Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations New Fish Cage Designs?

Cecil,
Not so fast. I'm not so sure that in your application of large cages that the cylinder is best. Rectangle may be best for large cages. The PVC frame helps provide support and rigidity. I think if one built a large cylinder it should have hoops on the top and bottom plus it would need side vertical ribs as in some of my cages in the PB articles. My smaller cylinder cages only have one hoop at the top. Side vertical ribs will hold the mesh in place while cleaning / brushing. Ribs would also help the cage stand upright without sagging out of the water.

Yes frequently the cylinder cages are made using hoops made from black poly pipe. If you want a stronger hoop you could do as I showed in my first Cage article of building an octagon with PVC and 45 degree elbows. Cost would be more than blk poly pipe.