D' Prime Aqua Consult

D' Prime Aqua Consult Empower Sustainability in Aquaculture

A global platform with the MISSION to empower sustainability through educating, ENVISION where all farmers including the enthusiasts have equal access to valuable aquaculture insights and AIM to drive progress towards a more sustainable practices

Upstream Series: Essential Equipment for Fish FarmingBefore we fully move into Midstream (the actual production process)...
18/08/2026

Upstream Series: Essential Equipment for Fish Farming

Before we fully move into Midstream (the actual production process), let’s quickly cover one important Upstream item we have not talked about yet — "Equipment."

Having the right equipment helps you run your farm smoothly, stay organized, and reduce stress.

The equipment you need depends on the size of your (small-scale or large-scale), but here are the common and useful ones:

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Basic & General Equipment (Useful for both small and large farms)

● Weighing scale (to check fish weight)
● Sorting baskets / grading baskets
● Hand nets and scoop nets
● Buckets and bowls
● Wheelbarrow
● Shovel
● Water reservoir / storage tank
● Extra holding facilities (ie. tanks for sale output and harvesting)
● Water test kit
● Aerator or air pump (especially for tanks and high-density systems)
● Generator or alternative power source
● Feeding containers
● Rubber boots and hand gloves
● Measuring tape or ruler

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Additional Equipment (More important as the farm grows)

● Larger nets
● More sorting and holding baskets
● Water pump
● Extra reservoirs
● Feed storage containers or a dedicated feed store
● Wheelbarrows or trolleys for moving feed and fish
● Simple work tables
● Record-keeping materials (notebook or phone)

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◇◇ Simple Note ◇◇

◇ You don’t need to buy everything at once.

◇ Start with the basic ones according to your farm size and add more as you grow.

◇ Having enough baskets, nets, and a good scale already makes daily work much easier.

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SIMPLE TAKEAWAY

Good equipment helps you work faster, keep the farm organized, and take better care of your .

◇◇ There are also more specialized tools and equipment used specifically for hatchery operations (for people who want to go into breeding and producing their own fingerlings).

◇◇ If you are interested in that area, you can send a DM for guidance.

◇ What I have shared here is the basic list every farmer should know.

Contact Dove Aquatics, they specialize in
📍Fish farming Tools
📍IMPORTED Livestock feed machines

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◇◇ For guidance on which equipment is most important for your specific farm size and setup, private coaching is available.

Send a DM if you need help.

◇◇◇Consultation is paid.◇◇◇

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In the next posts, we will fully enter into The Midstream (Water Quality Management during production).

Which of these pieces of equipment do you already have or lacking on your farm?

Share in the comments.

© 2026 D' Prime Aqua Consult. All rights reserved.

You are free to repost or share this content, but please credit: Content by D’ Prime Aqua Consult.


17/08/2026

Poor growth can have several causes.

Knowing what to check can make a big difference in your farm’s performance.

What do you think is the most common cause of poor fish growth?

Upstream Series: Feed Phase 2 – Feed Sizes According to Fish Life Stages & Feeding StrategyIn the last post, we talked a...
13/08/2026

Upstream Series: Feed Phase 2 – Feed Sizes According to Fish Life Stages & Feeding Strategy

In the last post, we talked about how to source the right feed.

Today, let’s look at sizes and how they relate to the life stages of the fish.

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A. Feed Size Must Match the Life Stage of the Fish

Every brand has its own range of feed sizes.

That is why the first thing you should do is check the size list of the brand you want to use.

