Fish Food Fiasco - Aquaponic Gardening2024-03-28T22:21:37Zhttps://aquaponicgardening.ning.com/forum/topics/fish-food-fiasco?commentId=4778851%3AComment%3A33505&feed=yes&xn_auth=noHere it is almost a year late…tag:aquaponicgardening.ning.com,2011-11-27:4778851:Comment:2564232011-11-27T23:30:17.695ZBen Levihttps://aquaponicgardening.ning.com/profile/BenLevi
<p>Here it is almost a year later than the original post, and we're getting ready to get our first AP system. We run a small certified organic farm here in Colorado, and we're concerned also about what kind of food to feed our fish. Do you have an update on non-GMO Tilapia food (or even organic)?</p>
<p>Thanks,</p>
<p>Ben</p>
<p>Here it is almost a year later than the original post, and we're getting ready to get our first AP system. We run a small certified organic farm here in Colorado, and we're concerned also about what kind of food to feed our fish. Do you have an update on non-GMO Tilapia food (or even organic)?</p>
<p>Thanks,</p>
<p>Ben</p> Hi AJ
If you feel better abou…tag:aquaponicgardening.ning.com,2011-01-13:4778851:Comment:336272011-01-13T16:59:57.000ZKellen Weissenbachhttps://aquaponicgardening.ning.com/profile/KellenWeissenbach
<p>Hi AJ</p>
<p>If you feel better about feeding an organic food to your fish, then it works for you. That's all that really matters. It's important that we keep in mind that different aquaponics growers have different goals in mind with their systems. While you care primarily about plant production, there are others who consider fish production as a primary concern. A large portion of the AP crowd considers both fish production and plant production equally important. Some folks are trying…</p>
<p>Hi AJ</p>
<p>If you feel better about feeding an organic food to your fish, then it works for you. That's all that really matters. It's important that we keep in mind that different aquaponics growers have different goals in mind with their systems. While you care primarily about plant production, there are others who consider fish production as a primary concern. A large portion of the AP crowd considers both fish production and plant production equally important. Some folks are trying to reduce their household food costs. Others want to know "where their food comes from" and that it's free of hormones, pesticides, etc. Still others just look at it as an enjoyable hobby that provides some tasty food as a byproduct of that hobby.</p>
<br/><br/><cite>AJ Grottke said:</cite>
<blockquote cite="http://aquaponicscommunity.com/forum/topics/fish-food-fiasco?commentId=4778851%3AComment%3A33133#4778851Comment33133"><div>Harold, the OG koi feed is a floating pellet. Also, good points Kellen. " It would be far more cost effective (and better for the environment) for you to just eat those premium ingredients yourself rather than feed them to the fish." I do disagree with this one though, because i try to treat my animals as good or better than myself (thats just my style). The main reason this statement is incorrect is because i will be able to grow a lot of produce with the fish waste in an indoor/urban setting. This isnt aquaculture, the main goal here is to grow healthy plants, fish are just a bonus. I treat the fish as a OG nutrient source which is far cheaper and better for the environment (even with OG fish feed) than what i am using now, hydroponic nutrients. And i beleive any experienced hydroponics grower would agree with me, that even the most evpensive organic fish feed would be cheaper and more efficient than pre-purchased hydroponic nutrients. Also i believe that once i have some more experience with AP that a homemade feed is worth investigating into due to its earth-friendliness and self-reliability. Also if Kellen is correct about Organic feeds, then at a minimum we should have non-GMO feeds, which i would support. (Organic just ensures that im not getting any GMO's, which is my main concern.) Thanks again for all of your inputs; i really appreciate it<img src="http://www.bkserv.net/images/Smile.gif"/></div>
</blockquote> Thanks for the heads up Kelle…tag:aquaponicgardening.ning.com,2011-01-13:4778851:Comment:335872011-01-13T14:25:35.000ZJay Wolfhttps://aquaponicgardening.ning.com/profile/JayWolf
