Quarter 3

Module 5. Hatchery Tanks

Hatchery is the first phase of fish propagation. It supports our national

aquaculture industry by ensuring a continuous supply of fish seeds needed by
fish farmers.

This module will provide the necessary information, skills and attitudes
in putting up a hatchery facility. It also covers the knowledge and skills in
layouting, evaluating a site for fish tank, and constructing fish tanks.

Content Standards Performance Standards

1. The learner demonstrates 1. The learner independently draws
understanding of the underlying the layout plan of hatchery tanks.
concepts in drawing 2. The learner independently
the layout plan of hatchery tanks. evaluates
2. The learner demonstrates suitable site for hatchery tanks.
understanding of the underlying 3. The learner independently
concepts in evaluating constructs hatchery tanks.
suitable site for hatchery tanks.
3. The learner demonstrates
understanding of the underlying
concepts in constructing hatchery
tanks.

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Lesson 1. Design a Tank for Culturing Fish

Introduction

The lesson deals with designing and layouting of tanks. This includes
the area and depth of a tank, site selection, number and size of
compartments, the materials to be used, and life support units for the tank
system.

Specific Objectives

At the end of the lesson, you are expected to:

1. select the area and depth of tanks which conforms to the available
site and determine the species of fish to be cultured based on
specifications.
2. determine the number and size of compartments based on the area
of the land.
3. determine the materials to be used based on available capital.
4. emphasize the essentials for life support on tank design.
5. stipulate other life supports in the layout and plan.

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Pre-assessment

Multiple Choice: Read and answer the following items carefully. Encircle the
letter of the best answer.

1. The size of fish tanks varies from __________.

a. 100 m3 to 300 m3
b. 100 m3 to 350 m3
c. 100 m3 to 400 m3
d. 100 m3 to 450 m3
2. How many sides does an octagonal tank have?
a. 5
b. 6
c. 7
d. 8
3. What does scaling mean?
a. The ratio of the height and width of the fish tank area.
b. The ratio of the width and depth of the fish tank area.
c. The ratio of the height and length of the proposed area.
d. The ratio of the distance on the map or drawing and distance of the
ground.
4. It is the name of the map in the marginal information.
a. Scale
b. Legend
c. Sheet Number
d. Sheet Name or Title
5. This should be placed at the lower right hand corner of the map.
a. Scale
b. Legend
c. Sheet Number
d. Sheet Name or Title

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6. What is a fish hatchery?

a. It is a facility intended for rearing wild fishes.
b. It is a facility intended for propagation of fish.
c. It is a facility intended for the harvesting of fish.
d. It is a facility intended for rearing marketable size fish.
7. It is a concrete rectangular or square tank and usually 1 meter in depth.
a. Rotifer tank
b. Sand filter tank
c. Microalgal tank
d. Larval rearing tank.
8. The following are common shapes of fish tanks except _______.
a. circular
b. square
c. hexagonal
d. heptagonal
9. This should be placed at the center below the map.
a. Scale
b. Legend
c. Edition note
d. Sheet Number
10. It is a tank usually constructed or located outside the hatchery area.
a. Rotifer tank
b. Sand filter tank
c. Micro algal tank
d. Larval rearing tank

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Different Shapes and Sizes of Hatchery Tanks

Ø = 3.4 m

Figure 1. Circular tank Figure 2. Rectangular tank

9 m2

Figure 3. Square tank Figure 4. Octagonal tank

There are several shapes of tanks that may be used. The most
common shapes are the rectangular, square, and circular tanks. The volume
of water they carry may range from 100m3 to 400m3. Different compartments
are also included in the layout depending on the fish species to be cultured
and on the aquaculturist’s prescription on the layout, and design of the
hatchery tank.

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SCALING

Scale is the ratio of the distance on the map or drawing and distance
on the ground. It is widely used by engineers and architects.

Formula:

Scale: Map or Drawing Distance (m)

Ground Distance (m)

Example of a scale is 1:10m, 1:100m, 1:1000m, etc.

Problem Solving

To determine the ratio of drawing with the following ground

measurements of 125m long and 80m wide is to do the ratio and proportion
formula, thus;

1m (map) = X map
1000m (ground) 125m (ground)

1000m X = (1m) (125)

X = 125 m2
1000m
X = 0.125m or 12.5cm

Or do the division and multiplication process, thus

a. 1 x 125 m
1000
0.001 x 125 m = 0.125 m or 12.5 cm

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b. 1 x 125 m = 125 m = 0.125 m or 12.5 cm

1000 1000

Marginal Information of the Map

1. Sheet Name or Title. This means the name of the map. This should be
placed on top of the map.
2. Sheet Number. This should be placed on the upper right – hand corner
of the map.
3. Scale. This should be placed at the center, below the map.
4. Legend. This should be placed on the lower right – hand corner of the
map.
5. Edition Note. This should be placed on the lower left – hand corner of
the map.

Hatchery Tank Design

The production of fish involves aquaculture technique”s

techniques.These are being done on different phases of the tank, such as the
hatchery, nursery, and the final phase which is the grow-out tank.

Hatchery is a facility for the production of fish eggs, larvae, and /or fish
fry. In practical terms, a hatchery is a structure that houses tanks and
equipment for egg cultivation and rearing of larvae. It has a life-support
system for fish eggs and larvae.

The hatchery tanks should be designed for easy operation and safety
to consider future expansion, such as spaces for extra tanks and facilities for
water, air supply, electricity, etc.

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The various units should be assembled in a way that does not

compromise the expansion of future structures. The larval rearing and
weaning units, for instance, are normally designed as one side; the other
sides should be kept free and tanks aisles and pipelines should be positioned
in such a way as to be easily expanded.