Using as an example, the sizes generally follow the life stages of the fish like this:

● 0.2mm – 0.3mm → For newly hatched larvae and very delicate fry
● 0.5mm – 0.8mm → For growing fry
● 0.8mm – 1.2mm → For advanced fry moving into the fingerling stage
● 1.2mm – 1.5mm → For young fingerlings
● 2.0mm → For robust fingerlings and early juveniles
● 3.0mm → For developing juveniles
● 4.0mm → For larger growing fish
● 4.5mm – 6.0mm → For final weight gain up to market size

Other brands may have slightly different sizes from 2mm, 3mm, 4mm, 6mm, 9mm. (for example, Bluecrown, Ecofloat, Vital Feed ), but the principle remains the same:

♡ Start with a small size of feed when the fish are small, and gradually move from one size to another as they grow.

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B. Feeding Strategy (Basic Understanding)

Feeding strategy is not only about the size of the feed.

It also includes:

● How you feed the fish (broadcasting or in spots)
● Watching how the fish eat
● Making sure feed is not wasted
● Observing the behavior of the fish
● Paying attention to water conditions during and after feeding

♡ There is no single method that works exactly the same on every farm.

♡ What works well for one person may need adjustment on another farm because of differences in water, density, and management.

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SIMPLE TAKEAWAY

♡ Feed size should follow the life stage of the fish.

♡ Always check the size list of the brand you are using and move from smaller sizes to bigger sizes as the fish grow.

📌 What I have shared here is the basic knowledge every must know.

Send a DM if you need guidance or private coaching


♡♡♡Consultation is paid.♡♡♡

In the next post, we will talk about "water quality management during production."

Which feed size are you currently using for your ?

Share in the comments.

© 2026 D' Prime Aqua Consult. All rights reserved.

You are free to repost or share this content, but please credit: Content by D’ Prime Aqua Consult

I got over 100 reactions on my posts last week! Thanks everyone for your support! 🎊🎊🎊Check out our new post!🙏
13/08/2026

I got over 100 reactions on my posts last week! Thanks everyone for your support! 🎊🎊🎊

Check out our new post!🙏

Upstream Series: How to Source the Right Feed for Your Fish (Phase 1)First, you need to understand the basic.■ What is f...
08/08/2026

Upstream Series: How to Source the Right Feed for Your Fish (Phase 1)

First, you need to understand the basic.

■ What is fish feed?
Fish feed is the food given to fish in the farm so they can grow well, stay healthy, and reach table size.

Just like human beings need food to grow and have energy, fish also need proper feed.

Without good feed, the will grow very slowly or become weak, even if the water and pond are good.

So feed is one of the most important things in fish farming.

Feed is also one of the biggest expenses in , and choosing the right one matters a lot.

Let’s talk about it in a simple way.

■ Types of Fish Feed in Nigeria

Fish feeds are generally grouped into two:

1. Foreign Feed
Examples: Coppens, Aller Aqua

2. Local Feed
Examples: Blue Crown, Vita, Eco Float, and many others

This also includes feeds produced by local commercial companies and feeds that some farmers make themselves.

◇ Both foreign and local feeds are being used successfully by farmers. The important thing is understanding what your fish actually need.

■ Fish Size Determines the Feed

Think about how human beings eat.

When a child is a baby, the type of food is different.

As the child grows into a teenager and later an adult, the type and quantity of food also change.

It is the same with fish.

◇ Small fish (fingerlings) need feed that is high in protein

◇ As they grow bigger (table size and above), their protein need reduces and they can take more carbohydrates (NFE)

So when buying , always check the crude protein percentage, and size on the bag.

Fingerlings generally need higher protein than bigger fish.

■ Important Things to Note When Sourcing Feed

◇ Different brands have different feed sizes (for example 1.2mm, 1.5mm, 1.8mm, etc.)
◇ Not every brand has the exact same sizes
◇ Once you choose a brand, it is better to stick to that brand throughout the cycle
◇ If you must change brand, it should be done carefully
◇ Buy feed according to the number of fish you have. Don’t just buy too much and store for long if you don’t need it

There is still more to learn about matching the correct feed size to each stage of the fish. We will cover that properly in the next post (Feed Phase 2).

SIMPLE TAKEAWAY

◇ The right feed depends on the size and stage of your fish.

