Keeping fish in tarpaulin ponds can be a solution when the fish cultivation area is now getting narrower. Fish farming in tarpaulin ponds is more practical and cheaper when compared to making concrete ponds which are expensive.
The most important factors to consider in making a tarpaulin pool are:
a. The type of fish to be kept.
In fish farming in tarpaulin ponds, there are many choices of fish that can be kept. Examples are: catfish, tilapia, cork fish, goldfish, and many other fish. The selection of fish species to be cultivated depends on the potential of fish species in the area or can also maintain fish species that have high market opportunities.
b. Size of fish kept in tarpaulin ponds.
The size of the fish to be cultivated will directly affect the height of the tarpaulin pond. For example, small gourami seeds should not be kept in a tarpaulin pond that is too high. This gourami seed is enough to be kept in a tarpaulin pond which has a height of about 60 cm and a water level of about 20-40 cm.
c. The balance of the pool support frame.
The tarpaulin pool used must be strong enough to accommodate the amount of water. Therefore, the pond supporting frame must be made sturdy so that it does not collapse easily.
d. The base for laying the tarpaulin pool must be level.
At the bottom of the soil where the tarpaulin is laid, the ground must be level and not contain stones or sharp objects that could tear the tarpaulin. If the bottom of the soil in this pond is uneven, then you can use a layer of banana stems or rice husks.
e. The skeleton is not sharp.
If the pool frame uses split bamboo, it is better to place the bamboo halves on the outside and if the pool frame is made of iron, you should not use iron that is easy to rust.
f. Harvest time.
When harvesting fish, give good treatment and be careful not to damage the tarpaulin or tear it.
g. Drainage.
Drainage in the tarpaulin pool can be made by carefully perforating the tarpaulin so that it does not leak. You can also use a water drainage system by sucking it in with a hose.
h. Soak the tarpaulin with water.
Tarpaulins should be cleaned and soaked before use. This soaking is carried out until the chemical substance attached to the tarpaulin disappears or can be characterized by a pungent odor that is no longer smellable.