Thanks for the heads up Kellen. I haven't put a pen down on the numbers as of yet, but the reason why I am considering live feed is that walleyes are very difficult to feed train. Very high mortality rates. So, I thought maybe use one system for food fish and another system for feed........ I'll do the math this week and I'll let you know what I come up with. Thanks again!<br></br>
<br></br>
<cite>Kellen Weissenbach said:…</cite>
Thanks for the heads up Kellen. I haven't put a pen down on the numbers as of yet, but the reason why I am considering live feed is that walleyes are very difficult to feed train. Very high mortality rates. So, I thought maybe use one system for food fish and another system for feed........ I'll do the math this week and I'll let you know what I come up with. Thanks again!<br/>
<br/>
<cite>Kellen Weissenbach said:</cite><br />
<blockquote cite="http://aquaponicscommunity.com/forum/topics/fish-food-fiasco?xg_source=activity&id=4778851%3ATopic%3A32548&page=3#4778851Comment33532"><div>I would encourage buying some "rosy reds" at a pet store. They are just a pink variety of the fathead minnow. Much less expensive than having them shipped.<br/><p><br/> Gambusia affinis (Mosquito fish) are livebearers, closely related to the guppy. They will reproduce quite readily in aquariums, but nowhere close to the same number that fatheads will. However, fatheads are a little more difficult to breed (though not unreasonably so). Fatheads will require some spawning structure. In the wild, they typically lay their eggs under a ledge, in cave openings, overhanging tree branches and the bottoms of floating aquatic plants (i.e. lily pads). Floating plastic plants work well for spawning structure. Also, PVC pipe sections work pretty well too.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Now, with all that said, it's important to note that raising forage fish as fish food is an incredibly inefficient way to feed your fish in virtually every situation except in nature ponds/lakes. If you are seeking to cut feed costs by raising forage fish, it's highly unlikely that you will accomplish that goal.</p>
</div>
</blockquote> I think that duckweed for 50%…tag:aquaponicgardening.ning.com,2011-01-13:4778851:Comment:335342011-01-13T06:09:51.000ZAJ Grottkehttps://aquaponicgardening.ning.com/profile/AJGrottke
<p>I think that duckweed for 50% of the feed is that way to go. Thats what im planning on doing in due time. This article says 50-50 duckweed and commercial feed = higher growth rate, not to mention money savings and sustainability.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="http://www.agribusinessweek.com/azolla-cheap-natural-feed-for-tilapia/" target="_blank">http://www.agribusinessweek.com/azolla-cheap-natural-feed-for-tilapia/</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>I think that duckweed for 50% of the feed is that way to go. Thats what im planning on doing in due time. This article says 50-50 duckweed and commercial feed = higher growth rate, not to mention money savings and sustainability.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="http://www.agribusinessweek.com/azolla-cheap-natural-feed-for-tilapia/" target="_blank">http://www.agribusinessweek.com/azolla-cheap-natural-feed-for-tilapia/</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p> I would encourage buying some…tag:aquaponicgardening.ning.com,2011-01-13:4778851:Comment:335322011-01-13T06:02:39.000ZKellen Weissenbachhttps://aquaponicgardening.ning.com/profile/KellenWeissenbach
I would encourage buying some "rosy reds" at a pet store. They are just a pink variety of the fathead minnow. Much less expensive than having them shipped.<br />
<p><br></br> Gambusia affinis (Mosquito fish) are livebearers, closely related to the guppy. They will reproduce quite readily in aquariums, but nowhere close to the same number that fatheads will. However, fatheads are a little more difficult to breed (though not unreasonably so). Fatheads will require some spawning structure. In the…</p>
I would encourage buying some "rosy reds" at a pet store. They are just a pink variety of the fathead minnow. Much less expensive than having them shipped.<br />
