Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Wanted to start a topic for this species, as it seems to be a possible fish for me to try. Very curious to hear from anyone who has tried them!

Some basic info, they grow above 60 degrees F, can handle water down to 40F, sounds like a good fish to grow in Spring, Summer, and Fall around here. Schooling fish. Maybe could grow trout Fall, Winter, Spring, and these Spring, Summer, Fall?

http://aqua.ucdavis.edu/DatabaseRoot/pdf/300FS.PDF

i was just considering them and looking for info - they're fast growers, and advanced fingerlings should be harvestable in a season.. at least that's what i've found.. but i quit searching for info when i found out that i couldn't have them - too close to lake erie

Bummer.

Took me forever to find anywhere I might buy some, it looks like the Zetts in PA (not the one closer to me in WV) lists them in their catalog but it may be seasonal availability I expect.

The nearest hatchery to me actually sells koi, but I really believe in growing food fish to be true AP.

They grew fastest of all of my fish this past summer, including catfish and tilapia. I started in may with 4in fingerlings that weighed about one ounce and they were ~12" .75-1lb when they died earlier this month.

They require high DO but with a shade cloth and an air stone they survived the texas summer.

I had/have hopes that they can be a year round fish in texas. They did fine in the cold until the top of the IBC froze and they all died.

I have a stock tank deicer that i think will be sufficient to keep them alive in subsequent years, I do plan to try again.

brian

Good data, thanks Brian! Did you get to eat any of them?

Dave, i didnt,

A freeze came through dallas and lasted for 4 or 5 days. I was without power for 2... I decided not to try to clean fish that have been dead for 4+ days even if they were in ice cold water.


pictures on my freeze report thread
viewtopic.php?f=2&t=19949


This is a picture of a baby LMB but they were about the same size as the wipers when i got them
viewtopic.php?f=18&t=16585&start=45#p398578

A better picture of wipers a month or so before the end
viewtopic.php?f=18&t=16585&start=75#p422921

brian

So nice, sorry for the losses.

Did you find they needed better than average water quality or extra aeration ala trout-like?

The conventional thought is they do need good water quality.

I didnt necessarily "find" they they need better water quality but Todd overton at overton fisheries recommended high aeration and good water quality so I intentionally kept the aeration and water flow high in their tank to keep it filtered. I did not run into any problems or quality dips so I cant say it was or was not necessary.

brian

I've grown them Dave and yes, you need good water quality. They also pretty much have an endless case of "the runs" so filtering out solids can be more complicated in a RAS scenario. These guys were on a 30 micron drum filter though so nice and clean water. Also, most advanced fingerling are pond raised, and come with their fare share of parasites... Sometimes columaris, etc so be sure to quarantine them first, then move them over after you're sure they are healthy. Try not to use a net when moving them, use a big Bag and scoop them up with some water, then move them. They are EXTREMELY prone to infection if you remove much of that slime coat.

Interesting, thanks for the info Ryan!

I am looking into the hybrid bass and possibly trout for my backyard system(still in planing stage) finding it hard to find a place that will ship to me? Also Xtreme my climate is on the warm side did you have trouble keeping them cool? I am considering burying my ibc tank to help keep temps lower durning the summer? Do you think I am crazy?
( our summer temps average 80-110)

Caligurl,

You should check with your California parks and wildlife/department natural resources for fish sourcing. Also to make sure the species are legal in your area.

You will probably only be able to rasie trout during winter month as cooling fish tanks in 100+ degree hear outdoors will be a huge challenge.

As for HSB, texas summers are every bit as harsh as you describe.. It's common to go july and august with every day being above 100... I made it through last summer with good aeration and a shade cloth only.

brian

They are a nice looking fish, shame they may be a bit difficult.

Yeah from Ryan's info they sound a bit sketchy at the beginning when you ship them, then they have the permanent runs hahaha. That scared me off for now, but I know where to get some.

I'd ideally like to have three round tanks, say 300 gallons each, with different species at different growth stages for the different seasons. Or at least another tank for fingerlings and the big one for grow out.