Ok, the algae is on the pond and the Tilapia are in the fish tank in the basement (were they have been growing all winter). I have surface temps of 65 and 56 degrees four feet down. We are supposed to have a week of temps in the 70's. How long do I need to wait to release my tilapia? They are now legal in Michigan for pond use (according to several sources).

I'd wait until water temps are consistently in the 70's if I were you. We could still get a cold snap where water temps plunge 10 degrees.

What kind of system did you end up building?

I went the cheap route for year one. I am running a 55 gallon tank and a 40 gallon tank (old fish tanks that I had). I clean the filters every couple of days and that seems to be working so far. I have 20 tilapia in the 4-6 inch range. I am planning to expand it for next year and start earlier. I will move them to a cage in the pond when the pond is ready before I release them. Just need to build a cage. Another new pond project!

Be patient CoachB, another week or two of warming the pond water improves their chances (as in predators coming after slow tilapia).

We're waiting until the end of next week or the beginning of the following week before we start stocking Tilapia. I still don't trust this Spring weather to stay warm.

I think My tilapia have pulled off a spawn already in the pond, I headed out soon to investigate. this weekend if I can swing it.

If by some chance you're headed this way as I the last time I'd be happy to give you one, I have too many of all sizes and mesh. I want to get rid of most of them.

Cecil, that might work. I will see what is going on this weekend. I would love to see your ponds again and catch up.

Coach...wait till your water temp is 62+ for 4 days at a 4 foot depth if you overwintered my pure blues....if any hybrids, like others use...don't stock till in the 70+ temps at a 4 foot depth.

I am tentatively making my first run north with tilapia on the 11th of May. Even with a harsh cold snap that would kill the hybrids being sold now in the area, it won't get my Blues if temps were at 62 or greater for 4 days as there are pockets of warm water for them to stay safe in.