How to Start Eel Farming with Old Drums: Affordable and Sustainable

How to Turn Old Drums into Eel Farms: Ever thought about farming eels? Eels are quite popular because they’re easy to find and pack a high nutritional punch. Plus, they’re delicious in many dishes!

Farming eels can be a promising business, especially given the high demand for this slippery fish. If you manage to run your eel farm well, you could even break into the export market!

Farming eels is pretty straightforward since they don’t need special care. But if you’re new to eel farming, it’s a good idea to gather some tips on how to do it right. Let’s dive into how to turn old drums into Eel Farms.

How to Turn Old Drums into Eel Farms

There are several ways to farm eels, and one of the most innovative methods is using old drums. Eels are highly adaptable, so you don’t always need a fancy concrete pond to farm them.

Preparing Your Drum Pond

Start by cleaning the drums you’ll use as ponds. This step is crucial to remove any leftover harmful substances that could jeopardize the health of your eels. Once clean, cut a long opening in the drum and place it on flat ground. Since drums are round, support the sides with something sturdy to keep them stable.

Eels need high-quality water, so monitor the water’s acidity and replace it as needed. To make water changes easier, create a drainage hole at the bottom of the drum.

Finally, cover your drum pond to shield the eels from direct sunlight. These digging creatures are sensitive to sunlight and thrive in darker environments.

Setting Up the Right Environment for Eels

Creating the right habitat is key to successful eel farming. To set up your drum pond, gather materials like rice straw, banana stems, compost, and clean water.

Start by laying down a 10 cm layer of straw. Next, add a 10 cm layer of chopped banana stems, cover with another 10 cm of straw, and seal it with plastic for a month. Once this mixture ferments, add 30 cm of compost and 15 cm of mud mixed with microorganisms. Finally, pour in about 5 cm of clean water.

Keep the water level low so the eels can easily access oxygen. Too much water can make it hard for the eels to breathe and grow.

Selecting Your Eel Seedlings

Choosing high-quality seedlings is crucial for a good harvest. Look for healthy, active eels that are about 10-15 cm long. Healthy eels are usually more energetic and less likely to have deformities.

Introducing Eel Seedlings to the Pond

Before adding the seedlings, ensure your pond’s habitat is fully fermented. A well-fermented habitat won’t smell and will feel smooth to the touch, indicating it’s ready. A 1-meter drum pond typically accommodates 1-2 kg of eels. Overcrowding can lead to competition for food and hinder growth, so adjust according to your pond size.

Feeding Your Eels

Feeding is another critical factor in eel farming success. Eels eat small fish, worms, and crustaceans in the wild. You can supplement their diet with things like snails, livestock carcasses, tadpoles, or worms. Cook these items first to make them easier for the eels to digest. Read the ultimate guide to feeding eel.

Eels are cannibalistic, so don’t let them go hungry. They usually eat at dawn and dusk, so these are the best times to feed them.

Harvesting Your Eels

You can start harvesting your eels after 3-4 months when they reach 30-50 cm. You can sell them to collectors or process them into snacks.

Harvesting from a drum pond is easy. Prepare a clean drum for the harvest, drain the pond, and transfer the eels to the new drum filled with clean water.

Benefits of Using Drum Ponds for Eel Farming

Eco-Friendly

Using old drums as ponds is an environmentally friendly choice. You’re repurposing items that might otherwise end up as waste, reducing trash, and giving these drums a second life with economic value.

Portable

Drum ponds are portable and practical because of their size. They’re easy to move and not permanent, making them convenient for small spaces. Plus, from setup to harvest, the process is simple and straightforward.

Cost-Effective

Compared to other pond options, drum ponds are more affordable. You can use drums you already have or buy used ones for a low cost. Even if you buy, they’re usually cheap, making this a great option for beginners.

Farming eels in drum ponds is perfect for those new to the business. It doesn’t require a huge investment but can yield impressive results.