Figure 5. Circular Tanks Figure 6. Rectangular Tanks

Pump
Larval Larval
/ Fry Sand / Fry
tank filter tank

Microalgal
Rotifer tanks
Tanks

Figure 7. Basic Layout for a Small- scale Hatchery

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Tanks for Culturing Fish

Fish tanks may either be concrete, fiber glass, plastic or canvass

structures that may be rectangular, square, hexagonal, octagonal or circular.
Tanks for grow-out are typically 4-10 m in diameter and 1-3 m deep.

Figure 8. Drain Hole

Figure 9. Outlet hole Figure 10. Drainage canal

The drain hole fitted with 3 in PVC pipe is situated at the rear end of
the tank (Figure 9). The tank floor should slightly slope (5° - 15°) towards the
drain hole for easy draining, cleaning, and maintenance.

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The outlet hole (Figure 9) drains water from the tank and the drainage
canal (Figure 10) drains water from the tank site.

Figure 11. Hexagonal fish tanks

Figure12. Cross section of a circular or hexagonal fish tank

For circular and hexagonal tanks, the drain hole should be in the
middle of the tank (Fig. 12). The tank bottom slightly slopes (5° - 15°) towards
the center where the drain outlet is constructed.

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The description of hatchery production systems is divided into two

main components:

 the production units, where true production activities take place and this
includes hatching, larval, and natural food tanks.

Algal/Rotifer Tank. It can be

square (3 x 3 x 1 m),
rectangular (3.5 x 2 x 1 m) or
circular (4 m diameter) in
shape. It may be made of
canvas or concrete for mass
production of algae or rotifer.

Figure 13. Algal Tank

Larval rearing tank may be

circular (2 – 3 m in diameter,
rectangular or square usually 1
meter depth. They range from 6 –
10 m3 capacity. They may be
made of concrete or canvas. Tanks
of smaller volumes are preferred
for easy management. Larval
rearing tanks should be placed
near a shade to protect the larvae
from the glare and heat of direct
sunlight and to deter growth of
Figure 14.Larval rearing tanks
diatoms that contribute to poor
water quality.

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Brine Shrimp Hatching

tank. It is a cylindro-conical
plexiglass, transparent
conical fiber glass, or
plastic carbouy

Figure 15. Containers for hatching Artemia

cysts
Spawning Tank is
intended to produce the
eggs. A circular tank which
has a capacity of 150 tons,
should have a dimenmsion
of 10 m diameter and a
depth of 2.6 m.

Figure 16. Circular Spawning Tanks

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The life-support units, which includes water filter, water pumps, aerators and
blowers.

Filter Tank. A set up with layers of different filter media. The filter medium is
generally composed of layers of fine sand, coarse sand, gravel or coarse
stones interpersed with charcoal, and shell. Water is pumped in at the top
of the tank and flows through various substrates and flows out at the bottom.

Figure 17. Elevated seawater with cut-out diagram of gravity sand filter
tank.

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Gravity sand filter is a wooden, fiberglass or concrete sand filter box (1 x 1

x 1 m) is positioned above the seawater storage tank. Filtered seawater
directly flows into the storage tank by gravity.

 Seawater Storage Tank. A seawater tank with a capacity of at least 50%

of the voulme of culture tank is recommended. Storage tank should be
elevated so that filtered seawater can be distributed to all tanks by gravity
flow.

Figure 18. An elevated Seawater storage tank.

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1. Find the equivalent unit (in cm) using the given scale.

Actual Length Scale Length ( in cm)

a. 5 m 1:100 ___________
b. 3.5 m 1:200 ___________
c. 20.75 m 1.500 ___________
d. 1.5 m 1:750 ___________
e. 4.0 m 1:1000 ___________

2. Plot the following using your own scale:

a.

4m

3.5 m
b.

2.5 m

c.

4m

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Answer the following questions briefly.

1. Why is a hatchery facility drawn to scale?

2. Why do the following factors need to be considered in making the layout
plan of a hatchery facility?
a. Species of fish to be cultured
b. Size of the tanks
c. Shape of the tanks

d. Financial capacity of the owner

Directions: Given the following data below and the knowledge you gained in
this lesson, design your own hatchery facility.

I. Materials:
-tracing paper
-pencil
-ruler
- eraser
II. Specific Instructions
1. Using a tracing paper, ruler, pencil and your own scale, illustrate
the floor plan of your hatchery facility.
2. Your hatchery facility must have the following units:

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Production Number of Dimension per

Units Units unit
Larval rearing tank 6 4m x 2m
Rotifer tank 6 3m in diameter
Microalgal tank 6 4m x 2m
Sand filter tank 1 4m x 2m
Service Units
Pumping station 2
Storage room 1 4m x 2m
Open work area 1 10m x 10m
Water 1 5 tons capacity
reservoir/tank
Laboratory room 1 6m x 3m

3. Your template must also include the following marginal

information:
a. Name
b. Template number
c. Title
d. Total land area (in m²) of the facility
e. Legend
f. Scale

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Post-assessment

Multiple Choice: Read carefully and answer the following items. Encircle the
letter of the best answer.

