Installing Fish Cage Net Materials: A Step-by-Step Guide for Lake Victoria Cage Farming

Definition: Proper installation of fish cage nets ensures structural integrity, optimal water flow, and secure containment of tilapia, catfish, and other aquaculture species. In Kenya’s Lake Victoria, using professional-grade KEBS-compliant nets like Maimun Fishing & Tackles Ltd’s (MFT) 50m x 7m bundles maximizes fish growth, survival rates, and long-term operational efficiency.

Introduction

Cage aquaculture on Lake Victoria is a major contributor to Kenya’s tilapia and catfish production. Proper net installation is critical to prevent stock loss, maintain water circulation, and reduce maintenance costs. This guide details professional techniques for site assessment, cage frame construction, net attachment, anchoring, and maintenance, tailored to Lake Victoria conditions.

Using high-quality materials from MFT ensures durability, compliance, and a higher return on investment.

Why Proper Cage Installation Matters

Quick Advisory: Correct installation prevents net deformation, stock loss, and uneven stress distribution while extending net lifespan.

Common Causes of Cage Failures

Risk Factor	Impact	MFT Solution
Improper anchoring	Cage drift, fish escape	Heavy-duty anchors, robust ropes
Uneven net tension	Mesh sagging, stress points	Professional lacing and tensioning
Poor floatation/weight distribution	Cage flipping or tilting	Evenly spaced floats and weighted bottom
Material degradation	Reduced lifespan	KEBS-compliant, UV- and abrasion-resistant nets

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Step 1: Site Assessment and Preparation

Quick Advisory: Selecting the right location ensures optimal growth, net longevity, and safety from predators or turbulence.

Key Considerations:

Factor	Recommended Range / Tips
Water Depth	2–4m for tilapia, 3–5m for catfish
Current & Wind	Avoid high-turbulence zones
Accessibility	Easy access for feeding, maintenance, and harvesting
Substrate	Soft, sandy bottom reduces anchor damage
Alignment	Mark cage corners with GPS or buoys for rectangular setup

Step 2: Preparing the Cage Frame

Quick Advisory: A strong, evenly stressed frame protects fish and prolongs net life. Materials include HDPE, steel, or treated timber.

Frame Construction Tips:

Parameter	Recommendation
Dimensions	3–5m width x 3–5m length, height 1.5–2m
Material	Corrosion-resistant for Lake Victoria conditions
Floatation	Even distribution to maintain net immersion
Anchor Points	Align with net corners and edges

MFT Accessories:

Step 3: Unpacking and Inspecting MFT Cage Nets

Quick Advisory: Pre-deployment inspection prevents structural failure and reduces installation errors.

Each bundle: 50m x 7m—adjust layout to cage size
Check mesh size: tilapia 15–25mm, catfish 25–40mm
Inspect knots, edges, and overall uniformity

Step 4: Attaching Nets to the Frame

Quick Advisory: Even net tension prevents sagging and ensures water flow and fish containment.

Step-by-Step:

Lay net alongside frame
Attach one corner to floatation point using nylon rope or clips
Gradually secure net along all sides with even tension
Weight the bottom to prevent flipping or floating

MFT Recommended Materials:

Step 5: Anchoring the Cage

Quick Advisory: Proper anchors prevent drift, reduce maintenance, and maintain cage stability.

Best Practices:

Use 15–20kg concrete or steel anchors per corner
Connect anchors at 45° angles to cage corners
Adjust for water level fluctuations and seasonal currents
Test cage stability before stocking

Step 6: Pre-Stocking Checks

Quick Advisory: Inspect nets, floatation, and anchors before introducing fish to prevent losses.

Checklist:

Check	Target
Net tension	Fully submerged, no sagging
Weight distribution	Even across edges
Net condition	No exposed knots or damage
Anchoring	Ropes tensioned, secure

Step 7: Routine Maintenance

Quick Advisory: Regular inspection prevents tears, biofouling, and structural failure.

Maintenance Tips:

Clean biofouling with soft brushes or low-pressure water
Repair minor tears immediately
Replace worn floats or ropes
Adjust net tension periodically

Benefits of Using MFT Cage Nets

Quick Advisory: MFT nets are durable, KEBS-compliant, and easy to install. Operators experience higher survival rates, better growth, and reduced maintenance.

Advantages:

Feature	Benefit
High-tensile Nylon/HDPE	Long-term use in Lake Victoria conditions
KEBS-compliant mesh	Ensures selective fish containment
50m x 7m bundles	Flexible sizing for different cage dimensions
UV & abrasion resistance	Extended service life under sun and water exposure

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Call to Action

Install Your Cage Nets Professionally
Maimun Fishing & Tackles Ltd

Address: Darosa Plaza, Karen Road
Call/WhatsApp: 0706 903465
Shop Online: https://shop.mft.co.ke/

Delivery Locations:
Same-day delivery in Nairobi; next-day countrywide delivery to Kisumu, Homa Bay, Eldoret, Nakuru, Meru, Voi, Malindi, Thika, Machakos, Kakamega, Nyeri, Kitale, Bungoma, Garissa, Kericho, Mombasa

FAQ

Q1: How deep should cages be for tilapia and catfish in Lake Victoria?
A1: Tilapia: 2–4 meters; catfish: 3–5 meters. Adequate depth ensures oxygenation and prevents escapes.

Q2: Why choose MFT 50m x 7m cage nets?
A2: KEBS-compliant, UV-resistant, abrasion-resistant, and sized for flexible cage layouts—ideal for Lake Victoria conditions.

Q3: How often should nets be inspected?
A3: Weekly inspections are recommended, and after storms or high-wind events, to maintain integrity and prevent biofouling.

Q4: What anchoring methods are most effective?
A4: Use concrete or steel anchors (15–20kg) connected at 45° angles to cage corners, adjusting for water level fluctuations and seasonal currents.