Planning Your Stocking Rate
- Enter your Pond Surface Area (in m²) and the Average Depth.
- Set your Carrying Capacity (kg of fish per m³ of water).
- Enter your Target Harvest Weight in grams.
- The calculator will instantly provide the total Stocking Number.
- Check the Density Visualization to see how crowded the fish will be per square meter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 'Carrying Capacity' in aquaculture?
Carrying Capacity is the maximum biomass (total weight) of fish that a pond or tank can support based on its water volume, aeration, and filtration capacity. For standard ponds, this is often 0.3–0.5 kg/m³.
How does stocking density affect fish growth?
High stocking densities can lead to slower growth, higher stress levels, and increased risk of disease. Low densities promote faster individual growth but may result in lower total productivity and profitability.
What should be my target harvest weight?
This depends on your market. For tilapia, common harvest weights are 250–500 grams; for catfish, it can range from 400 grams to over 1 kg. Setting this target helps determine how many fingerlings you can safely stock at the start.
Does the depth of the pond matter for stocking?
Yes. Stocking density is primarily calculated by volume (m³), so a deeper pond provides more living space and can support more fish for the same surface area, assuming adequate dissolved oxygen levels.
Key Benefits
- Volume-based calculations for ponds and tanks
- Dynamic density visualizations per m²
- Optimizes harvest yield and fish health
- Critical for budget and seed planning
- 100% private — your data is never uploaded
- Mobile-optimized for quick field assessments