Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

I'd like your thoughts on using Redtail Catfish (Phractocephalus hemioliopterus) and/or Tiger Shovelnose Catfish
(Pseudoplatystoma fasciatum) for aquaponics.

This would be in a 1000 gallons (or more) pond or tank, and the fish would be kept as ornamental fish.

What are your thoughts on using the above fish for aquaponics?

I think it can be done. How territorial are those catfish?
The only issue I can see, but I'm relatively new to this, is stocking density, and nutrient levels.
As i see it, having a large volume of water will greatly dilute your nutrient levels if you don't have enough fish.

Plus, would you have to heat your water in winter? I know that some parts of Georgia get pretty cold winters.
Heating that quantity of water could be costly. If this is a route you want to go, you might look into using a tankless water heater with a heat exchanger.

On the other side of the coin, a large body of water can be a heat sink, actually holding and slowly releasing heat, and might not fluctuate as much. Especially if it's in a greenhouse....
Just some thoughts.

I was just reading about the Red Tails yesterday. I am not sure everything in the tank would be safe or on the menu once those beautiful catfish get full grown. Around five feet and about 100lbs and that's not the max size it can grow.

I think the Shovel Nose would be better. They average around 3 feet and max out around 4 so its smaller. The plus side is the shovel nose is an edible fish, it appears to be normally eaten in South America. So if they did get to big and out of hand you can have an expensive meal.



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