Many people have fish ponds. Some are simply decorative and others are to raise fish for market or to feed the family.

This Instructable is aimed at increasing the productivity of small scale fish ponds. It's really cheap to make, so I actually think that this concept could be used to help boost the protein available to subsistence farmers and small communities in developing countries. It could of course also be also used to help feed goldfish in a decorative pond too.

The idea is to use a light source to attract flying insects at night. The insect's navigation is disturbed by the light, and the insect spirals into the water where it instantly becomes fish food. The fish grow fat, and in turn provide food for humans.

The idea isn't new; I saw a similar design in a permaculture magazine many years ago. All I have done is utilize a cheap solar LED garden light and recycled materials.

Step 1: Materials You Will Need

A light. I found a really cheap solar garden light in the discount shop.
A float. I used some polystyrene packing material that happened to be a usable shape.
Something to support the light. I used some mesh.
Duct tape. Every project can use duct tape.
String. Almost as useful as duct tape.

Of course you can use whatever you can find. As long as a light is somehow supported over water you can't go wrong.

Step 2: Assembly

First create your float. A ring shape works well. I just used some polystyrene which I thoroughly taped up with duct tape to prevent it from disintegrating and making a mess.

Then make a support for the light. I used some weld-mesh. The important thing about this is that the insects can fall into the water.

Then Attach your light to the support. Make sure that the solar panel gets sunshine, and that the light will be visible from all angles.

Make a mooring line or anchor line with the string.

Step 3: Launch

Simply float your fish feeder in the pond. Position it where it will get plenty of sunshine during the day, and where fish are likely to be swimming about during the night. Use the string to stop it from floating away.

Now you have a fisher feeder that provides additional food for your fish so long as there insects flying about at night.