Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Hey,
What is the best water temp for rainbow trout to grow out in ?
I live in southern Louisiana and looking for a fish that is not so heavily regulated
Wild Life and Fisheries here want a $25,000 bond to own Tilapia, plus another $10,000 bond for emergency
situations?
So the search begins , I know catfish, is a option looking for more options..
Thanks for the replies in advance

From Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department:

If a pond rarely exceeds 59 degrees (fahrenheit) brook trout are a good choice.
If the pond rarely exceeds 69 degrees, rainbow trout will generally do well.
If a pond stays in the 70s, then warm water fish (bass, blue gills, etc.) can survive better;
however, it is illegal to stock fish other than trout without the approval of the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department.

When measuring the pond’s water temperature, do not measure the temperature at the surface of the pond. A quick and easy way to get water temperatures from deeper parts of the pond is to tie the thermometer on to the end of a fishing line, place a bobber six feet above it, and cast it out to the center of the pond.

After a couple of minutes, quickly reel the thermometer in and read the temperature.
(Remember, August is probably the best month to get a worst case temperature.)

thanks again for the reply,
what about Barramundi ?
water temp ?

I have Tilapia, gold fish and catfish and the water temperature in the pond is 86 to 82 Fahrenheit.
im really not sure if my situation is the best but they are surviving till now.

Here in Western Australia we have cold wet winters and hot dry summers. We can grow rainbow trout up until the water reaches about 23 degrees celsius, by that time they have had about 6 months to grow easily to plate size with regular feeding. Fortunately at those temps the barraumdi are happy to move in and continue to provide the nutrients for the warmer months ahead. I remember that at 3am one morning I went to check on my new barra babies and the water temp was 13 degrees celcius, not recommended for optimum growth but they survived and went on to become harvestable size over the summer months. I would recommend water temps above 20 degrees for barramundi.

Thanks for the reply Faye,
barramundi sounds like a good fish for my region,
our winters are usually not to harsh, would probably have to install heater just in case
do you know what family of fish the barramundi come from?
Tilapia is Very heavily regulated here( from what I am told by Wild life and Fisheries)
This might be a viable option..
Are they tasty?
Is there any fry available for purchase?

Wow the US fish laws are heavy but I doubt you would get Barra in the US, Barra feed best at around 27c Water temp or 80f, I found where I am south of perth that air temp would have to be over 100f with warm nights to get water anywhere near that, we get the hot days but it cools down at night, water heaters work but are not economical, rainbow trout grow and feed best at around 8-15c I have found 45-60f but suffer a bit over 22c or 71f

I was under the impression you couldn't raise tilapia Down Under. Probably for similar reasons. The laws vary by state though. No reason for Tilapia to be banned in VT because they probably couldn't live for more than 3/4 months without the cold getting them. Still, it'd be illegal to stock 'em.

People grow them CJ but not sure on legalities, each state varies with Queensland being the biggest no no for them, Fisheries West Oz has this information http://www.fish.wa.gov.au/docs/pub/IMPF ... 5.php?0506 but it doesn't say you can't grow them, and certainly no bond needed

WA is the exception Nocky... all other states are explicit...

And with the new national laws... I'll think you'll find that they're now illegal even in WA... as are most chichlids under the new laws...

A lot of cichlids are on not on the allowable import list but there are still a lot that are allowed to be kept. The funny thing is that most commonly kept cichlids like electric yellows and mainganos are illegal imports. But go into any reasonable pet stor in this state and you are bound to see one or the other.

Come on you guys, we have some many species in OZ that we don't have to worry about Tilapia etc.
We are so very lucky to have Jade Perch, Silver Perch, Sleepy Cod, Murray Cod, Trout *( Both Rainbow and Brown,. exept for qld) Estuary Bass, Golden perch (Callop, Yelow Belly etc.) Tandanus Tandanus (i.e. Duefish ie Catfish), et al, that we should'nt try and re-invent the wheel!!
Go with what we have, and be happy!!]


Cheers Ian K

Hi pipefighter, I'm in the same predicament as you are or were in with trying to find a fish that is legal here in Lowsiana. If you don't mind my asking, did you find anything other than catfish or gar? I'm looking at Silver Perch but have no clue as where to find it. Any suggestions appreciated.

Rainbow trout prefer water < 20 degrees.... 69 F... and grow best between 14-18 C ... 58-65 F...

Are bluegill and option??... and I think some people have tried crappie??...