Fishes live, eat and perform all metabolic activities in water. Water quality management is therefore very important. The factors to consider and their corresponding control are:

Temperature – acceptable level is 26 -28 OC. control is by building a shelter over ponds and supply of oxygen by use of aerators. PH – acceptable level is 6.5 – 9.5. Control is by exchange of water if too acidic or alkali. Salinity/ conductivity – acceptable level is not less than 0.2%. Controlled by diluting with water if salt is high or exchange if salt is low. Mineral and Vitamins – this is supplied through feed. Ensuring sufficient quantity in feed is control. Dissolved gases - this build up as a result of metabolic activities and nitrification and displace dissolved oxygen. Control is by supply of air or exchange of water. This should be 70% - 120% but 100% is optimum

Since we are running a flow through system, these parameters will be managed by change of water as frequent as necessary. Water quality tests can also be carried out frequently and cost of these will be made from fuel and chemicals.

LAND

Land if not yet available has to be acquired. Cost of acquisition is however location dependent. No figure would however be giving in this right up.

A simple and ideal sample farm site layout is attached with this document. Autocad software would be needed to view it. Modifications can however be made depending on client.

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SUCCESS POTENTIAL

The Catfish market in Nigeria is large, inexhaustible and profitable. This can be attested to by feelers from existing farmers, various conferences on fish farming and meetings of association of Catfish farmers. The local market women who trade in fish sale are primary market targets in industry. Restaurants and individuals are secondary, while other fish farmers are tertiary.

To be unique from existing or future competition we need to consider following some of which can serve as unique marketing strategy:

Sell good fish species Guarantee supply Have a corporate outlook Provide standby transportation for buyers from farm Design promotions targeted at market women

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