Fish on the homestead: pond or aquaponics

In short

• For two fish meals a month count roughly 7.2 kg (16 lb) of live fish per AE a year (on top of the 35 kg of meat).
• A small fed carp pond gives roughly 10 kg of fish per 100 m² of water a year; unfed 2–4 kg. In the cooler UK and Irish summer expect the lower end.
• Trout need cold running water all summer (below 18 °C / 64 °F). No spring or stream, no trout.
• Aquaponics works in a small space but depends on electricity: without the pump and air, fish die within hours.
• Taking water from a stream, spring or borehole and building a pond usually need a licence, consent or permit. Check before you dig.
• A child can drown in 20 cm (8 in) of water. Fence and covers come before the fish.

What's inside

Chapters

1. Why fish on the homestead
2. How much fish the family needs
3. Four systems
4. Your water: test before you plan
5. Space, site and work
6. Paperwork, licences and duties
7. Safety: children, water, electricity
8. Start-up cost and whether it pays
9. The first year
10. Common mistakes
11. Printable checklist

Worksheets

• Needs calculator
• Water and site assessment
• Start-up cost
• Duties and contacts
• First-year plan