How to Build a Deep Fish Dugout
Deep fish dugouts house stocked fish for farming from fingerling length to harvest size. They are filled by precipitation, runoff, groundwater or a natural or artificial body of water. Location and water source determine some aspects of construction, including whether a liner is needed and the type of fencing required.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Backhoe
- Corrugated metal pipe
- Control grate
- Lining
- Air compressor operated pump with power source
- Aeration diffuser
- Fencing
Instructions
-
Building the Dugout
-
1
Size is determined by the number and type of fish reared. Plot the area for the intended dugout and dig to a depth of at least 13 1/2 feet. The number and type of fish you are rearing will determine the dimensions; consult an aquaculture guide for appropriate length, width and depth. Slope depends on the needs of the species you are rearing and local threats. If your species needs a shallow area, grade the slope beginning on one side and move gradually down to your maximum depth. If no shallow area is necessary, the maximum recommended slope steepness is 1.5:1, or 67 percent. Slope may need to be adjusted based on soil stability conditions. Steeper slopes discourage fish-eating predators, including water birds. Shallow slopes encourage growth of water plants.
-
2
Dugouts can be offshoots of another body of water. Dig a trench and install the corrugated metal pipe from the original water source to your dugout, if your water source is another body of water. Install the control grate on the dugout end of the pipe to control water flow and prevent fish movement.
-
-
3
Liners are only used in areas with low water tables. Install liner, if your dugout is located in an area with a low water table. Many different options for impervious liners are available. Consult aquaculture specialists in your area for recommendations. If you use a liner, it must be backfilled to a depth of around two feet.
-
4
Monitor water levels as dugout fills. Allow the dugout to fill with water from selected source. Monitor it to prevent overflow and close the control grate or add overflow ditches if necessary.
-
5
Planted dugouts do not require additional aeration but need far more maintenance. Attach an air compressor to a power source. Install the pump. Install the aeration diffuser after the pump has begun functioning.
-
6
Fences keep predators out and reduce drowning hazard. Enclose the dugout with fencing. The type of fencing depends on hazards for area, including potential access by children, pets, livestock, predators and trespassers. Some possible choices are berms, brush fencing, wooden fencing or hurricane fence. Consider your needs for ease of access and maintenance when installing fencing.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Test water quality in the intended area prior to digging.
Test soil quality at a depth of 4 feet or more.
Keep away from utilities and be aware of local land ownership and water rights.
Do not use a liner in an area with a high water table, as it is unnecessary and upwelling will dislodge the liner.
Consider whether the dugout will have adequate sources of natural fish food or if it will require supplemental feeding.
A planted dugout eliminates the need for aeration but is more difficult to retrieve fish from at harvest.
A fully planted and natural food producing dugout may take up to two years of consistent monitoring before you can stock your fish.
Choose an area with steady wind exposure and avoid areas with heavy organic buildup (such as leaf litter) and stagnation risk.
Beware of the potential for nutrient overloading and contamination with pollutants.
Avoid areas close to sewage, residential drainage ditches, animal operations and agricultural runoff.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/BananaStock/Getty Images Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images Creatas Images/Creatas/Getty Images Jupiterimages/Polka Dot/Getty Images Ablestock.com/AbleStock.com/Getty Images