◇ Higher protein for small fish, and consistent quality from a brand you trust.

◇ What I have shared here is the basic knowledge on how to source feed.

You can send a DM if you need personal guidance.

◇◇Consultation is paid◇◇

In the next post, we will talk about the different feed sizes for each stage of the fish and strategy.

Which feed brand are you currently using?

Share your experience in the comments.

Content by D' Prime Aqua Consult. All rights reserved.

You are free to repost or share this content, but please credit: D’ Prime Aqua Consult

Upstream Series: Pond Preparation – Getting Your Facility Ready for StockingAfter building your rearing facility, the ne...
04/08/2026

Upstream Series: Pond Preparation – Getting Your Facility Ready for Stocking

After building your rearing facility, the next important step is preparing the before stocking.

Proper preparation helps create a safe and healthy environment for the new fish.

Here’s a simple breakdown for the common types of facilities:

A. Earthen Pond
After digging the pond, the two main things you need to do are:

1. Liming
● Agricultural lime (the white one that comes in bags) is commonly used.
● Liming helps to kill harmful bacteria, reduce disease risk, improve the pond environment, and can also help control some unwanted organisms.
● Lime also has a fertilizing effect on the pond.
● Liming is usually done when there is water or no water in the pond.

2. Fertilizing
After liming, the pond is fertilized.
● Fertilizer can be organic (such as animal dung) or inorganic.
● This helps the pond become more productive.
● Later in the production cycle, if you notice disease problems, some farmers remove the fish, relime, and refertilize the pond before restocking.

B. Concrete Pond
● Concrete ponds also often require liming and fertilizing, especially if the cement work was not perfectly done.
● Liming helps protect the fish from any harmful effects that may come from exposed cement.
● Fertilizing is also done in many concrete ponds, although the need can vary from farm to farm.
● The exact method of liming and fertilizing depends on the condition of the pond.

C. Tarpaulin Pond, Plastic Tanks & Fiber Tanks

This is very important:

● Do not lime tarpaulin ponds
● Do not fertilize tarpaulin ponds or plastic/fiber tanks
● These facilities do not need liming or fertilizing.
● What you should do is proper cleaning and sanitization before stocking.
● Adding lime or fertilizer in tarpaulin or plastic tanks is not recommended.

SIMPLE TAKEAWAY

■ Different facilities need different preparation methods.

■ What works for an earthen pond is not the same for a tarpaulin or plastic tank.

■ Always prepare the place properly so your fish can settle well and stay healthy.

What I have shared here is the basic knowledge every should know!

For detailed step-by-step private guidance on liming, fertilizing methods, and how to handle your specific pond type, you can send a DM for consultation.

Consultation is paid.

In the next post, we will talk about Feed — how to source the right feed for your .

What type of pond are you currently preparing or using?

Share your experience in the comments.

Content by D' Prime Aqua Consult. All rights reserved.

You are free to repost or share this content, but please credit: D' Prime Aqua Consult

Upstream Series: How to Get Quality Fish Seed (Fingerlings) & Broodstock Procurement After preparing your rearing facili...
01/08/2026

Upstream Series: How to Get Quality Fish Seed (Fingerlings) & Broodstock Procurement

After preparing your rearing facility and securing good water, the next important step is getting quality fish seed.

There are two main ways:

A. Buying Fingerlings

This is the most common method for most farmers.

What to look for:
● Buy from a farm that has a good history
● A farm that other recommend highly
● A place where people have bought before and got good results
● A fingerlings that swims very active and feeds very well, etc.

Important process after buying:
● When you transport from another farm to your own farm, you must help them adjust slowly. This process is called acclimatization.

Simple steps:
● Carry some water from your own
● Gradually mix your water with the water in the container carrying the new fish
● Gradually put them in a holding tank first (for 1–2 days)
● Do not feed them immediately on the day of arrival
● Allow them to settle and get used to the new environment
● Start light feeding the next day
● Later, transfer them into the main pond you have prepared
● If you feed them too early, they may not eat, and the uneaten feed will spoil the water.