1. The size of fish tanks varies from __________.

a. 100 m3 to 300 m3
b. 100 m3 to 350 m3
c. 100 m3 to 400 m3
d. 100 m3 to 450 m3
2. How many sides does an octagonal tank have?
a. 5
b. 6
c. 7
d. 8
3. What does scaling mean?
a. The ratio of the height and width of the fish tank area.
b. The ratio of the width and depth of the fish tank area.
c. The ratio of the height and length of the proposed area.
d. The ratio of the distance on the map or drawing and distance of the
ground.
4. It is the name of the map in the marginal information.
a. Scale
b. Legend
c. Sheet Number
d. Sheet Name or Title
5. This should be placed at the lower right hand corner of the map.
a. Scale
b. Legend
c. Sheet Number

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d. Sheet Name or Title

6. What is a fish hatchery?
a. It is a facility intended for rearing wild fishes.
b. It is a facility intended for propagation of fish.
c. It is a facility intended for the harvesting of fish.
d. It is a facility intended for rearing marketable size fish.
7. It is a concrete rectangular or square tank and usually 1 meter in depth.
a. Rotifer tank
b. Sand filter tank
c. Microalgal tank
d. Larval rearing tank.
8. The following are common shapes of fish tanks except _______.
a. circular
b. square
c. hexagonal
d. heptagonal
9. This should be placed at the center below the map.
a. Scale
b. Legend
c. Edition note
d. Sheet Number
10. It is a tank usually constructed or located outside the hatchery area.
a. Rotifer tank
b. Sand filter tank
c. Micro algal tank
d. Larval rearing tank

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Glossary

Fish tank. A fish or water holding structures, usually above ground, typically
with a high water turnover rate

Fry. A term to describe a fish at the post - larval stage. All stages from
hatching to fingerling stage can potentially be termed as fry

Hatchery. Place for artificial breeding, hatching and rearing through the early
life stages of fish. Generally, in fish culture, hatchery and nursery are closely
associated

Hexagon. A polygon having six equal sides

Larva. The outcome of a newly hatched egg of fish and other animals

Layout. The design or arrangement of something : the way something is laid

out

Octagon. A polygon having eight equal sides

Rotifer. A group of microscopic aquatic animals belonging to a distinct class

of the phylum Rotifera. They are characterized by a corona at the anterior
end, which bears tufts of cilia used for feeding and locomotion

Wean. To accustom (as a young child or animal) to take food otherwise than
by nursing

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Resources

Manual on Hatchery Production of Seabass and gilthead seabream Vol.2

http://www.fao.org/docrep/008/y6018e/y6018e02.htm#TopOfPage
Retrieval Date: July 2, 2014 (3:30 PM)

Republic of the Philippines, Department of Education. Public Technical

Vocational High School. Competency- based learning material. Third Year:
Aquaculture NC II.

Toledo, C. 2009. AQUA203: Aquaculture Engineering. Lecture Manual.

Pangasinan State University, Binmaley Campus.

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Lesson 2. Site Evaluation for Fish Hatchery

Introduction

This lesson will provide you knowledge and skills in evaluating suitable
site for fish tanks, assessing water quality parameters and additional
information with regard to fish tanks.

Specific Objectives

At the end of the lesson, you should be able to.

1. analyze water samples using a water parameter kit.

2. determine water quantity.

Pre-Assessment

I. MULTIPLE CHOICE

Directions: Choose the letter of your answer. Write your answer in your test
notebook.

1. What is the ideal pH for the growth of the fish?

a. 0 – 6.4
b. 6.5 – 9.0
c. 9.1 – 12.0
d. 12.1 – 14.0
2. Which these heavy metals is not harmful to the fish?
a. Zinc
b. Lead
c. Mercury
d. Chloride

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3. What is the most important consideration in selecting an ideal site for

hatchery facility?
a. Accessibility
b. Availability of manpower
c. Security of power supply
d. Availability of good quality water
4. What instrument is used to measure the availability of water in the site?
a. pH meter
b. refractometer
c. thermometer
d. flow rate mete
5. What is the ideal pH level of brackishwater with 12 -16 ppt of salinity?
a. 6.5 – 6.9
b. 7.0 – 8.5
c. 8.6 – 9.0
d. 9.1 – 14.0

II. MODIFIED TRUE OR FALSE

Directions: Analyze the following statements below. In your test notebook,
write;

A – if statement a is true and statement b is false

B – if statement a is false and statement b is true

C – if both statements are true

D – if both statements are false

1. a. Water temperature is important because it affects the rate of biological

and chemical process of the fish.
b. Water temperature is affected by season, weather and ground water
influx.

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2. a. If the temperature is within the optimal range for a prolonged period,

the organisms are stressed and may die.
b. For fish, the reproductive stage (including spawning and embryo
development) is the most temperature-sensitive period.
3. a. Solutions with more H+ than OH- ions have a pH value lower than 7
and are said to be alkaline.
b. Solutions with more OH- than H+ ions have a pH value lower than 7
and are said to be acidic.
4. a. The ideal pH range for the growth of the fish is from 6.5 to 9.0.
b. The pH is a useful indicator of the chemical balance in water
5. a. Water is just a secondary consideration in selecting a suitable site for
hatchery facility construction.
b. Hatchery site should preferably be near cities and industrial centers.

Site Selection

Availability of good quality water. The hatchery and nursery facility

should be located where there is ample supply of good water. Water quality
is thus a critical factor in site selection. Hatchery site should be preferably be
far from cities and industrial centers or other activities which may pollute the
water. Water supply needs careful analysis during site selection taking into
consideration the physical, chemical and biological characteristics and extent
to which these may vary daily and seasonally.

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Special care is needed in hatcheries that are situated in or near areas

where the use of pesticides, herbecides and fertilizers intensively. Ideally,
freshwater should be obtained from underground sources. Brackish water,
12-16 ppt salinity should have a pH range of 7.0 to 8.5 and contain a
minimum dissolved oxygen level of 5 ppm. High levels of heavy metals such
as mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) should be avoided.

Water Quality Parameters

Water Temperature
Water temperature is important because it affects the rates of
biological and chemical processes. Temperature is measured in Celsius or
Fahrenheit.
The health of aquatic organisms from microbes to fish depends on
temperature. If temperature is outside the optimal range for a prolonged
period, organisms are stressed and can die. For fish, the reproductive stage
(including spawning and embryo development) is the most temperature-
sensitive period.

