This problem has now become actual as opposed to theoretical. I have been offered 20 female as well as 2 male tilapia that are 10+". I am picking them up on Thursday. The generous donor is interested in the results and my only obligation is to attempt to retrieve them this fall with their help. I would like to get them to spawn but I fear they will not since the water is about 72 degrees right now so I am considering two options. #1 Turn off the brand new aeration system completely, #2 Only operate the system periodically from 9PM to 9AM. My problem with option 1 is that I wouldn't be getting any of the benefits from aeration. I'm not sure if opt#2 will actually be enough time for the water temp. to rise into the 80s if there is no aeration for 12hrs per day. Will the fluctuating temperatures in opt#2 keep the tilapia from spawning even if it does reach appropriate temps?



"The greatest enemy of knowledge is not ignorance, it is the illusion of knowledge." Stephen W. Hawking