Pond Boss Forums STOCKING A NEW POND Types of fish to choose More thoughts on female only perch pond...

I got to thinking that the purposed yellow perch pond downstream of the trout pond may be a little too cold early in the season for optimum growth, although it should peak out in the summer in the mid 70's which should be optimum. Therefore I'm going to bypass the trout overflow around the pond early in spring with 6 or 8 inch drainage pipe to allow the perch pond to warm up a little. If I put a gate valve on the overflow I can regulate it, and up it to full flow by summer as air temps increase. The closer to optimum temps I can keep the pond the more growth I can get.

Thoughts?

Cecil - that sounds like a good idea. The small pond without trout water inflow should warm up early and perch growth will begin earlier.

That sounds like a great idea to me. Do you have a precise temperature you're trying to achieve, or just a range?

How low do you think the temperature can get in my perch project tank before my growth drops to zero?

CB1 :

It would also allow for other use of the water like back into the trout pond or another pond during the time it is not needed in the YP pond and for additional exposure to o2 for improved water quality.

Bruce,

I'm shooting for the mid 70's.

Below is from the NRAC "White Paper" on Yellow Perch. I've highlighted pertinent info.

http://ag.ansc.purdue.edu/aquanic/ncrac/wpapers/YellowPerch11-21-03.htm

Grow-out Methods

One of the most important factors for the successful grow out of any fish species is the availability of water at the temperature needed to promote good growth. It has long been established that the optimum temperature for the growth of yellow perch is 73-77°F (23-25°C). Yellow Perch show little or no growth at temperatures below 50 F. (10 C) At temperatures above 79°F (26°C) they show signs of stress and reduced growth, disease, and mortalities can be expected under conventional aquaculture conditions. Yellow perch reared unconfined in ponds seem able to tolerate temperatures up to 79°F (26°C), provided that other water quality parameters are acceptable. Under higher density conditions such as in net-pens and tanks, however, stress and/or disease problems frequently become apparent at temperatures above 70-72°F (21-22°C). These facts greatly impact the four feasible methods for raising yellow perch to market size: (1) flow-through systems, (2) water recirculation systems, (3) net-pens, and (4) open pond culture. As of 2003, one major study funded by NCRAC has as its goal to document production parameters and real costs for raising yellow perch to market size in different production systems.

Ewest,

Good idea. While temps are low and biomass is low in the trout pond I may be able to recirculate the trout pond water but ultimately the bypass would go to the bass pond at the lowest part of the property as it does now which is large enough to not to cool down waters sustantially.

I don't usually kick in the well pump until absolutely necessary in the spring anyway unless I have a large biomass. I'm starting over so biomass is not that high.

That's good information, Cecil. The perch in my tank are clearly showing some growth and the water has been between 52-55 degrees due to the unseasonably warm atmospheric conditions around Lincoln, NE. Now as the air temp cools I'll bet that the perch growth slows or stops.

Thanks a bunch.

Bruce

Bruce,

I find it interesting that egg biomass increases at temps where growth is not supposed to be taking place. I realize all energy is going into the gametes, but you would think if that is the case, then other body metabolism could take place.

We all know how active perch are under the ice. They just keep on eating.

CB1 :

Could it be that at those times all available energy is going to either preparing for reproduction (most ) and maintainig min. life functions with no energy left over for actual growth.

Bruce :

Do you want the YP to grow all winter or do you have a size you would like to get to and hold steady until spring. It seems you may be able to do either by adjusting the water temp. If they grow all winter will there be to much biomass to support in the RAS?

I want the YP to grow and grow and grow! If the biomass gets high I should be able to tell by the water quality and either reduce number of bodies or increase water flow.

Bruce :

I am disappointed that an advanced aquaculturist like you missed an option. What about a second walmart special chinese RAS . You could double your profit or trade in off brand soda. You might even trade CB1 for some burbot. BTW great pic. of some healthy YP on the other thread .