Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Hi there - I'm trying to startup a new system in Zambia, using Tilapia. I've added 500 fingerlings to a 5000 litre tank, to get started. There's lots of air being added, and the tank water changes at least once an hour. Ammonia and Nitrates are low - the system hasn't yet cycled

I expected to loose some fingerlings early on, but at about 20 lost now, over 10 days, and I'm starting to get nervous. The fingerings are all male, and looked healthy when introduced. The dead fish though are usually missing an eye, or have damaged eyes (see photos)

Any ideas on whether this is due to disease, or damage form the plastic tank would be very much appreciated. Not sure whether to salt, or to wait and see....

..
EYE NIPPING... Cichlids are a bit notorious for it..

You will find that one or more has learnt osprey an alternative food supply..


PS.. food supply.. I see you are starting, so is the system nitrogen cycled...??? Are you hold back food as a precaution
Just wondering is that is causing the eye-nipping ..
.

Hi there, in Sydney

Thanks for the thoughts, I had hoped it was fighting rather than disease. The system isn't nitrogen cycled yet, only 2 weeks in. I am feeding them, though they don't seem too interested. Tilapia 'starter crumble'. The tanks are deep, around 2m, so I haven't seen much of the other 480 I added, just the 20 that are missing an eye and die, or end up floundering near the surface.....

I feed the starter crumble twice a day, maybe they're looking for something more gourmet (!). I could try to find a different feed, or I'll end up with more eyeless fish ?