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Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 28
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OP
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 28 |
My 1.3 acre, shallow pond had a bit of a FA problem. It hadn’t gotten really bad and was somewhat controlled by physical removal.
I decided to try Tilipia.
Initially I stocked 85 fingerlings 1/2 inch or less. Suggested rate for FA control was 1000 per acre. A month later I stocked another 110.
In less than a month, I could see and hear something eating the FA. I stocked BG and LMB the previous fall and Interrupting the FA feast were occasional swirls that, I assume were my little bass eating the tiny tilipia.
Bottom line, though, is that I no longer have an FA problem. I see a little around brush or at the very edges, along with a little duckweed but it is well controlled. I don’t see it being eaten any more but I assume that’s what is controlling it.
I realize the tilipia will die off this fall. I want to try this again next year but think the near $1 each tilipia will simply be expensive fish food. I wish I had a reasonably priced source of tilipia large enough not to be eaten by 6 inch or so bass.
Is it possible that just under 200 tilipia initially 1/2 inch or less, under constant attack by LMB could actually control FA and duckweed on a 1.3 acre pond?
Last edited by Mal; 07/16/18 04:44 PM.
1.3 A, 80 yr old, renovation summer 2017, SW VA, 2000' elevation, Shallow, Spring Fed, Little Watershed, Stock Fall '17 with LMB, BG, RESF, FHM. Indigenous: Triploid Grass Carp, Israeli Carp, GSH
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Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 277
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Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 277 |
Tilapia farms (meat) usually sell live fish by the pound. That might be an option.
Half acre 30 year old farm pond, Mebane NC. Aeration & feeder. LMB, CC, SC, BG, HBC, two no account welfare carp and nine seasonal Tilapia that all the other fish are terrified of.
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Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 28
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OP
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 28 |
Big one in Martinsville VA. I practically begged them to sell me some. They said they only sell them by the trailer truck load. I’m going to go by there before next Spring.
I still can hardly believe that’s what cleared it up.
Good lookin bass your kissin there!
Last edited by Mal; 07/16/18 06:52 PM.
1.3 A, 80 yr old, renovation summer 2017, SW VA, 2000' elevation, Shallow, Spring Fed, Little Watershed, Stock Fall '17 with LMB, BG, RESF, FHM. Indigenous: Triploid Grass Carp, Israeli Carp, GSH
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Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 28
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OP
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 28 |
Judging from the growth of a fish I just found near the bank, I suspect that the Tilipia did indeed control the FA and duck weed.
At the risk of providing expensive food for my year old LMB, I think I'll do it again next year.
Not smart enough to attach the picture but the fish is 11 inches long. There has also been a well fed Great Blue Heron hanging around that I expect has been gorging on cold stunned Tilipia.
Last edited by Mal; 11/12/18 10:42 AM.
1.3 A, 80 yr old, renovation summer 2017, SW VA, 2000' elevation, Shallow, Spring Fed, Little Watershed, Stock Fall '17 with LMB, BG, RESF, FHM. Indigenous: Triploid Grass Carp, Israeli Carp, GSH
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 21,499 Likes: 267
Moderator Hall of Fame 2014 Lunker
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Moderator Hall of Fame 2014 Lunker
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 21,499 Likes: 267 |
Tilapia have been shown to help control FA. I have not seen any data on DW being controlled/eaten by Tilapia. Keep an eye on the DW as it can rapidly become a problem.
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