B. Producing Your Own Fingerlings (Using Broodstock)

Some farmers prefer to produce their own fingerlings. To do this, you need .

What is broodstock?
Broodstock are mature male and female fish that are ready for breeding (spawning).

Basic process (very simple overview):
● Get good quality broodstock from a reliable farm that specializes in them
● Select healthy and mature fish (females are usually from about 1.2 kg and above)
● In a controlled farm environment, breeding is done artificially
● Hormones such as Ovaprim or Ovatide oe Ovulin are commonly used
● The process is usually done in the evening
● Eggs and milt are collected, mixed, and incubated
● After hatching, the young fish (hatchlings/frys) must be carefully monitored
● Clean water and proper management at this stage are very important for survival

Note: The exact hormone dosage, timing, and full technique require proper training.

This post only gives the basic knowledge so you are not completely in the dark.

For the complete practical process, proper guidance, and personalized advice, you can slide into my DM for consultation.

Consultation is not free.

Simple Takeaway:
● Whether you are buying fingerlings or producing your own, the quality of the fish seed you start with will greatly affect your final result.

● Always start with good seed from a trusted source and handle them with care when they arrive.

Next topic on the list is:
● Pond Preparation (after building the facility and before stocking the fish seed).

We will cover how to prepare:
● Earthen pond
● Concrete pond
● Tarpaulin pond
● Other facilities (tanks, etc.)

So that the place is ready and safe for the new fish (whether bought fingerlings or your own).

After that, the next one will be Feed — how to source proper feed.

Are you currently buying fingerlings or planning to produce your own?

Share your experience in the comments.

Content by D’ Prime Aqua Consult. All rights reserved.

Feel free to repost — just make sure you credit D' Prime Aqua Consult

Upstream Series: The Source, Quality, and Nature of Water That is Good for Fish Farming Water is the most important thin...
30/07/2026

Upstream Series: The Source, Quality, and Nature of Water That is Good for Fish Farming

Water is the most important thing in fish farming. Without good water, even the best pond and best feed will fail.

Let’s break it down simply.

A. Sources of Water
The water you use for your fish farm can come from different places. Common sources in Nigeria include:

● Rain Water: Precipitation that falls directly
from clouds as the primary natural origin
of fresh water.

Examples: Direct rainfall and harvested
roof runoff.

● Surface Water: Water that collects on the
ground or in open bodies above the earth.

Examples: Rivers, lakes, ponds, streams
and oceans

● Ground Water: Fresh water that sinks into the
soil and is stored underground in rocks

Examples: underground springs,
wells, and boreholes (hand/manual pump or automatic), and Tap water (public water supply)

The source you use often depends on the location of your . Some farmers are lucky to have a river or stream nearby. Others rely mainly on borehole.

B. Nature of the Water:
Before you use any water source, you need to observe its nature.

Ask yourself:

■ Is the water clear or always dirty?

■ Does it look hard or soft?

■ Have you seen fish already living and surviving in that water (especially for rivers and streams)?

■ Does the water change a lot when it rains heavily?

Water that already supports life in nature is usually a good sign. But you still need to confirm further.

C. Water Quality
After choosing your source and observing its nature, the next step is to check the quality.

You can do this in two ways:
■ Use a simple water testing kit (you can learn how to use it yourself)
■ Take a sample to a laboratory for proper testing

Important things usually checked include:
■ pH (6.5 to 8.5 (Slightly alkaline)
■ Total Hardness (50 to 150 ppm (mg/L)
■ Temperature (26°C to 32°C)
■ Dissolved oxygen (Above 5.0 mg/L)
■ And other key parameters

Testing helps you know if the water is safe for fish to live and grow well. It also helps you understand how the water may behave during heavy rain or dry season.

