Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Planning on a backyard system around my ornamental Koi pond. I have a dozen Koi but suspect I will need more fish. Now my wife does not want tilipia in her Koi pond but i am not sure I can fit a separate tank at this time in the backyard.

She may let some Tilapia into her pond my question is how will they behave with the Koi and the plants? We cannot have either being harassed or I am in trouble!

Thank you!

Chihlids are pretty aggressive with other species. I have goldfish with mine, and they are still alive. They certainly won't "behave" with the plants, but then again koi will graze on plants as well. I think that Koi and or goldfish produce enough waste to provide good growth rates. It's more important the amount/size of the fish, then the species. Obviously, your wife if not going to let you fillet her pets, but in terms of plants...you should be ok with just the koi.

Thanks Coach I appreciate the advice, I ended up going with a separate 200 gallon tank for the Tilapia, now where to find some near tampa. I want to avoid the shipping charges, any suggestions, google is showing nothing close and I see your on the west coast of Florida

They should be fine - tilapia are not typical east african cichlids in behaviour !

wynd, I have some local sources for blue & white. I will have some Hawaiian gold in a few months, but there just starting to get large enough to breed. I'm just N of Tampa, and the fish guys are both in Hudson/Springhill area. The white's a a little more cold tolerant and seem to have better growth rates. My golds are supposed to be even faster...so far it looks true. Have increased size almost 500% in the first month. weight, not length...length has 2-300%.