Donnie,
You can see a summary of my first seasons experience at the following link (page down)
http://www.meadowlarkponds.com/fish.htm The biggest problem I had was fish waste and associated ammonia. It took about three or four weeks to get my recirculating system seasoned properly. After the bacteria established, then I didn't have any more ammonia problems until I reached the capacity of the system, which was one of the things I wanted to determine in this first year.
In three months, my Tilapia grew from 4 inch size to 8 to 10 inches and about .75 pounds. I started having severe ammonia problems at about 30 pounds of fish in my system. I removed half of them and within two weeks was having ammonia problems again....so they are all in the ponds at the present time. I have re-loaded with some 4 inch fish that I'd like to get up to over 1 pound for stocking next year.
I believe that folks generally stock Tilapia in open ponds too soon. Small Tilapia (less than about 5 inches) are easy prey for predators in cooler water. They may not die at water temps of 60 degrees, but they darn sure will be very vulnerable to LMB predation. The difference between a Tilapia at 60 degrees and one at 80 degrees is simply amazing...and I had to see it live in person to really understand the implications.
Feel free to e-mail me or PM me if I can help in any way. I checked out the link you posted on the filter that never needs cleaning....lets say I'm somewhat skeptical about the claims after seeing how much these fish can eat and waste that they can produce...but if it works for you, I'd be interested in hearing about it. Thanks.
