Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

I have yet to build a system. I'm pricing the setup to convince the wife to let me build it. I know where/how to get my tilapia fingelings, and I'm not planning on breeding tilapia. My system will hold approximately 45 adult tilapia.

I'm looking to get some info on:
- Does tilapia need different feed as it develops, or can I buy adult pellets and break it up?
- What is a good brand of pellets?
- How do I know how much to feed for optimum growth?

I don't want my fish to starve because I didn't (a) buy the right food or (b) buy enough food. I do not plan on growing my own fish food.

Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Breaking/cutting up food is a pain in the neck. Buy the right size food for the size of the fish.

Roger that. Much thanks.

premiumfishfood.com 50 bucks for 20 lbs is the best GMO free organic fish food I have found

please let me know if you find a cheaper source

So:
- Buy age-specific pellets due to ease of administration and age-appropriate consistency. Check.
- Buy top quality pellets from Premiumfishfood.com. Check.

But how do I know how much to food 45 tilapia, assuming ideal weather conditions? Is there some sort of calculator or chart? Is there some sort of objective/subjective/experience-based method?

I'm trying to avoid buying 20 lbs of the fingerling food and having lots leftover...or buying 20 lbs of the growout pellets and coming up WAY short.

Hi Paulieg
I take it you are gona eat the fish you raise, so avoid the feed for ornamentals/pet fish.
This http://www.aller-aqua.com/cms/front_content.php is produced in Germany amongst other places so you should be able to source it localy
I prefer this http://www.skretting.com/ because I can pick it up localy
They are both internationaly available, and safe IMO
You might be able to fine local suplyers don't know about a specific German but in Denmark and Holland you will find plenty of good sources.
Iff you have to buy bigger volums, vacumpack and freez in smaller portions to keep the nutritients
and the quality of the feed.
Stick to the supliers advice on pelet size and amount to feed your fish is my best advice(they are pro)

This might be a good read for you ? http://www.fao.org/docrep/field/003/AB4 ... 00.htm#TOC

cheers

Easy with a coffee grinder
I got one like this http://us-machine.com/images/machines/c ... nder_2.jpg

cheers

So, to recap

- Buy age-specific pellets due to ease of administration and age-appropriate consistency. Check.
- Buy top quality pellets from Premiumfishfood.com. Check.
- Follow manufacturer instructions. Check

Much thanks to you all for answering my questions. I am US military BTW, and I will be setting up my AP system in North Virginia, US in the coming months. Pics will follow to show my progres.

as far as how much I think a general rule is all they will eat in 5 minutes, if there is left overs then cut back. do this once or twice a day and if its floating after 30 min you defiantly are over feeding.

1 lb of fish will eat one lb of food every day or week i think