To add to ewest's post above, the only "danger" to carrying capacity in a pond where tilapia death is annual would be similar to feeding pellets bluegill heavily...once the total number of game fish weight is increased in the pond by the "feeder" tilapia, not continuing to stock tilapia anually will leave a lot of hungry mouths with no food to find.

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ewest note

I agree with Rex's point about keeping up forage (fish and or feed) as it is not wise to jerk the food chain out from under the fish. Just be sure to keep an eye on water quality (carrying capacity) as you ramp up the engine that is your pond. Same would go for any activity (stocking , feeding , supp forage - of all kinds or fertilization) that ramps up production. The faster you run an engine the more you need to watch for possible problems ( it is called management). FWIW 20 lbs of tilapia per acre is a common amount in the south in many ponds. Some less , some more , depending on the situation. It will not effect LMB feeding methods / amounts but will improve their condition.

Last edited by ewest; 01/27/13 08:41 AM.