"Question: Could the threat of tilapia overwintering be controlled significantly by installing a pond-bottom bubbling aerator in winter, and hooking it up to a thermostat to operate whenever the air temperature is below 50F? It seems that this would turn over and mix the pond water, eliminating any warm pockets on the bottom holding tilapia. "

An interesting possibility. Water has a natural mixing in the fall in most places. The concept of mixing the water , if needed, to get the temp low enough to kill the tilapia is sound. Keep in mind cool water sinks (water gets heavier as it cools until it gets below 39F at which point it gets lighter and rises). The warm water will not be on the bottom in S TX in winter until water temps are below 39 an event which may not happen. A temp profile in winter would be a good idea first. A good understanding of water thermodynamics (fall turnover / thermocline) is important.



Last edited by ewest; 01/06/10 10:06 AM.