What other species of fish are in the pond in question and what is the intended use of the pond?
Depending on those answers, there are several questions concerning the fundamental utility of the original premise.
First, if there are no other fish in the pond, why worry about the algae? If there are other fish, including predators, why worry about overpopulation?
What is the worry about overpopulation, irregardless of the predator answer? Too many fish dying at the end of season...that is not a problem at all in any part of Texas that has the "natures clean-up crew". An oxygen depletion? If there aren't any other fish then that could happen, but again if no fish why worry about it? If there are other fish, including predators, the depletion isn't much of a concern as relates to Tilapia.
I'm willing to make a bet that two pair of Tilapia, i.e. two males and two females, will provide far superior algae control in a 1/4 acre Texas pond without predators than would 5 or even 10 pounds of all male Tilapia...assuming you can indeed get perfect sex determination. My bet is based on the fantastic reproduction rates of these fish and my own experience. I did something very similar in my first year with Tilapia 4 years ago...stocked only a few pairs in a predator empty 1/4 acre pond. The result...perfect algae control and very happy raccoons and eagles at the end of the season. You will pay at least $50 to $100 for 5 to 10 pounds of all male Tilapia, whereas a couple of pairs taken from your overall order is virtually free.
Okay moderators, have at it....I'm just raising questions about the premise so that everyone can see all sides and maybe all of us can learn more in the process.
