Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations got my tialpia Monday

I got my tilapia Monday and everything is going just fine. I got 85 fish for my 300 gallon fish tank in my basement. The man I got them from said they might start reproducing in about a week or so when they get used to the tank. I have only had them 4 days and they seem to be pairing up and protecting little spaces in the bottom of the tank. The fish are different sizes and it seems to be the larger that are pairing up. Are they getting ready to spawn or is it wishful thinking. Will they just spawn on the bottom of the tank without anything on the bottom? Thanks Ricky.

I have a 500 gal stainless steel tank with tilapia and they have never spawned. I keep it below 70 degrees in the winter and feed them just enough to maintain but i had some in all last summer and feed them more and they never spawned. I only had a small light on all the time and some light comes in through the doors during the day so light might have been an issue.

Brian,
Where is Hico, Tx. (I guess I could go on Google to find out)
I actually had Tilapia over winyter in he Houston area. That may be due to the fact that we are aging trying to fill a lake, so we added 70 degree well water all winter. This gave a good place for the Tilapia to stay warm all winter.

I noticed several 6-8" fish yesterday that are paired up and seem to be getting ready to spawn. I hope to get a jump on this years Tilapia crop. I may add additional as I get a handle on the rest of the forage fish population. This will likely be rod and reel survey, cast net data, and visual from observing the feeders.

Hey Ricky shoot me the number for that guy in Winchester. I live in Berea so it would be an easy trip and I think it would work for me. I looking to control my Alge so I am not realy concerend about them reproducing. If you don't mind ho much where they? And did hey put them in bags like most "fish trucks" do??

DonJovi, his name is Joe McCord. His cell number is (859)-771-6142. He is a real nice fellow and will answer any questions have. Knows alot about tilapia. I bought 65 fish for fifty dollars, 3 to 5 inch fish. I told him I wanted about 50 fish and he put in 15 extra. I asked him about bags and he said I would not need them just bring a 30 gallon rubber storage box with a top and aerator and that is what I took. I got the fish home and have not lost a fish. My truck has a ext. cab and the box fit just right behind the seat. If you want to put the box in the bed of your truck it needs to be 60 degrees or higher. If you need any more information just let me know. Ricky

Does he have any larger fish? I am thinking the time it takes me to grow them to a size that they can survive the LMB and CC, it will be to late for release. I would need to start now, but my water is still not warm enough. Plus you know how it is in KY, it was 70 a few days ago and now we have snow. I may need to wait a few more months to be safe. How far of a drive did you have to make?

Donjovi, he has all size fish. He has five big tanks in a metal building with heat. He said that he estimates that he has 15,000 fish to choose from. I think he will have what you need . Ricky

I just spoke to Joe. He said he had Blue, White and two kinds of Black tilapia. Anybody know the difference? I am looking for forage but also have a massive Filementous Algae problem. Would 10lbs to the acre be the right amount? My pond has ice on it 45 days ago so I know they will be gone next winter.

Blue and Black are species names that I have seen before; not so White. Mozambique Tilapia, the only species legal to stock in Texas, probably has more info here at the forum than any other, although we have had PMs use Blue and Nile Tilapia as well.

Here is a little species info from off-site:
Nile vs. Blue vs. Black Tilapia