The temperature of water also affects the amount of dissolved oxygen

(DO) it can hold ( i.e., water’s ability to contain dissolved oxygen decreases
as water temperature rises), the form of ammonia, the rate of photosynthesis
by aquatic plants, metabolic rates of aquatic organisms, and the sensitivity of
organisms to pollution.

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Water temperature is affected by season, weather, and groundwater

influx.

Figure 19. Thermometer

Hydrogen Ion (pH) Concentration

pH describes the acidity or alkalinity of water and represents the

balance between hydrogen ions (H+) and hydroxide ions (OH-) in water.

The value of pH is expressed in a scale ranging from 1 to 14. Solutions

with more H+ than OH- ions have a pH value lower than 7 and are said to be
acidic. Solutions with pH values higher than 7 have more OH- than H+ ions
and are said to be basic or alkaline. If the pH value is 7, the solution is said to
be neutral (an equal number of H+ and OH- ions) and is neither acidic nor
basic/alkaline.

It is important to note that the pH scale is logarithmic. This means that

each step on the scale represents a tenfold change in the H + concentration.
For example, water with a pH of 5 has ten times the number of H + ions than
water with pH of 6 and is ten times more acidic.

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Figure 20. pH meter

Water with a pH of less than 6.5 or greater than 9.0 is harmful to

aquatic life. Most fish prefer water with a pH range between 6.5 and 9.0. The
pH is also a useful indicator of the chemical balance in water. A high or low
pH will adversely affect certain chemicals or nutrients in the water required.

Determining Water Quantity

Water supply is the most important factor in tank culture of fish. The
quantity of water needed is based on the following:
1. source of water supply
2. size of the tank
3. number of tanks in operation
4. stocking density
A flow rate meter is used in order to determine the availability of water
coming from the water source.

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Other Requirements for a Hatchery Site

 A sufficient supplies of good quality water.

 A secure electric power supply, not subject to power failures. An
onsite generator set is essential.
 All-weather road access for incoming and outgoing materials.
 Access to food supplies for larvae.
 High level of technical and managerial skills.
 Access to professional biological assistance from government or other
agencies.
 Have its own indoor/outdoor nursery facilities be close to other
nurseries for its easy transfer of larvae until to the grow out hatchery.

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Flow Chart
Directions: Illustrate the factors that have to be considered in selecting a
suitable site for hatchery facility using the flow chart below. Add possible
details for each factor.

TOPIC: SITE SELECTION FOR HATCHERY

FACILITY

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Answer the following questions below.

1. Why is it important to choose an appropriate location of a hatchery
facility?
2. How does a strategic location of a hatchery facility affect production?
3. Go to the nearest hatchery facility in your community. Describe the
location of the facility.

Now that you have gained the required knowledge to assess a site for a
hatchery facility, try to do the activity below.

I. Materials
-digital camera/cellphone camera
-notebook
-ballpen

II. Specific Instructions

1. Assess a particular place in your locality for its suitability in terms of a
hatchery facility.
2. Take pictures of the site.

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3. Record your observations in terms of its;

a. Water quality from the source
b. Flood hazard
c. Accessibility
d. Power supply
e. Socio-economic consideration
4. Follow the suggested format below.

Assessment Sheet

Location of the Site: _________________________________________________

(Barangay) (Municipality) (Province)

Area of the Site ( in m2): _______________

General Assessment and Recommendations:

a. Water quality from the source

Assessment:_______________________________________________
Recommendations: _________________________________________
b. Flood hazard
Assessment:_______________________________________________
Recommendations: _________________________________________
c. Accessibility
Assessment:_______________________________________________
Recommendations: _________________________________________
d. Power supply
Assessment:_______________________________________________
Recommendations: _________________________________________
e. Socio-economic consideration
Assessment:_______________________________________________
Recommendations: _________________________________________

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Post-assessment

I. MULTIPLE CHOICE
Directions: Choose the letter of your answer. Write your answer in your test
notebook.
1. What is the ideal pH for the growth of fish?
a. 0 – 6.4
b. 6.5 – 9.0
c. 9.1 – 12.0
d. 12.1 – 14.0
2. Below are some of the heavy metals considered harmful to fish except;
a. Zinc
b. Lead
c. Mercury
d. Chloride
3. Which of the following is the foremost factor to be considered in selecting
an ideal site for hatchery facility?
a. Accessibility
b. Availability of man power
c. Security to power supply
d. Availability of good quality water
4. What instrument measures the availability of water coming from the water
source?
a. pH meter
b. refractometer
c. thermometer
d. flow rate meter

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5. What is the ideal pH level of a brackish water with 12 -16 ppt salinity?
a. 6.5 – 6.9
b. 7.0 – 8.5
c. 8.6 – 9.0
d. 9.1 – 14.0

II. MODIFIED TRUE OR FALSE

Directions: Analyze the following statements below. In your test notebook,

write;

A – if statement a is true and statement b is false

B – if statement a is false and statement b is true

C – if both statements are true

D – if both statements are false

1. a. Water temperature is important because it affects the rate of biological

and chemical process of the fish.
b. Water temperature is affected by season, weather and ground water
influx.
2. a. If the temperature is within the optimal range for a prolonged period,
the organisms are stressed and may die.
b. For fish, the reproductive stage (including spawning and embryo
development) is the most temperature-sensitive period.
3. a. Solutions with more H+ than OH- ions have a pH value lower than 7
and are said to be alkaline.
b. Solutions with more OH- than H+ ions have a pH value lower than 7
and are said to be acidic.
4. a. The ideal pH range for the growth of the fish is from 6.5 – 9.0.
b. The pH is a useful indicator of the chemical balance in water

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5. a. Water is just a secondary consideration in selecting a suitable site for

hatchery facility construction.
b. Hatchery site should preferably be near cities and industrial centers.

