They are usually used in intensive and super-intensive culture of tilapias. Ponds are much cheaper to construct and allow management to stimulate natural productivity more readily. The major drawback of pond culture of tilapias is the greater risk of uncontrolled reproduction, which will occur if certain measures are not taken to minimize this possibility. Ponds are used in extensive, semi-intensive and intensive tilapia production. Pond culture is by far the most common method being employed throughout Latin America because it is the cheapest method and also is one of the best.
Ponds are the traditional and inexpensive way to hold spawning populations of broodfish.
Basically, the hapas are fine mesh net enclosures that are about 40 square meters in size and arranged into units within a larger pond. This segregates the pond into more easily managed units. On a per unit area basis, tanks are the most efficient method of collecting and raising fry, followed by hapas and simple ponds. In aquaculture, no two situations are alike. Each project must be carefully crafted to meet the expectations of the owners, while giving diligent consideration to the limitations and strengths inherent in the proposed venture.