Originally Posted By: george1
Originally Posted By: Rainman
I'd suggest up to double the suggested Tilapia stocking rate next year if you choose not to use chemical control. The extra Tilapia will be a huge forage producer for your LMB and once the FA is consumed, the T will do some great work on the pondweed. After the heavy stocking, you can use fewer pounds to maintain FA and other aquatic plant control much more easily.

Rex, I assume you are addressing the �suggested� stocking rate is from by previous post?
If so, you may be correct in doubling to normal Texas tilapia rate of 20 lbs/acre � IF � conditions merit. I don�t believe in blanket recommendations, especially from northern sources for Texas ponds.

My Mozambique tilapia stocking rates are based on seasonal observations that may vary year to year.
I have not found Mozambique tilapia to have ANY obvious effect on pondweed - Grass carp do that job very well and don�t have to be stocked every year.




Yes George, I meant the rates of Mozambique in that pond's geographic area. I also agree that a site survey by someone very knowledgeable with Tilapia and aquatic vegetation control would be best, but who knows if that's possible here.

Tilapia will not, from my experience, have any "obvious" effect, unless overstocked. Tilapia will not eat much of anything till all FA is consumed and once that happens, IF it happens, the Tilapia will eat almost anything and make obvious impacts. That is why in heavily vegetated ponds, double, even triple the normal area stocking rate for the first year only can be a very useful management strategy.