Glossary

Ammonia. (NH3) Gaseous combination of nitrogen and hydrogen, naturally

produced during organic matter decomposition
Embryo. early stage of animal development before hatching
Influx. inflow of the water into a river, lake, or sea
Inland. situated in the interior of the country rather than on the coast
Macro-invertebrates. large animals with no backbone

Resources

Aqua Farm News, SEAFDEC Aquaculture Department.

Technoguide on the Production of Genetically Male Tilapia (GMT).

Freshwater Aquaculture Center CLSU, Nueva Ecija.

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Lesson 3. Construct Fish Tank

Introduction

The good quality of the constructed fish tank is dependent on how it is

constructed. Does it follows what is specified in the layout plan? Does the site
meet the requirements of the chosen hatchery tank? The resources for the
construction of fish tank must be adequately prepared such as:

- gravel - PVC pipes and elbows

- sand - steel
- hollow block - Sahara cement
- cement - PVC solvent cement
- faucet - GI wire
- shovel - crow bar
- construction pail - wooden box

Specific Objectives

At the end of the lesson, you are expected to:

1. prepare the construction resources adequately.

2. implement the layouts of facilities based on specifications.
3. install the life support system and equipment appropriately.

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Pre-Assessment

Multiple Choice: Choose the letter of the best answer. Write them in your test
notebook.
1. Which of the following is NOT a typical type of a hatchery tank?
a. plastic tank
b. concrete tank
c. fiber glass tank
d. polyethylene tank
2. You will need five trucks of sand for the construction of hatchery tanks.
How much will 5 trucks cost if one truck is Php 1,500.00?
a. Php 2,500.00
b. Php 3,500.00
c. Php 6,500.00
d. Php 7,500.00
3. Which of the following reduces the presence of ammonia in hatchery
tanks?
a. biofilter
b. egg collector
c. recirculation system
d. water treatment system
4. What is the usual size range of a spawning tank?
a. 1 – 15 m3
b. 2 – 20 m3
c. 4 – 20 m3
d. 5 – 40 m3

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5. How many kilograms of breeders can be stock per cubic meter (m3) of
conditioning tank/facility?
a. 15 kg/m3
b. 20 kg/m3
c. 25 kg/m3
d. 30 kg/m3
6. Which tank is intended for culture of natural food such as phytoplankton?
a. rotifer tank
b. sand filter tank
c. microalgal tank
d. larval rearing tank
7. How many feet are in 1 meter?
a. 1.5 ft
b. 2.5 ft
c. 3.0 ft
d. 3.28 ft
8. It is a type of water outlet where in the inner tube is shorter than the
external one.
a. drain outlet
b. sink outlet
c. main outlet
d. telescope outlet
9. What is the aggregate area of a 4m x 2m x 1m fish tank in square feet?
a. 107.78 ft2
b. 117.58 ft2
c. 127.58 ft2
d. 137.58 ft2

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10. What is the area of a 4” x 8” x 16” concrete hollow block in square feet?
a. 0.578 ft2
b. 0.678 ft2
c. 0.778 ft2
d. 0.878 ft2

Construction Resources for Concrete Tanks

The following resources for the construction of fish tank must be

adequately prepared such as:

- gravel - sand

- steel - bars

- cement - faucet

- GI wire - shovel

- crow bar - construction pail

- hallow blocks - wooden box

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The following construction materials should be placed properly near

the proposed site to allow free movement of workers.

Figure 21. Corrugated Figure 22. sand Figure 23. gravel

steel bars

Figure 24. pipe wrench Figure 25. GI Wire Figure 26. PVC pipe

Figure 27. cement Figure 28. hollow block

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The following are the steps in making a computation of the cost of

materials for a concrete tank:

I. Title: Computing Needed Materials for Constructing Tanks

II. Resources:

 calculator
 ball pen
 paper
III. Procedures:

Example: If you are to construct a tank 5 meters long, 1.5 meters wide and 1
meter high. How many hollow blocks are needed to finish the job?

Step 1. Convert meter into ft

1 m = 100 cm

1 in = 2.54 cm

1 ft = 12 inches

1m = 1 ft × 1 inch × 100 cm = 3.28 ft

12 inch 2.54 cm 1m
Step 2. Find the aggregate area:

Area (lengths) =LxW L=5.0 m

W=1.0 m

= 5.0 m (3.28 ft/m) × 1.0 m (3.28 ft/m)

= 16.40 ft × 3.28 ft

= 53.79 ft2 x 2

Total area of L1 and L2 = 53.79 ft2 x 2 = 107.58 ft2

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Area (widths) = 1.5 m (3.28 ft/m) × 1.0 m (3.28 ft/m)

= 4.92 ft × 3.28 ft

= 16.14 ft2

Total area of W1 and W2 = 16.14 ft2 x 2 =32.28 ft2

Total area of wall = 107.58 ft2 + 32.28 ft2 =139.86 ft2 or 13.0 m2

Step 3. Compute the no. of Concrete Hollow Blocks (CHB’s) needed.

Area of 1 CHB (4” x 8” x 16”)

= 0.66 ft x 1.33 ft

= 0.878 ft2

No. of CHB

= 140 ft2 x 1 pc / 0.879 ft2

= 159.45 pcs. or 160

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The following tables show the concrete proportioning process of mixing

cement:

Table 1. QUANTITY FOR 1 m3. CONCRETE

USING 94 LBS CEMENT

Class Proportion Cement Sand Gravel
AA 1:2:3 10.50 0.42 0.84
A 1:2:4 7.84 0.44 0.88
B 1:2.5:5 6.48 0.44 0.88
C 1:3:6 5.48 0.44 0.88
D 1:3.5:7 5.00 0.45 0.90

