Freshwater pond

[Digger]

I'm looking to make a 1-acre freshwater pond, largely because I already have most of the supplies and equipment which I don't want to waste. I'd like to make something that is self-sustainable if possible, so I'm going to start with prawn since they're delicious and they'll help keep the pond clean. I thought about adding bass, but they will eat the prawn and the pond won't be large enough for them anyway. What would you add?

 

[ARC55]

I hate to dissuade you for your plans, but I've looked into doing something similar, and I doubt you'll find an affordable way to source prawn and keep them going on a small-scale operation. Raising prawn also often involves the eyestalk ablation process, which is gruesome and blinds the females. The same is true for most crustaceans. If you're looking for something profitable, then this might not be the best choice.

 

[Digger]

It would primarily be for personal use. I don't intend to cultivate prawn or open up a fishery. We have a separate property with a small pond. I figured I could make it bigger and stock it with fish. You're right about them being expensive to source. Thanks for clueing me in before I got to deep.

 

[OhSusanna]

I thought about adding bass, but they will eat the prawn and the pond won't be large enough for them anyway.

You can stock a 1-acre pond with bass, so don't rule them out based on space alone. A pond that size can hold quite a few of them. What about stocking the pond with crayfish or shrimp instead of prawn?

 

[Urban Homestead]

Catfish and shrimp are popular choices around here. I'm not sure if it's true, but I've been told that they go well together because catfish won't actively hunt the shrimps' fry.

 

[MartyR]

Catfish and shrimp are popular choices around here.

That's what I was going to suggest as well. They survive well together with little fuss and both are versatile when it comes to cooking them up.