Simple Takeaway:
Good water is not just any water.
It must come from a suitable source, have a good nature, and pass quality checks.

Never assume any water is good just because it looks clean.

In our next post, we will talk about how to get quality fish seed (fingerlings) and broodstock procurement — whether you are buying from someone or planning to produce your own.

What source of water are you currently using or planning to use for your fish farm?

Share your experience in the comments.

BY D' Prime Aqua Consult
Do not copy or repost without permission.

Upstream Series: What is the Right Rearing Facility for Fish Farming?After understanding what Upstream means, the next i...
29/07/2026

Upstream Series: What is the Right Rearing Facility for Fish Farming?

After understanding what Upstream means, the next important question is:

Where will you raise the fish?

This is called the rearing facility.

It is the first home of your fish. But, in the wild, the first home for your fish or other aquatic animals is "Water." If the home is not good, the fish will not grow well.

Here are the common types of rearing facilities used in Nigeria:

A. Pond
1. Earthen Pond
● Dug directly from the ground
● Requires technical knowledge of how to construct
● Good for large-scale farming
● Needs good soil and proper water management
● Produces natural food for

3. Concrete Pond
● Built with cement and blocks
● Requires technical knowledge of how to construct
● Good for small and large-scale farming
● Requires technical know-how to clean and maintain

Other Pond Types
1. Semi-concrete ponds
2. Semi-earthern ponds
3. Fiberglass ponds

B. Tarpaulin Pond
● Made with strong tarpaulin (plastic sheet) supported by a frame or iron or wood, etc.
● Easy and fast to set up or dismantle
● Durable
● Comes in different sizes
● Popular among beginners and people with small land or space

Note: The color of the tarpaulin matters. Darker colors can absorb more heat from the sun, which may affect the water temperature and fish growth.

C. Plastic/Fiber Tanks
● The common white or coloured tanks
● Easy to move, install, and maintain
● Suitable for small spaces and backyard farming
● Heat from the sun can affect the water, so placement and color are important
● It is better to use colors that do not absorb too much heat

D. Cage Culture
● Fish are raised inside cages placed in natural water bodies (rivers, lakes, or large ponds)
● Good where there is access to large water bodies
● Requires good water flow

There are other types of facilities that can work (i.e. pen culture, etc), but the above-mentioned ones are common.

The best one depends on:

■ Your budget
■ The land you have
■ The scale of farming you want to do

There is no single “best” facility for everybody.

What matters is choosing the one that fits your situation and managing it well.

In the next post, we will talk about water — the source, quality, and nature of water for fish farming.

Which type of rearing facility are you currently using or planning to use?

Comment below.

D' Prime Aqua Consult

What is Upstream in Fish Farming?First, you need to understand what aquaculture/fish farming is.Aquaculture is the farmi...
29/07/2026

What is Upstream in Fish Farming?

First, you need to understand what aquaculture/fish farming is.

Aquaculture is the farming of fish and other aquatic animals in a controlled environment (like ponds, tanks, or cages), instead of catching them from the wild (natural habitats).

In fish farming, we divide the business is into three main parts:

Upstream – Everything you put INTO the farm
Midstream – The actual growing and management of the fish
Downstream – Harvesting, processing, and selling

Today we begin and focus on The Upstream.

Upstream simply means all the inputs and preparations needed before the fish can grow well.

These include:

The right type of rearing facilities
Good quality water
Quality fish seed (fingerlings) / Brood stock procurement
Proper feed
Basic right equipment's

If the upstream is weak, the whole farm will struggle — no matter how hard you work later.

This is why every serious fish farmer must understand upstream first.

In the coming posts, we will break it down step by step:

1. The right type of rearing facilities
2. Good quality water

Simple knowledge. Strong foundation.

What part of starting a fish farm confuses you the most?

Drop it in the comments.

D' Prime Aqua Consult

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