As I have said in other posts I am doing a little experiment with 300 F1 LM in a small pond. I am trying to see just how fast I can grow them under "ideal" conditions. I have come to the conclusion that this is almost impossible in a pond setting. I have done a lot of thinking about what y'all have said. And I know it would be expensive but would a RAS system work for largemouth? Has anyone ever done it? That would be the only way I could see that you could get maximum growth, because you could control all conditions.

I don't know what do y'all think?

I have heard in the past that some fish farms grow out larger LMB in RAS, and that Hatchery brood stock are maintained in this manner. Also, this is a popular method for feed training.

I am sure you could do it with the right setup, but would not want to guess at the stocking density. I would want to know how they react in crowded conditions and how this stress them.

I thought about this before, but was concerned with how well they handled crowded conditions. Haven't found any real good info on this in the past. Maybe more is available now.

Maybe Cecil knows of someone doing this or has more info.

I believe so strongly that it will work that i am already trying it. i have about 4 dozen 2" LMB in a 300 gallon IBC aquaponics system.

It's tough to get a good picture cause of the sun glare on the water but the darker fish are lmb and the lighter colored "larger" looking fish are red ear sunfish. Most in the tank are feed trained. There's a couple anemic LMB that obviously arent and will be eaten by the faster growing "lunkers" any day now.

I'll move the lmb into a larger 800 gallon grow out tank when they are big enough to not be food to the other fish in there.





brian

They are only small right now, so that is a no brainer.

How many 5+ pounders will enjoy the confines of your tank?

I think that is toward the question that Cray was after, and what I was referring to as stocking density.

It's being done for food fish production to the Asian markets. Ted Universal in New York has been doing it for some time. He's a super nice guy and would probably not object if you gave him a call: (585) 243-3543

Bass Pro Shops also has large bass in tanks in their alternate facility in Missouri that are not in their show tanks. However some of these fish are wild capture and are on live feed.

If they are started small enough and are feed trained they would do well at least up to a certain size and age. As far as larger sizes in the trophy category you might need to provide plenty of space and perhaps separate the sexes. You could have a problem with aggression by some individuals that would have to be removed from the population. Not sure though.

I do know one the most successful species I've raised in confined cages are largemouth bass. Usually 100 percent survival good feeding and good growth. However I only kept them for a season in the cages before releasing them into the general population.

I do believe there has been some research into producing world record bass in a confined system but never did hear of the results. It seemed to be the rage back in the 80's but I never heard about it again.

Why does a small RAS have to be expensive? You can build your own. I have four of them now and I can assure you my budget is not large.

Stocking density can be a Catch 22 as far as confined systems. Some fish do the best at high density (feed better due to competition and territorial behavior breaks down) others do terrible at high density. Some fish fight terribly at low densities as they take up portions of the tank that they defend.

Like i say, i believe it will work fine. In 3-4 years i'll let you know.

I worry about different sizes and cannibalism, but i'm going to be surprised if there is any issues with stocking density as long as i keep the water quality good.

I think the 800 gallons grow out tank is going to be big enough. The plan is to build two more 1k gallon in the next couple of years. So if i need to space them mout more i guess i can.






brian

I am sure it will also work, that was not questioned, but to have a complete plan in place to start to begin with, probably not going to happen unless you have someone experienced to guide you thru.

Like you said, 3-4 years. Pretty sure there will be some issues along the way, because there always are.

It's all fun.

Good info Cecil!

I just haven't come across much info on LMB in recycle systems. I know you knew someone, and the Asian market rings a bell.

i wonder what kind of fcr you'd get on just feed...

It would be much better than pond forage, RAS usually is.

I really have no clue as to the proper specific setup for growing large LMB in an RAS.

Could be really simple. Don't know?

Maybe Cecil could have his buddy in NY chime in here?

It would be really interesting if he would.

I am looking at a 20000 gallon above ground pool so that I don't have crowding issues.
Probably a skimmer and uv filter.

What are the perfect conditions to grow for LMB?

1. Temp
2. Ph
3. Water hardness

And any thing else you think that will help.

Thanks in advance!!!

you'll need more than a skimmer and uv filter... mechanical and biologic filtration sized for the fish load, and i would say lots of aeration
Cecil recommended a book to me a while ago, "Small Scale Aquaculture" by Steven Van Gorder.. invaluable info!

I will research the nut and bolts of the system as soon as I know the specifics on what I need to shot for as far as water parameters.

Thanks for the book recommendation!

Cecil how do you tell the difference in sex of bass if it is past spawn?

Not to rain on Cecil's parade, but I know of no 100% reliable way.

Probably no better than 2:1.

Always some challenges but you can't sail unless you leave port Phil. Speaking of port how's your plan of growing fish coming? Still on the drawing board? :-)

Optimum temps low to mid 70's. Optimum Ph 6.5 to 8.5. Water hardness at least 50 ppm but more is better.

Good stuff in the book but I would go with a moving bed bioreactor (mbbr) made out of a 55 gallon plastic drum, mb3 media, and a 9 inch membrane diffuser connected to a small linear air pump vs. the rotating bio contact filter (RBC) in the book. The RBC is more difficult to build and more expensive. An outstanding filter though.

Cray,

The book is only $25.00 on Amazon and well worth it. Make sure you understand how the nitrification cycle works or you're doomed to failure. I would also recommend making your circular pool self cleaning by installing a center drain and creating some circular flow. Your bass will be healthier too with some current to swim against.

What parade? I was going to say the same thing except during spawning season. A catheter tube is 100 percent if you can extract eggs from what appears to be a fecund female.

Yep Cecil, still on the drawing board

And I seriously doubt that R&D would ever end!!!

Thanks I will order the book tonight and begin my adventure. I'll keep you informed on my progress.