Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

thought i would share this PDF, fisheries research report that discusses that environmental tolerances for rainbow and brook trout. temperature tolerance is up to 26 degress, but young fish can handle up to 29 before behaviour is affected. my tank temps didnt go much over 29 all year, so perhaps next year i will shade them better and put a cooling coolgardie safe thing on and keep trout all year

anyway, i thought it was interesting reading

EDIT - dont know how to attach PDFs, so here is the link http://www.google.com.au/search?q=rainb ... uAPgl4ySBQ

the report is the first PDF on the page

it also discussed DO, PH and ammonia tolerances of trout

BUT...when your trout get big...and the DO requirement is bigger as well, you will be pushing the envelope FB......but give it a go and see what happens

nah not gonna push the envelope, just interesting reading. i was a little worried because the tank is @ 22 deg today so thought id do some research

and yes there is a definate difference in the DO tolerance of wild vs farmed trout for sure, this report focuses on wild trout

I have been thinking about this myself lately, keep in mind that we had a, or should i say didn't have a summer in Vic this year at all, no more than 4-5 days over 35 and they were not any where near each other, and very abnormally cool periods and nights!

In regards to pushing the envelope, I do not understand everyones facsination in trying to grow Uber fish, My Trout this year will start to be harvested as soon as they start reaching 20-25cm.
These are perfect size to smoke or bake whole and be a feed for one person. Towards the tail end of my stock numbers I may try and get a couple to grow a bit larger but the stock density will be low enough by then to handle it.

Alternativley I am thinking of starting a second round of stock (yearlings) half way into the trout season since I have managed to start this stock so early in the season.

yeh never seen the point of growing abnormally large fish, but i think about 500grams is good, if you can feed 2 people off one fish thats my goal

Yeah or 2 x 250-300g, one whole fish each!

Sounds good in theory.....but the 820g ones we pulled out of OBO's original house system were awesome
I think as long as everything is running well and the fish aren't stressed etc then go for gold ...but thats just my opinion

Well it is all theory actually, knowing exactly what your own system can handle safely. If your system has enough filtration to handle 500kg of fish then go for broke!

my thought exactly

I have a few that have gone past 2 summers

I thought that you had, I am really keen on seeing the system again at some stage too milne, and if you ever harvest one of these monsters be sure to post a pic, or better still i could come and help you catch em!