<p><br/> Gambusia affinis (Mosquito fish) are livebearers, closely related to the guppy. They will reproduce quite readily in aquariums, but nowhere close to the same number that fatheads will. However, fatheads are a little more difficult to breed (though not unreasonably so). Fatheads will require some spawning structure. In the wild, they typically lay their eggs under a ledge, in cave openings, overhanging tree branches and the bottoms of floating aquatic plants (i.e. lily pads). Floating plastic plants work well for spawning structure. Also, PVC pipe sections work pretty well too.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Now, with all that said, it's important to note that raising forage fish as fish food is an incredibly inefficient way to feed your fish in virtually every situation except in nature ponds/lakes. If you are seeking to cut feed costs by raising forage fish, it's highly unlikely that you will accomplish that goal.</p> Jay you can raise fathead min…tag:aquaponicgardening.ning.com,2011-01-13:4778851:Comment:335212011-01-13T04:59:00.000ZChi Mahttps://aquaponicgardening.ning.com/profile/ChiMa
<p>Jay you can raise fathead minnows or mosquito fish. Both are hardy and prolific.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>You can get fatheads here. <a href="http://www.sugarcreekfishery.com/fishindex1.html">http://www.sugarcreekfishery.com/fishindex1.html</a>. Mosquito fish you can probably get from the Vector Control office in your area for free.</p>
<p><br></br><cite>Jay Wolf said:…</cite></p>
<p>Jay you can raise fathead minnows or mosquito fish. Both are hardy and prolific.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>You can get fatheads here. <a href="http://www.sugarcreekfishery.com/fishindex1.html">http://www.sugarcreekfishery.com/fishindex1.html</a>. Mosquito fish you can probably get from the Vector Control office in your area for free.</p>
<p><br/><cite>Jay Wolf said:</cite></p>
<blockquote cite="http://aquaponicscommunity.com/forum/topics/fish-food-fiasco?page=3&commentId=4778851%3AComment%3A33505&x=1#4778851Comment33372"><div>I agree with you. I am also considering raising "feeder fish" in a separate system to feed walleye. Now the kicker..... Can I use guppies or feeder gold fish? I am leaning towards guppies b/c growth rates are higher. Any opinions?<br/><br/><cite>TCLynx said:</cite><br/><blockquote cite="http://aquaponicscommunity.com/forum/topics/fish-food-fiasco?id=4778851%3ATopic%3A32548&page=2#4778851Comment32893"><div><p>I once had a thought that a mix of BSF Larva or Worm meal with duckweed and cow pea meal might make an acceptable combo if a good vitamin admixture were used along with it but I've not attempted any recipes.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Lately I'm thinking more along the lines of a separate system to culture algae and feed minnows and other small animals with it to provide a more natural feed for my catfish.</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
</div>
</blockquote> I've never tried to raise gup…tag:aquaponicgardening.ning.com,2011-01-13:4778851:Comment:335052011-01-13T03:31:58.000ZTCLynxhttps://aquaponicgardening.ning.com/profile/TCLynx
I've never tried to raise guppies but I've heard it's pretty easy.
I've never tried to raise guppies but I've heard it's pretty easy. I agree with you. I am also…tag:aquaponicgardening.ning.com,2011-01-12:4778851:Comment:333722011-01-12T19:04:51.000ZJay Wolfhttps://aquaponicgardening.ning.com/profile/JayWolf
I agree with you. I am also considering raising "feeder fish" in a separate system to feed walleye. Now the kicker..... Can I use guppies or feeder gold fish? I am leaning towards guppies b/c growth rates are higher. Any opinions?<br></br>
<br></br>
<cite>TCLynx said:</cite><br />
<blockquote cite="http://aquaponicscommunity.com/forum/topics/fish-food-fiasco?id=4778851%3ATopic%3A32548&page=2#4778851Comment32893"><div><p>I once had a thought that a mix of BSF Larva or Worm meal with duckweed and cow…</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
I agree with you. I am also considering raising "feeder fish" in a separate system to feed walleye. Now the kicker..... Can I use guppies or feeder gold fish? I am leaning towards guppies b/c growth rates are higher. Any opinions?<br/>
<br/>
<cite>TCLynx said:</cite><br />
