Work out fish stocking density instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.
Stocking works backwards from the harvest you can support. Target biomass is volume x safe density, dividing by harvest weight gives the fish needed at harvest, and dividing by expected survival gives the fingerlings to stock. Density is limited by oxygen supply and water exchange, not by space.
Stocking density
Harvest biomass = volume x density; fish at harvest = biomass / harvest weight; stock = fish at harvest / survival %
Overstocking causes oxygen crashes and mass mortality, and effluent from intensive systems may need a discharge consent. Match density to your aeration and water exchange capacity.
Static earthen ponds support 0.5-2 kg/m3, aerated ponds 5-20, and intensive recirculating systems 40-100 kg/m3 with heavy filtration and oxygen injection. Exceeding your aeration capacity risks a total kill overnight.
Partial harvest and restocking keeps biomass near the system limit for longer and raises annual output, but complicates size grading and disease management.