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There are all sorts of different types of hatcheries that raise different types of fish for different purposes. In order to move forward on your intention to start a hatchery, there are some determinations you need to know up front. Most simply, know what type of fish you will raise and why in order to start setting up your hatchery or writing a business plan. In particular, consider the following, and have concrete answers to each before moving forward. What are you going to do with all the fish? Will you raise fish destined to be food, pets, or simply pond ornaments? Do you intend to take the backyard approach and build a custom fishing hole for you and your friends, or are you looking to build a business empire based on the for-profit production of the finest fish on the global market? The type of fish you raise will be determined in part by the type of hatchery you hope to start. While the system you hope to build may influence your decision about what fish you will raise, there are several factors to consider about your options regarding the fish themselves. Once you're leaning towards a certain type of fish, contact hatcheries that raise that type to see about the viability of going through with stocking your hatchery. Recognize that the costs associated with raising different types of fish will vary widely, for all sorts of reasons including the amount of management different species require and the cost of the food they eat. Also consider the climate in which you will be operating your hatchery. Certain fish need certain temperature water to live in. If possible, you may want to avoid costs associated with heating or cooling water, which can be substantial. Tilapia are some of the easiest fish to raise, and are eaten around the world. As such, they are among the most profitable types of fish to raise. They are hardy enough to tolerate different water conditions, including low oxygen and high ammonia, and are even more resistant to illness than many other fish. Tilapia need to be raised in water as close as possible to 84 degrees Fahrenheit (29 degrees Celsius). They will survive in water from 64-90 F (18-32 C), but will die if the water drops to 50 degrees. While there are many different types of tilapia, Bava, Blue, and Nile tilapia are the most appropriate for backyard and commercial hatcheries. Catfish are increasingly popular in people's cuisine, and they're some of the tougher fish there are in terms of resistance to disease and parasites. They also grow quite quickly. Channel catfish are one of the most popular and profitable choices for backyard farming, and there are several types to choose from. Recommended water temperatures for raising catfish vary based on the season and age of the fish. A such, catfish are commonly raised in outdoor ponds. Specifically, channel catfish fingerlings need to be stocked when water temperatures are between 65-68 degrees Fahrenheit (18-20 C). As catfish, they will grow more quickly in water between 83-86 degrees Fahrenheit (28-30 C). Bass is unique in that many people actually prefer the taste of farmed bass to wild bass. Raising bass is most feasible in larger, well-circulated systems. Bass fingerlings, however, are more sensitive than many other young fish, and require strict nutritional supply, gentle handling, and even particular amounts of light. Raising bass may require extra holding tanks, as different sized individuals need to be stored separately. Bass prefer water as close as possible to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (27 degrees Celsius), but can survive in water ranging from 65-85 F (18-29 C). Trout and salmon are especially popular for human consumption, but they require more specific conditions than the other fish mentioned in this article. When raised at sustainable, well-run operations, these types of fish can be reliably profitable options. Yellow perch is popular in some markets too, though perch does not have the global popularity of trout and salmon. All three can grow to harvestable size in only one season. Trout and salmon can be raised together, providing some variety in your production. Keep water in which you're raising trout and salmon between 55 and 60 F (13-16 C). If you're only raising trout, water can be a bit warmer, but monitor oxygen levels more closely. Rainbow and brook trout are particularly popular, as are coho and Atlantic salmon. Before beginning construction of a hatchery of any size or type, account for the law in your area. There are lots and lots of laws about raising animals, and even more about raising animals to be consumed as food. Further, the ways in which your hatchery may effect the surrounding land or water need to be addressed before you move forward with starting a hatchery. Depending on the type, size, and location of your hatchery, the paperwork will vary but count on there being a lot of it. If planning to operate a production hatchery, you'll need to get a business license as well. Then there's the whole other side of the law and a whole new stack of paperwork. One option for a hatchery that doesn't take up a lot of space is raising an aquarium fish for the fish-as-pet-or-decoration market. Rare types of fish that are popular amongst those who keep aquariums are usually not raised on high production equipment, and can be hatched indoors in a few small tanks and with far less equipment than needed for larger hatcheries. Angelfish, for instance, can easily be raised on equipment that you can get altogether in a ready-to-use set. For different types of fish, you'll need different types of specific filters, tanks, and water-treating equipment, and fish food. For small aquariums, however, most of these will be available at specialty pet stores. Choose a breed of fish such as angelfish that are already commonly sold in pet stores, so you know you'll have demand for the glittery critters as soon as they're ready to find a home of their own.

Summary:
Determine the purpose of your hatchery. Decide what specific type of fish you want to raise. Take the easy route with Tilapia. Catch yourself a catfish hatchery. Build a bass hatchery. Consider raising trout, salmon, or perch. Get the necessary permits and licensing. Grow a niche type of pet fish.