There are various processes involved in building a concrete pond for raising African catfish, including, our goal in this chapter is to take you through the step by step approach required for optimum development of your concrete pond:

Site preparation : Entails removing any debris or plants, and choosing the ideal size and design of the pond.

Pond excavation: Shovels, pickaxes, and excavators are used to dig the area to the proper depth and shape.
It is critical to observe local building codes and safety procedures.

Pond Excavation is done for concrete ponds before the concrete or brick layer is constructed, this place the pond deep into the earth, however, that is not the only means of concrete pond construction.

Some concrete ponds are made without any excavation work. You simply dig a foundation and proceed to lay your blocks.

Pouring the concrete: After the excavation is finished, the concrete needs to be poured.
Using a mixture of cement, water, sand, and stones, this is accomplished in stages.

To ensure a flat surface, the concrete should be leveled and smoothed as it is poured. Concrete ponds should be slightly tilted.

Detailed Guide for Concrete Ponds Construction

There are a few important methods that can be utilized to form a concrete pond for raising African catfish in order to obtain the appropriate size and depth:

Excavation: The first step in forming the concrete pond is to dig the space out to the required size and depth.
With the use of shovels or large equipment like an excavator, this can be accomplished.

Forms: After the excavation is completed, forms should be erected to the shape of the pond as desired.

The concrete is held in place as it sets in these forms, which can be made of wood, metal, or plastic.

Rebar: Reinforcing bars, also known as rebar, can be utilized to strengthen the pond’s concrete structure.
These bars, which can be connected with wire or mesh, should be positioned at regular intervals around the pond’s edge.

Pouring the concrete: After the forms and rebar have been set up, the excavation may be filled with concrete.
This needs to be done in layers, with each layer being smoothed and compressed before the addition of the next one.

Finishing: The pond can be finished with a smooth surface using a trowel or other smoothing tool once the concrete has had time to set.

At this point, any jagged edges or flaws can be smoothed away.

It is important to note that, in place of concrete, you can use 6 inch blocks to achieve the same results.