<blockquote cite="http://aquaponicscommunity.com/forum/topics/fish-food-fiasco?id=4778851%3ATopic%3A32548&page=2#4778851Comment32893"><div><p>I once had a thought that a mix of BSF Larva or Worm meal with duckweed and cow pea meal might make an acceptable combo if a good vitamin admixture were used along with it but I've not attempted any recipes.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Lately I'm thinking more along the lines of a separate system to culture algae and feed minnows and other small animals with it to provide a more natural feed for my catfish.</p>
</div>
</blockquote> Harold, the OG koi feed is a…tag:aquaponicgardening.ning.com,2011-01-10:4778851:Comment:331332011-01-10T16:02:18.000ZAJ Grottkehttps://aquaponicgardening.ning.com/profile/AJGrottke
Harold, the OG koi feed is a floating pellet. Also, good points Kellen. " It would be far more cost effective (and better for the environment) for you to just eat those premium ingredients yourself rather than feed them to the fish." I do disagree with this one though, because i try to treat my animals as good or better than myself (thats just my style). The main reason this statement is incorrect is because i will be able to grow a lot of produce with the fish waste in an indoor/urban…
Harold, the OG koi feed is a floating pellet. Also, good points Kellen. " It would be far more cost effective (and better for the environment) for you to just eat those premium ingredients yourself rather than feed them to the fish." I do disagree with this one though, because i try to treat my animals as good or better than myself (thats just my style). The main reason this statement is incorrect is because i will be able to grow a lot of produce with the fish waste in an indoor/urban setting. This isnt aquaculture, the main goal here is to grow healthy plants, fish are just a bonus. I treat the fish as a OG nutrient source which is far cheaper and better for the environment (even with OG fish feed) than what i am using now, hydroponic nutrients. And i beleive any experienced hydroponics grower would agree with me, that even the most evpensive organic fish feed would be cheaper and more efficient than pre-purchased hydroponic nutrients. Also i believe that once i have some more experience with AP that a homemade feed is worth investigating into due to its earth-friendliness and self-reliability. Also if Kellen is correct about Organic feeds, then at a minimum we should have non-GMO feeds, which i would support. (Organic just ensures that im not getting any GMO's, which is my main concern.) Thanks again for all of your inputs; i really appreciate it :)<br/> Wolfenhawke, ..maybe I'll try…tag:aquaponicgardening.ning.com,2011-01-10:4778851:Comment:330812011-01-10T03:53:20.000ZMichelle Silvahttps://aquaponicgardening.ning.com/profile/MichelleSilva
Wolfenhawke, ..maybe I'll try it sometime, focusing on getting the BSF and duckweed going for now, but interesting and curious..Mine wouldn't eat basil, maybe it was too strong.<br></br>
<br></br>
<cite>Wolfenhawke said:</cite><br />
<blockquote cite="http://aquaponicscommunity.com/forum/topics/fish-food-fiasco?page=3&commentId=4778851%3AComment%3A33070&x=1#4778851Comment33039"><div><div>I've been growing my tilapia fingerlings in aquariums through the winter waiting for spring to put them in an AP…</div>
</div>
</blockquote>
Wolfenhawke, ..maybe I'll try it sometime, focusing on getting the BSF and duckweed going for now, but interesting and curious..Mine wouldn't eat basil, maybe it was too strong.<br/>
<br/>
<cite>Wolfenhawke said:</cite><br />
<blockquote cite="http://aquaponicscommunity.com/forum/topics/fish-food-fiasco?page=3&commentId=4778851%3AComment%3A33070&x=1#4778851Comment33039"><div><div>I've been growing my tilapia fingerlings in aquariums through the winter waiting for spring to put them in an AP setup. I've studied them while they have been there. One thing I found, is that they will eat almost anything organic. They did shun beet stems though, but ate them too.</div>
<div>Anyway, I found that "Cream of Wheat" is readily eaten up by them. Due to its ease of cooking and that it makes a good semi-solid structure, I believe it is a good base for a home-made feed. Any adventurers want to try some recipes and share with the group experiences? I will also. Example, adding some dried seaweed to the mix. Maybe some cooked chick peas. These will add protean.</div>
<div>I used the 2.5minute cooking variety that has disodium phosphate for quick cooking. Could start with the non-quick variety also.</div>
</div>
</blockquote>