Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Minimum tank size?
Max/Min temp?
Min flow rate?
etc.

A little more info from you might make it a bit easier for people to answer this question. Are you asking what the minimum system requirements are to grow one trout to eating size? Or are you asking for minimum system requirements for growing 100 trout to eating size?

Also, where are you located, you profile doesn't say. Such info like at least what continent you are on tends to help people gear their answers more appropriately. Like do you think in gallons or liters?

I've never actually kept trout so can't answer this one with any authority.

Is there any data base with minimum tank size for different varieties of fish.

I would like to do tilipia, catfish or both in south louisiana on a small scale for a family of 3. I already have raised beds for veggie production so I would like to concentrate on the fish as I get started.

Are 150 gallon stock tanks big enough for growing out tilapia and catfish, maybe one for each?

150 gallon stock tank might be big enough to raise a few fish depending on it's shape. 300 gallons would probably be better.

I've been raising catfish in a 300 gallon tank that is only about 2 feet deep and filled almost to the brim in a constant height in fish tank set up for that tank at least. It would be nicer if I could have them in a deeper tank though, I have to keep a cover tightly over that tank to keep fish from jumping out after food.

Tilapia are even more forgiving of conditions but they are also even more likely to jump out.

How many fish do you wish to be growing and how big do you want them to be when you harvest them?

I had 20 two-three lb catfish in my 300 gallon tank at one time. I actually started with more than that but I wouldn't go for more than 30 catfish in that tank again. More are fine while they are small but as they start getting big, 30 seems like enough to me. Now don't be fooled, just because 30 catfish in a 300 gallon tank comes out to about 10 gallons of tank per fish, you can't really expect to grow out one catfish to 3 lb in a 10 gallon aquarium, (the poor thing wouldn't be able to turn around.)

What are the size/shape of those 150 gallon tanks? They might make good tanks for fingerlings or quarantine but they may also make good grow beds. Remember that you probably need about as much grow bed as you have fish tank if you are gonna go for low stocking rates. If you want to max out the number of fish you keep then you need to have double the grow bed space and probably also a sump tank about equal to your fish tanks.

I don't think I really answered your questions very well. You might be able to grow out some tilapia and catfish in those 150 gallon tanks though I suspect that they might be a bit small or shallow for a simple system where the tank level fluctuates as the grow beds flood and drain.

I just want to "try it out" so I don't want to invest to much money yet. I also have a move planned withing the next year to 18 months so something small would be ideal. I could always build a plywood tank or timber/pond linder tank but I have 150 gallon rubber maid stock tanks availabe for a decent price. I really am more interested in growing fish for food more than planting for veggies (my veggie garden is already planted and usually produces many times what we can eat and it is only about 80 sf of raise beds. I understand they are part of the equation, but could I say do a small grow bed, and balance with water plants or maybe with weekly water changes with water going to my raised beds.

kcinnick,
Since this thread was originally started to ask a question about trout needs, I think I'll start another thread that may answer your question a bit better. You can find the link here.
http://backyardaquaponics.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=5023

Currently, I'm in Utah. I'm thinking about doing a small setup in the garage during the winter seasons; From what I understand they wont stand the summer heat. Let's say I want to do grow out 3-5 trouts to eating size. I have a 110 gallon tank, would that work?

G'day Utah,

Ratio sounds pretty good to me, but then I know buggerall about trout. Why not send a PM to Troutman, he's the expert. Also, plenty info under aquaculture on Google.

Luck,
Mary

You might do a search for aquaculture info on trout to learn the temperature and DO requirements for the species of trout you are most likely to be able to get in your area.

In Utah I'm not sure how you would manage your grow beds over winter to keep pipes from freezing outside in winter?

What are your summer temperatures like?

Thank you, I appreciate the responses. I'll be doing it in the garage with grow lights on some lettuce and herb, so the pipes will be okay. I expect the temp to stay between 45-65 in there during the winter. Outside summer temps here are in the 90's and a few triple digits days. If the requirements are too high for trout, I'm thinking of doing channel catfish. My assumption is catfish would require less. I know where to get trout, but not sure where to get the catfish... according to wiki, they're even sold at pet stores? Thinking about checking out the petsmart?

FWIW I grew out a few dozen tilapia in a 180 gallon fish tank, 110 gallon sump, 100 gallons of gravel beds. I plan to use the 180 gallon tank for trout this year, not sure how many yet, maybe three dozen fingerlings to start? Will have a lot more gravel for them, and a battery backup is a must-have item (charger->battery->inverter->small pump for aeration and circulation).

In the eastern Half of the US, Channel Catfish are probably available from most anywhere that sells fish for stocking in farm ponds which would be far cheaper than getting them at a pet store. I get 3-5" fingerlings for 30 cents each and 5-7"+ fingerlings for 60 cents each. Those from a place that sells blugill, sunfish, bass, and koi as well. In Utah I don't know if they are as easily available but I would suggest that if you order them and have them shipped, make sure you order from someplace with a similar climate to you.

Good Luck with the trout though, I understand they are great fun to raise. I would suggest fishless cycling to you so your system can get cycled up over summer before you can get the trout and that way you won't have to worry so much about ammonia and nitrite spikes when you have new fish and really want to feed them instead of doing water changes etc.

Man, I wish I had access to cheap fingerlings. They have a trout farm here but I don't know if they stock other species of fish.

Dave - where do I get updates on your attempt on trout? I mean, which thread?

If you click on the profile button under one of Dave's posts, his most active topic happens to be his system thread.

gotcha. thanks.