SCREEN THE INLET AND OUTLET
The objective of screening is to
prevent undesirable substances (fish and fish eggs, inclusive) from entering or
leaving the pond without obstructing the flow of water. Therefore, the mesh
size of the screen material should be small enough to prevent un-wanted
substances passing through, while at the same time be large enough to allow
water to flow through.
However, the efficiency with which
the screen works, is not solely determined by the mesh size of the screening
material. It is largely determined by the total surface area of the screen and
the rate at which clogging occurs.
SCREENING THE INLET
It is therefore, recommended that
inlets be screened using a ‘filter sock’ made of fine mesh. In this way, a
large surface area is provided and the rate of clogging significantly reduced
because the debris collects at the tip of the sock. In this case, water will
still flow un-obstructed from the top of the sock. Remember, it is not practical or possible to check the screen every
hour and clean it. Screens tied flat tend to clog fast and do not allow water
to flow through within a short period.
SCREENING THE OUTLET
The outlet stand pipe, on the other
hand, is best screened with cone mesh. Again, this increases the total screen
surface area to ensure water can flow out with minimal clogging. Ensuring the
outlet screen is in place prevents loss of feed during feeding and of fish
during drainage. The stand pipe should be cut to the maximum height you would
like to have water in the pond. Doing so prevents flooding beyond the levee
wall, because the pond will start draining once it gets to
The desired water height. However, for practical reasons, during the
course of production it is best to maintain
the water level at about 10cm below the standpipe
Height. This is to act as a buffer in
the event that it rains as it allows the pond room
to capture rainwater.
to capture rainwater.
MAINTENANCE OF SCREENS
DURING THE COURSE OF PRODUCTION
It is
important to check all screens daily to ensure they are not clogged nor
damaged. If there is a lot of debris, remove it and clean off the dirt by
shaking and rinsing the screen. Do not shake the screen into the pond as the
debris will only go back into the pond and re-clog the screen. Place the screen
back immediately after cleaning. If damaged, repair or replace screens
immediately. Damaged screens are an urgent matter. If you find fish or frogs in
the screen, bury them as they are likely to find their way back into the ponds
which is undesirable.
CALL 08032861326 FOR HELP AND CONSULTANCY,
