Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Hi guys

I have suffered quite a number of barra deaths in the last 3 days......

I think it is due to water temp but not sure???

All water tests appear ok but water temp was done to less than 12 degreees.

Found alot of fish were 'floating' on the bottom of the tank, belly up. When collecting the dead, found that their mouths were flared open, kind of like they were surprised!!!


Any ideas?????

Sounds like the temperature to me.... Barra really are a warm water fish.

Sorry about your deaths

I know they like warm water - I do too!!!! LOL

We have been trying to put together a solar/water heater system, sort of like solar heating for your pool.

Just they all decided to cark it at the same time..

22º+ = Happy Barramundi
20º = Unhappy Barramundi
18º = Very unhappy, sick Barramundi

Hi Rosey,

I am a little perplexed.

As an owner of fish did you not realise that Barra are a fish native to the northern waters of Australia and hence need warm water of around 25-28 degrees. It might be a great idea to really investigate and research the best habit for these fish prior to actually getting these fish so as to ensure the best success in keeping them and hence minimise any potential loss.

By googling these fish you will immediately find out what temperature these fish should be kept at.

Attempting to try and keep these fish at 12 degrees is madness.

If you have any left you will need to get a heater into the water ASAP as they won't survive much longer with out it.

I am currently "wintering" some barra in a tank indoors. Water is at 26 degrees, plenty of air is being pumped into them and today they were treated to some live bait. Spoilt... but they are certainly an entertaining pet to keep.

All the best!!

Yep... the cold got them Rosey...

As yabbies saaid... anything under 18 degrees... they're sick.... under 16...and they're either dead... or dying slowly...

Even in SE Qld you need aquarium heaters to keep the water for Barra above 22 deg. Mind you my Jades and Silvers appreciate the controlled water changes from the Barra tank. Able to keep their water temp to about 18~19 deg when used to get down to about 15. System is inside the shed. However the system outside (3 IBCs) is turned off at night and only pumps during warmer part of day (9 to 5) manages to get 19~20 deg with only sunlight for heating.
So think twice about putting your system inside a shed. My experience.

How did you go Rosey?

I'd say they're dead Charlie....

I know of someone else on the Central Coast... that was adviced... and stocked Barramundi as well...

And their fish are dead....

Its a shame when people are ill advised..

Yes, sadly the same person I'm referring to ... stocked the client system with Silver Perch... that were barely 10mm long... and that was end of February...

Good chance they're probably dead... or dying as well... or will do...

Hi guys

Yes I have survivors. I have put in several aquarium heaters to get temps up until I get my new eco solar pool panel to warm the waters......

I knew they would struggle in the cooler water temps, but was hoping they would hang on until I could get it installed. Apparently not!!! But lesson learned.

Glad to hear you have got some through Rosey.

Yes trouble is I bargained with my sister with 2 barra as payment - now cost versus final output means very expensive barra!!!! LOL

Hate to be more of a wet blanket, but I don;t think your eco solar pool panel is going to solve your problems.. Things will cool right down over night.. Still I guess that the heaters will then kick in over night, that will at least drop the costs a bit.