USING 88 LBS CEMENT

A 1:2:4 8.20 0.44 0.88
B 1:2.5 6.80 0.46 0.88
C 1:3:6 5.80 0.47 0.89
D 1:3.5:7 5.32 0.48 0.90

Table 2. CHB LAID PER BAG CEMENT Table 3. VOLUME OF CEMENT PER
CHB
4”x 8” x 16” 55 to 60 Pieces
6”x 8” x 16” 30 to 36 Pieces 4”x 8” x 16” 0.001 m3
8”x 8” x 16” 25 to 30 Pieces 6”x 8” x 16” 0.003 m3
8”x 8” x 16” 0.004 m3

Table 4. CHB FINISH/m2

Type of Finishing Cement Sand

Bag Sand
Tooled Finish 0.125 0.0107
Plaster Finish 0.250 0.0213

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Table 5. Requirements for the Mortar

Kinds Mix Cement Sand

Plain Cement Floor Finish 1:2 0.33 bag/m2 0.00018
m3/m2
Cement Plaster Finish 38 Thnk. One 1:2 0.11 bag/m2 0.006
Face m3/m2
Peeble Wash Out Floor Finish 1:2 0.43 bag/m2 0.024
m3/m2
Laying Of 6” CHB 1:2 0.63 bag/m2 0.37 m3/m2
“4” Fill All Holes and Joints 1:2 0.36 bag/m2 0.019
m3/m2
Plaster Perlite 1:2 0.22 bag/m2 0.12 m3/m2
Grouted Riprap 1:3 4 bag/m2 0.324
m3/m2

Table 6. CHB- REINFORCEMENT

Spacing of Vertical Length of Bars (m)

Bars in Meter per block per m2
0.4 0.25 3.0
0.6 0.17 2.1
0.8 0.12 1.5
Horizontal Bars
Every 2 Layers 0.22 2.7
3 0.15 1.9
4 0.13 1.7
5 0.11 1.4

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Step 4. Compute the amount of cement, sand and gravel needed for the
flooring

using class A /94-lbs cement (Refer to Table 1)

V = 4 in x 5 m x 1.5 m

V = 0.10 m x 5 m x 1.5 m

V = 0.75 m3

Cement = 0.75 m3 x 7.84 = 5.88 bags

Sand = 0.75 m3 x 0.44= 0.33 m3

Gravel= 0.75 m3 x 0.88 = 0.66 m3

Step 5. Compute for the amount of cement needed for laying the CHB

(Refer to Table 2)

1 bag of cement = One ft3

Say, 1 bag = 55 pcs.

Number of bags

= 160 pcs x 1 bag/ 55 pcs

= 2.91 or 3 bags

Step 6. Compute for the amount of cement and sand for mortar

(Refer to Table 5) Fill all holes and joints

Formula for the computation of Perimeter

P = 2 (length + width)

= 2 (5 m + 1.5 m)

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= 2 (6.5 m)

= 13 meter

A = 13 m x 1 m

= 13 m2

Amount of cement:

= 13 m2 x 0.36 bags/m2

= 4.68 bags

Amount of sand:

= 13 m2 x 0.019m3/m2

= 0.247 m3

Step 7. Compute for the amount of cement and sand for CHB plaster finish
using the following formula:

(Refer to Table 4)

Square Meter = cement= ¼ bag, sand= 0.0213 m3

= 13.00 m2 x ¼ bags / 1 m2

= 3.25 bags

In and Out of Wall

Total Cement = 3.25 bags x 2 = 6.5 bags

Sand = 13 m2 x0.0213 m3/m2

= 0.28 m3 x 2

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In and out of wall

= 0.28 m3

= o.56 m3

Step 8. Compute for the amount of cement for plain cement floor finish (Refer
to Table 5)

Floor Area = 7.5m2

Mix 1:2  Cement= 0.33 B/m2, Sand= 0.00018 m3/ m2

Cement = 0.33 bags/ m2 = 0.33 bags / m2 x 7.5 m2 = 2.48 bags

Sand = 0.00018 m3 / m2 x 7.5m2 = 0.0135 m3

Step 9. Compute for the needed number of steel bars (Refer to Table 6)

Using 20-ft standard length or 6.096 m

Horizontal Bars (every 2 layers):

Area = 13 m2

No. of bars = 13.0 m2 x 2.7 m / m2

= 35.1 meters x 1 bar / 6.096 m

= 5.75 bar

Vertical Bars (0.4 spacing):

Area = 13 m2

No. of Bars =13.0 m2 x 3 m / m2

= 39 m x 1 bar / 6.096 m

= 6.4 bars

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Flooring:
Area = 7.5 m2
No. of Bars = 7.5 m2 x 3 m / m2
= 22.5 m
= 22.5 m x 1 bar/ 6.096 m
= 3.7 bars
Total amount of Bars= 5.75 + 6.4 + 3.7 = 15.85pcs or 16 pcs.
Bill of Materials and Cost Estimates
Unit Cost Total
Materials Quantity
(Php) (Php)
1. Gravel 1 Elf Load 1, 400.00 1, 400.00
2. Sand 1 Elf Load 1, 000.00 1, 000.00
3. CHB 4” x 8” x 16” 160 pcs 5.50 880.00
4. Portland Cement 23 bags 182.00 4,186.00
5. Steel Bar(10mm.) 16 pcs. 175.00 2,800.00
6. Sahara Cement 9 bags 30.00 270.00
7. PVC ¾” 5 pcs. 100.00 500.00
8. PVC Elbow ¾” 6 pcs. 15.00 90.00
9. PVC 4” 1 pc. 220.00 220.00
10. PVC Solvent Cement 1 small can 35.00 35.00
11. Faucet 1 pc. 130.00 130.00
12. G.I. Wire # 16 1 kg. 65.00 65.00
13. Hose 5 mm 10 m 8.00 80.00
Grand Total : Php. 11,656.00
Note:
*For every bag of cement for Plaster Finish, 1 bag of Sahara cement is added
for water proofing purpose

*The cost of the materials is subject to change based on the prevailing price
at a certain period.

