square meters. Never build it too large or too small. A tank that is too large, with a heavy water load, can crack, is hard to control, and costs more. The tank depth should reach from 1m to 1.5m. Farmers should build it so that 2 parts are sunken and 1 part is raised above ground.

A net should be used around the tank to fence it in and prevent fish from escaping. The bottom should be built with a slight slope toward the drainage outlet. This makes cleaning much easier. During the hot summer months, farmers should also build a roof or tarp cover to help protect the fish from the heat.

2. Treating the cement tank for raising climbing perch

Before starting the climbing perch farming technique in cement tanks, farmers need to treat the tank. This is an essential condition for creating the best living environment for the fish. Once construction is finished, the tank must be left to dry out for a few days. After that, we will clean the tank before pumping in water. If the pH is not yet suitable, farmers should apply lime powder to balance the pH

Sunken cement fish tank

How to raise climbing perch using a sunken cement tank

For a new cement tank, farmers need to carry out a slightly more elaborate treatment process. This involves dissolving alum in water and soaking the tank for 1 week to remove any cement residue as well as bacteria. Afterward, soak it for a few more days with clean water, then drain it, scrub it clean, and apply pH-stabilizing powder before releasing the fish. Alternatively, farmers can also use “probiotics for treating shrimp and fish pond environments.”

3. Selecting fish stock for raising climbing perch in cement tanks

Choosing the right stock for raising climbing perch in cement tanks is the “key” factor that determines success in terms of yield and efficiency. Farmers therefore need to pay attention to selecting healthy fingerlings. The fish should swim in schools, with uniform size.

In general, depending on each farmer’s finances, stocking density will vary. However, for the best yield, you should stock at a density of 20 to 30 fish per square meter.

In particular, when releasing fingerlings into the tank, farmers need to choose the right time. Never release them carelessly, as this can shock the fish. The ideal time to release fish is early in the morning or in the cool of the late afternoon. The best method for helping the fish acclimate to the environment is to float the bag in the tank for about 10 to 15 minutes before opening it to let the fish swim out.

Pay attention to choosing the healthiest, best-quality fingerlings

How to raise climbing perch by choosing the healthiest, best-quality fingerlings

About 2 to 3 days after releasing fish into the tank, farmers need to observe the tank closely. This way, we can catch the behavior and reactions of the fish population in order to address any problems or unusual issues right away.

4. Choosing feed when raising climbing perch in cement tanks

How well climbing perch develop depends heavily on the feed source you provide. Basically, the feed for climbing perch is similar to that of other species, including crabs, snails, shrimp, and prawns, etc. However, to help the fish absorb nutrients more easily, farmers should process the ingredients into pellet form rather than leaving the feed whole, as this can cause the fish to choke or have difficulty eating.

In particular, to help the fish grow quickly and build strong resistance, farmers should mix in rice bran, corn meal, and especially EM biological product or Emzeo fermented rice bran to ferment the feed. Fish feed must maintain a balance between green feed and mixed feed. This way, the fish’s gut microbiota can improve. At the same time, it enhances nutrient absorption and boosts overall health.

Make feed pellets from EM biological product

Make feed pellets from EM biological product

Feed for raising climbing perch specifically needs to be stored cleanly to ensure safety. Never feed the fish food that has been stored for too long, has a rancid smell, or is dirty. This will harm the fish’s resistance. It can even cause various diseases and gradually kill the fish off.

5. Setting up a feeding ration schedule when raising climbing perch in cement tanks

For climbing perch raised in cement tanks to develop well with high nutritional value, farmers need to pay attention to their feeding ration. This is something that many farmers genuinely need to focus on but often handle carelessly.

In fact, dividing the fish’s feeding ration is truly essential. To put it precisely, this division is no different from our own daily meals. Farmers should feed the fish just the right amount, avoiding excess, otherwise the fish will lose their appetite. Leftover feed will also dirty the water in the tank.

In particular, depending on the age and weight of the fish, farmers need to arrange the feed accordingly in a reasonable way. Specifically, while the fish are still small, the feed used should contain a protein content of about 30% of the total feed. Feed the fish an amount equal to about 5% to 7% of the fish’s body weight. Each feeding should be divided into 3 to 4 times per day.

Technically correct method of raising climbing perch in cement tanks

Technically correct technique for raising climbing perch in cement tanks

Once the fish start to mature, farmers should reduce the protein content of their feed. However, don’t reduce it too much — maintain it at around 25% of the total feed. For mature fish, the feed amount should be divided at around 2 to 3% of the fish’s body weight. Split this into 2 feedings per day. Feeding times should be in the morning and in the evening. In cases where the weather turns cold and drops below 11 degrees Celsius, farmers should stop feeding the fish.

