Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Hey guys if you are following my system thread then you know I currently have a few brooks and rainbows on the go. I would just like to use this thread to comment on my observations of the brook trout.

Although they were of a larger size when first purchase these brooks are smashing the rainbows for size currently. This may have something to do with stocking densities as I found last year since the brooks are in a single cut down IBC and number around 20-25 and the rainbows are over populating another single cut down IBC and number closer to 40-50.

Another interesting observation is the their temprement. I find the rainbows to be skittish and bolt when they realise I am near and even without opening the lid on the tank you can hear them bashing there noses on the tank wall by being startled. However the Brooks are much more chilled and although they scatter when the lid is lifted they will then settle and come right to the front of the tank and surface splash when feeding. Also have in the past nibbled my fingers if I place them in the tank with a hand full of feed.

The next one which supprised me and may suprise many of you, was when I placed the net in the tank today. Placing the net in slowly and moving it into the centre of the tank the brooks actually appear interested or intreaged by the net and some even swam into it.

I though this was unusuall so I pulled out the net and placed it in the rainbow tank and sure enough they freak out and avoid the net.

I will be droping the net in the brook tank regularly over the next few weeks since they are getting close to harvest at my preferable size anyway. pulled one today that would be around the 200mm 200gm mark and not far off the smoker!
This will tell me if they become skitttish to the net of still just love the curiousity of it all.

Sounds good. Might get brooks next year

Thanks for starting this thread Bundy and looking forward to a progress report

So are the brooks available as readily there as the rainbows?

I dont think they stock as many brooks but I have always been asked if I want rainbows or brooks

The supplier I got mine from basically forced them on me, they have them in their ponds and in their fingerling tanks. He was praising them for out performing his rainbows this season.

I think I may have one brook among my rainbows as one is very yellow/gold in colour. I cant get a good look at them as there is a lot of water and air action in the tank.

Rupe..... Make my order for next for Brooks

In their appearance they have this really pink/orange streak on their under belly as opposed to the distinctive pink stripe alone the middle of the rainbows flank.

And also their jaws are already showing signs of the hook jaw you see in mature trout. They are a really mean looking head but beautiful body colouring.

Pics, Bundy, pics !!!

Here ya go Charlie... here's a "picher" for you...

*spelling*

bit slow off the mark... but right back at ya Roz