Guppies + DWC = Income Possible?

[Roger Pilon]

I have a 64 sq. ft raft system. I am thinking to add guppies in the rafts. Why? Because they should clean the rafts of bugs + they are sold here in Costa Rica at a good prices.

 

Is it a good idea or ...???

 

Any feedback welcome!

 

Roger Pilon

Costa Rica Aquaponics

[Ellen Roelofs]

Yes, I think it's a good idea. My experience with guppies is that they fill the container you put them in! Unfortunately I have no first hand experience with DWC. But I would recommend adding aeration (eg. air stones along bottom of tank) to keep dissolved oxygen up for the guppies. (It may also encourage plant growth! http://aquaponicscommunity.com/forum/topics/aeration-more-than-diss...)

 

Also, it's likely that the guppy population will quickly overtake their food supply of insects/larvae. Supplemental food may be required... but then watch out for solids build up!  You will have to keep your stocking densities quite low.  Scooping guppies may become a nuisance!

[Root Doctor]

I've been experimenting with mollies quite a bit. They're ideal for controlling mosquitoes under rafts. They are hardy at temperatures around 70-80 and prolific breeders. They don't eat much green matter and will devour live foods. They breed like rabbits and make good fish food for tilapia if you don't plan to sell them.

 

[Mike Creuzer]

Black mollies are also good for eating some algeas that other fish won't touch. I tend to cycle new tanks with black mollies.

Root Doctor said:

I've been experimenting with mollies quite a bit. They're ideal for controlling mosquitoes under rafts. They are hardy at temperatures around 70-80 and prolific breeders. They don't eat much green matter and will devour live foods. They breed like rabbits and make good fish food for tilapia if you don't plan to sell them.