6. Manage the living environment of climbing perch in cement tanks logically

In the climbing perch farming model, farmers absolutely should not neglect the living environment factor. We must change the water regularly, as this is the only way to supply enough oxygen for the fish. In particular, you must always ensure the rearing environment is clean, which will help protect the fish to the fullest extent.

Take good care of the fish's living environment hygiene

Take good care of the fish’s living environment hygiene

Water should be changed about 2 to 3 times per month. The timing depends on the age of the fish. Each water change should not exceed 30% of the total water volume in the tank. This is the only way to avoid shocking the fish.

In addition, if farmers are raising fish in multiple tanks, they should sort the fish by size. This will help control the fish during their development and minimize competition for living space and food that could cause the fish to injure one another.

Emzeo TS biological product for treating shrimp and fish pond environments

Emzeo TS biological product for treating shrimp and fish pond environments should be used regularly in climbing perch tanks to break down waste, leftover feed, and fish slime, helping the fish stay healthy, grow quickly, and get sick less often. Use it once every 20 days on a regular basis

7. Assessing the potential and challenges of raising climbing perch in cement tanks

Nowadays, raising climbing perch in cement tanks is becoming increasingly popular because it is highly regarded for its potential. However, before applying this model, you need to look at the issue in a more comprehensive and objective way:

Regarding the potential

This model can bring great economic benefits to farmers. Climbing perch has delicious flesh, so it is highly sought after, with a high and stable selling price. On the other hand, raising fish in tanks allows for good yield control and minimizes disease, resulting in high productivity. In particular, with this farming method, you can proactively adjust the feed, water source, and stocking density to ensure high efficiency and minimize risk.

Another advantage of the climbing perch cement tank farming model is that it ensures a uniform, food-safe commercial batch of fish, giving it the ability to reach even the most demanding markets. In particular, raising fish in tanks helps shorten the cycle, turn over faster, and increase the number of production rounds and sales per year

Regarding the challenges

Besides the potential, when raising climbing perch in cement tanks, farmers will certainly face a number of challenges: High initial investment costs: building the tank, setting up the drainage system, aeration, etc. Furthermore, this model requires farmers to have knowledge of: water quality, nutrition regimens, and how to prevent and treat diseases in fish, among other things.

If these requirements are not met, farmers could suffer a complete loss over several production cycles. Therefore, it is essential to attend aquaculture training courses and consult with experts in this field.

8. Answering some frequently asked questions about the climbing perch cement tank farming model

Around this topic, farmers have raised many questions. Below are some of the main ones:

Can climbing perch be raised together with other fish species in the same tank?

By nature, climbing perch are quite aggressive, and once mature, they can attack and eat other, smaller fish species. Therefore, raising climbing perch as a single species is the safest option, minimizing unwanted risks. If farmers want to raise mixed species, they must choose fish of a comparable size or larger.

How can algae be controlled in a climbing perch tank?

If algae grow excessively in the tank, it will reduce the oxygen level in the water and cause pH fluctuations. To control it, farmers should remember: reduce the amount of light entering the tank by building a roof cover or preventing direct sunlight from hitting the tank.

Alongside that, we should limit the amount of leftover feed in the water by applying an appropriate nutrition regimen. Changing the water periodically combined with using biological products is a simple, effective solution to help control algae in the tank and create an ideal living environment for the fish.

How many times a day should climbing perch be fed?

Feeding frequency depends on the fish’s stage of development and environmental conditions. For small fish, feed them 3 to 4 times a day. For mature fish, feed them twice a day, in the morning and evening.

What are the signs that climbing perch are sick?

When infected, climbing perch will show a number of unusual signs, such as:

  • Their behavior changes, such as swimming away from the school, swimming in circles, swimming sluggishly and disoriented, or even frequently rubbing themselves against the tank walls
  • Ulcers, red spots, white fungus, ragged scales, or bulging or clouded eyes appear on the fish’s body
  • The fish breathe rapidly and frequently surface to gulp air. This shows that they are lacking oxygen or suffering from a respiratory illness that makes breathing difficult
  • They show no interest in food, become picky eaters, stop eating, and reduce swimming activity.

Above is the climbing perch farming technique in cement tanks for the highest yield that farmers can refer to and apply. We hope that our sharing will help you save on investment costs and increase your harvest yield. If you need further advice on effective aquaculture farming secrets, please feel free to contact: chephamvisinh.vn for detailed guidance and support.

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