The minnow pond 



Ponds for %he production o f minnows may be divided 

 into two categories: single ponds, such as those which 

 utilize run-off from surrounding land, and a series of 

 ponds supplied by a much larger source of water and 

 maintained for large-scale production of minnows. There 

 will, of course, be differences in design for each job, 

 depending upon local conditions, so that only general 

 recommendations on construction can be made. Wherever 

 possible, the services of an engineer or of someone 

 experienced in the construction of fish ponds should be 

 employed in order to make the best possible use of the 

 water supply, particularly if the construction job 

 involves a large investment. 



Regardless of size, location, or the number of 

 ponds built, there are four essential requirements for 

 success in operating ponds: 



a. The water supply must be dependable at all 

 seasons of the year and of sufficient amount 

 to exceed all requirements. 



b. The pond should be constructed on soil that 

 will hold water. 



c. Where a series of ponds is built, construction 

 should, if at all possible, be such that each 

 pond can be handled independently of the 

 others. 



d. Ponds should be constructed in such a way that 

 they can be drained completely, emptied of 

 fish, and refilled when necessary. 



WATER SUPPLY 



A suitable and adequate water supply is of primary 

 importance and should be considered first in selecting 

 a site for rearing ponds. To be suitable, the water 

 should be only moderately hard and should contain no 

 other species of fish; the temperature of the water 

 should be high enough to promote rapid growth (p.47); 

 the pH or hydrogen-ion content should be slightly on 

 the alkaline side. 



Springs and artesian wells are most desirable 

 because such water comes from a dependable source of 

 supply, is easily controlled, permanently clear, and 

 generally free from pollution. A spring should be 

 protected from contamination by surface water, which 

 may cause the supply to become turbid or polluted by 

 drainage from stables, yard ponds, and like sources. 