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When constructing a circular tanks, the drain hole should be at the

middle part of the tank. The flooring must therefore be constructed with a
slight slope towards the center. The slope is from 5 degrees to 15 degrees
which is very useful when the tank is drained for cleaning and maintenance
purposes.

On the other hand, the floor slope of some rectangular-shaped

concrete tanks is towards the rear end where the water outlet is constructed.

Program of Work

Project: Proposed Rectangular Concrete Tank (8m x 2m x 1m)

Project Cost: Php 25,000.00

SCOPE OF WORK Percentage Estimated Cost (Php)

I. Excavation 15 % 3,750.00
II. Carpentry 10 % 2,500.00
III. Masonry 60 % 15,000.00
IV. Plumbing 10 % 2,500.00
V. Electrical 5% 1,250.00
TOTAL 100% 25,000.00

Water Outlet Construction

The water outlet is usually constructed at the rear end of the tank.

The drain outlet ( see Figure 9 p.99) must be fitted with 4 in PVC pipe
to prevent the drain hole ( see Figure 8 p.99) from enlarging due to constant
flow of water. This is where the water from the tank flows out to the drainage
canal. The drainage canal ( see Figure 10) is 0.5 m wide and 0.3 m deep.

The drain hole of round tanks like hexagonal or 6-sided tanks,

octagonal or 8 sided tanks and circular tanks, (see Figure 11 p.100) must be

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constructed at the middle of the tank. The tank floor must have a moderate
slope towards the center. The construction of outlet may vary in types with or
without particle traps. Particle trap can be installed for outlet cleaning or for
the water to be reused.

The most common outlets are of two types:

1. Sink outlet. Horizontal grid outlets are common in smaller tanks. The
outlet is a sink with a grid as described below.

Figure 29. Outlet of Circular Tanks must be at the middle

The grid should be made of acid-proof material. The holes should

always be larger than the biggest feed pellets used. This will allow the water
to flow through the holes, i.e. speed through them is greater than the average
current in the tank. The outlet from the sink is placed eccentrically into it
which will create a vortex in the sink to keep it clean

2. Telescope outlet. The telescope outlet with inner level control is shown in
Figure 13. The inner tube of the tank is a shorter pipe than the external
one, with a slightly wider tube at the top which can be moved up and
down to control the level of water in the tank.

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Figure 30. View of Telescope Outlet

Water Inlet Construction

In a concrete rectangular tank, the inlet is usually a vertical pipe with a

faucet fitted into it connected to the tank.

Figure 31. Installation of water pipes

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For a large circular tank, there are three ways of fitting the inlet pipe.

1. Vertical pipe with rounded holes gives weight to the bottom of the
circular tank.
2. Horizontal pipe with rounded holes makes the fitting of the inlet pipe
durable. The length is 1/3 of the diameter of the tank.
3. Install the combined vertical and horizontal inlet properly. The length of
the horizontal inlet is ¼ of the radius of the tank.

Installation of Life Support System

The life support system helps in providing oxygen which is important in

the continues existing of the fish being cultured in a tank

Install a 1-2 hp blower in a secure area, that is not exposed to direct

sunlight and rain. Layout and install a PVC pipeline from the blower to the
tank. Connect an airstone and a sinker at the end of a plastic tube making
sure that the airstone and sinker is submerged into the water.

Figure 32. Air blower Figure 33. Pipe lines are installed to
the blower with plastic tube and air
stone.

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Figure 34. Fitting the plastic tube to Figure 35. Fitting the sinker stone
the to the hose
PVC pipe line

Photos credited to Eliseo T. Caseres

Regardless of shape and size, the spawning tanks should fulfil the
following conditions:

 easy control of the fish population;

 easy accessibility to the tank bottom for daily cleaning;
 simple and quick cleaning routine;
 easy replacement of the screened outlet;
 simple outlet construction for accessibility and service;
 minimum stress for fish at harvest;
 optimal swimming behaviour of fish;
 absence of transport problems in case of prefabricated tanks;
 optimal use of available covered area inside the building, which calls
for square or rectangular, rather than round tanks;
 simple design of support systems (water supply/drainage, air supply,
power supply, and lights).

According to their shape, number and available space, tanks can be

arranged in groups or in rows. In any case, staff should have easy access to
at least 75% of their perimeter. The space between rows or groups should be
wide enough (0.8 to 1.5 m) to permit the use of trolleys for working routines.

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Lights

Light intensity should be maintained in the range of 500-1 000 lux at

the water surface by means of a halogen lamp placed over each tank. Lamps
should be controlled by a timer/dimmer switch giving a twilight effect when
lights are turned on and off. Emergency lights that do not disturb fish could
also be installed. Large windows should be avoided to prevent direct sunlight
falling on the tanks.

Aeration system

Air supply is assured by a few coarse diffusers placed on the tank

bottom and should be regulated to keep eggs suspended in the water mass.
Plastic needle valves for aquarium or metal clamps (much more expensive)
can be used to regulate air flow.

Conditioning facilities

In many hatcheries indoor facilities are also used for conditioning

breeders to delay or advance their natural sexual maturation cycle and
spawning season. In that case, the conditioning/spawning areas become
permanent facilities that occupy a dedicated part of the hatchery because of
the long residence period needed. For practical purposes, such conditioning
tanks are usually of the same design and material of the spawning tanks.
Breeders are usually kept at a density of up to 15 kg/m3.

The area is also subdivided into several zones, isolated from each
other, where different light/temperature regimes can be adopted. This
requires independent systems for light and water temperature regulation. The
heating system is often coupled with a cooling system, usually a heat pump,
to provide out of season winter conditions.

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Live Food Unit

This unit is dedicated to the production of microalgae, rotifers and brine

shrimp nauplii (Artemia sp.) in large quantities, to be used as live feed for fish
larvae.

The unit has separate sub-units for:

 phytoplankton and rotifer pure strains and small volume cultures,

 phytoplankton and rotifer bag cultures,
 rotifer mass culture and enrichment,
 Artemia nauplii mass production and enrichment,
 laboratory tests.

Each sub-unit is housed in a room of variable size with tiled floor and walls
and is provided with air conditioning, treated seawater supply, freshwater
supply, air distribution system, working lights, safe plugs, and a drain system.
Adaptations to the needs of each sub-unit are specified below.

The first three sub-units should be contiguous to simplify working routines,

since they represent three different steps of the same production process.
They should be placed close to the larval rearing unit to reduce transport
distance. The laboratory services the entire unit, plus the other hatchery
compartments. There should be, however, a pathology laboratory in a
separate room, to prevent possible spread of diseases.

Program of Activities

1. Clearing the proposed area for tank construction

2. Preparing the construction materials
3. Storing/ positioning the construction materials to a place convenient for
the construction worker

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4. Laying out by erecting pegs, tying strings, and putting up marks for the
dimension of the tank to be constructed
5. Excavating of the tank area to a depth based on specifications.
6. Preparing the mixture for footing, 1:2.5:5 ( cement- sand- gravel)
7. Preparing the horizontal and vertical bars based on the dimension of
the tank to be constructed.
8. Preparing a class A mixture for the mortar which is 1:2:4.
9. Piling the hollow blocks (CHB 4”x 8” x 16”) layer by layer until the
required height is reached.
10. Cementing the tank floor with class A mixture.
11. Plaster finishing. The walls of the tank (in and out) to a mixture of 1:2.
Add one bag of Sahara cement per mixture

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Directions: From the program of activities being discussed, illustrate the

possible activities using the format below. You may add boxes of events if
needed. Add details in the branching lines

Event 1: Event 2:

Topic: Hatchery Facility

Construction

Event 4:
Event 3:

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Directions: Group the class with 3 – 4 members per group. Present a video
clip (from internet or recorded) about hatchery facility construction. Note the
points from the video for a class discussion.

Directions. Given the following information below, estimate the needed

materials in constructing a fish tank.

A. Tank Dimension Length = 4.0 meters

Width = 1.5 meters
B. Concrete Hallow Blocks (CHB) to be used 4” x 8” x 16”
C. Thickness of Flooring is 5 inches
D. Cement to be used Class B/88 lbs

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Post-Assessment

Multiple Choice: Read and understand each item below. Encircle the letter of
the best answer.
1. Which of the following is NOT a typical type of a hatchery tank?
a. plastic tank
b. concrete tank
c. fiber glass tank
d. polyethylene tank
2. It refers to a rectangular, square, hexagonal, octagonal or circular in shape
and a concrete structure used as aquaculture facility.
a. fish tank
b. plastic tank
c. canvass tank
d. fiber glass tank
3. Which of the following supplies dissolved oxygen into the tank?
a. aerator
b. drain hole
c. water inlet
d. water pump
4. Fish hatcheries are important in aquaculture industry because ______.
a. they prevent flooding in the area
b. they serve as water reservoir
c. they serve as an artificial hatching area of fish
d. they serve as storage area of feeds and other equipment
6. The following are the commonly used materials in the construction of a
fish tank except for;
a. GI wire
b. PVC pipe

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c. air stone
d. corrugated steel bars
6. It is a tank intended for culture of natural food such as phytoplankton.
a. rotifer tank
b. sand filter tank
c. microalgal tank
d. larval rearing tank
7. How many feet are there in 1 meter?
a. 1.5 ft
b. 2.5 ft
c. 3.0 ft
d. 3.28 ft
8. It is a type of water outlet wherein inner tube is shorter than the external
one.
a. drain outlet
b. sink outlet
c. main outlet
d. telescope outlet
9. What is the aggregate area of a 4m x 2m x 1m fish tank in square feet?
e. 107.78 ft2
f. 117.58 ft2
g. 127.58 ft2
h. 137.58 ft2
10. What is the area of a 4” x 8” x 16” concrete hollow block in square feet?
a. 0.578 ft2
b. 0.678 ft2
c. 0.778 ft2
d. 0.878 ft2

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Glossary

Aggregate. Formed by adding together two or more amounts

Crow Bar. A metal bar that has a thin flat edge at one end and is used to
open or lift things
Eccentrically. Not following a perfectly circular path
Grout. A material used for filling spaces or cracks between tiles
Mortar. A mixture of cement and water used in masonry or plastering
Plaster. A wet substance that hardens when it becomes dry and that is used
to make smooth walls and ceilings
Riprap. A layer of similar material on an embankment slope to prevent
erosion
Sahara cement. A durable hydraulic cement specifically formulated for
preventing water seepage through concrete or masonry walls and floors
Vortex. A mass of spinning air, liquid, etc., that pulls things into its center

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Resources

Gapasin, R., & Marte, C. (1990, May 1). Milkfish hatchery operations.
Retrieved October 29, 2014, from
http://repository.seafdec.org.ph/bitstream/handle/10862/172/aem17.pdf;jsessi
onid=7C75D199125F593201BF81F4B69432AA.jvm1?sequence=1

Rosario, W., Nipales, C., & Roxas, E. (n.d.). Commercial Production of

Milkfish Fry (Hatchery Operations). Retrieved October 30, 2014, from
http://aquatechnidocwestly.weebly.com/uploads/1/0/6/3/10636182/commercia
l_production_of_milkfish_fry.pdf

Tilapia hatchery and Nursery management in earthen ponds in the bicol

region. (n.d.). Retrieved October 29, 2014, from
http://region5.bfar.da.gov.ph/PDF/tilapia hatchery.pdf

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