Comment

Comment by TCLynx on January 8, 2012 at 5:33pm

If the plants manage to grow back, you will be in business, if they are just too far gone, well not much lost in pruning and seeing what they do.

Comment by Dave Lindstedt on January 8, 2012 at 4:29pm

Hi Gina:  My fish are doing well.   All said and done about 35 to 40 survivors.  I have spread them over 3 tanks.  I have 300 watt tank heaters going 24/7 in all tanks.  I also created my own 1500 watt 110 volt heater from hot water tank elements.  I had tried to enclose it in PVC but heat melted the PVC and burned out the element.  Because of the 1500 watt draw on electric I do not run it unattended as I am opperating on a 40 AMP electrical system and it can and has tripped the breaker.but it will raise water temp 2 degrees an hour.  I have insulated my fish tanks with standard R-13 fiber glass building insulation including the tank covers.  Water temp. for the most part runs 76 to 82 degrees.

I am in an expansion phase. Looking to add 20 more grow troughs in 2012. I intend to enclose 5  250 polly fish tanks , grow troughs and 5 sumps in a 24 x 42 green house.  I will heat it with kero fired torpedo heater.  Note.. I have purchased a seperate electric plug in thermostat from Norther Tool & Equipment..

I was under the illusion my 70 to 80 degree water in my 4 grow troughs enclosed in my 10 x 20 ft portable car port would keep my plants frost free.   

Comment by Dave Lindstedt on January 8, 2012 at 2:54pm

Question.... I lost many plants to a recent frost.  These were mature fruit producing plants. Now I have had frost damage to several flowing bushes here in FL.  I have cut them back to below the frost damage and they have recovered and come back.

So I have don just that with 66 green bell pepper plants and about 30 tomato plants (not yet bearing  tomatoes or blosoms).

Now here is the question... Has anyone of you tried this? and what were your results?   I am trying to avoide 6 to 8 weeks required to start new plants from seed. 

Comment by TCLynx on January 6, 2012 at 6:17am

Another place in FL (though up in North FL) is Paul's Fish Farm and I think they may do breeding and hatching as well with catfish but I've never purchased from them since Florida Fish Farms is so close.

Comment by Gina Cavaliero on January 5, 2012 at 8:40pm

Thanks for the resources Sahib and TC.  Just might have to go with rescuing some  from the doom and gloom Sahib!  You had to know I would be a sucker for that! ;-)

Comment by Chris Schup on January 5, 2012 at 6:30pm

Alas, found the answer to my Koi-Catfish compatibility question here, in case other members are interested: http://aquaponicscommunity.com/group/koigrowers?

Comment by David Lindemann on January 5, 2012 at 5:13pm

I actually haven't fed the fish since the water temperature was below 60 degrees.  Above 60 degrees(Tues afternoon) I was cautious about feeding, but the tilapia seemed to be happy and eating at a good rate, pretty consistent for the recent temperatures, albeit not like ravenous pigs when the water temperature was 80 degrees.  

I also have an open water pool that I have been using as a green water tank with tilapia.  Last time I took a few random scoops with the net, I found a few 1 inch babies, so I know that breeding has occurred.  This pool is in direct sun and I have not insulated or even covered it and there are 40 hand size tilapia in there. The water temperature was 48 degrees this morning, so I am worried about finding a few floaters in the next few weeks.  Since it is about 1500 gallons, I think there may be some warm spots in the middle near the ground and the surface temperature may be colder than the bottom.  

Comment by TCLynx on January 5, 2012 at 4:23pm

Yep Florida Fish Farms is the good local place for Catfish, blue gill, bass etc.  They even sell koi I believe.

Don't bother with their web site, it's been kinda defunked for ages now.  Do a google search for them and call their phone number (keep calling since they are usually not quick to get back to phone messages either.)

Great thing about the local fish is they keep eating at cooler temps than the Tilapia.  Though when the water gets below 55 degrees I've quit feeding now and they probably won't get fed again here for a week.  Nutrients will drop here for a bit but not as bad as with tilapia which quit eating even sooner.

Comment by Chris Schup on January 5, 2012 at 3:33pm

Sorry to hear of the gardeners’ losses in FL, everyone. Gina, in your research, have you found Catfish and Koi do well in the same tank? Do these breeds mix without issue?

Comment by Sahib Punjabi on January 5, 2012 at 2:20pm

Koi

Unless you are particular about "quality" re Hobby & possible re-sales, I would try to get "peanuts"...Koi fingerlings that are about to be "culled". that way, not only will you save a lot of money but you will also feel good that you saved a few from the doom & gloom :-)

You can buy these from any local Koi Breeder (save shipping), or give the folks at Blackwater Koi a call. They know me, the Guy who does Aquaponics. You can usually get 200 or so for $1+ (2inch or so). They grow very quickly.

http://www.koisale.com/

For Channel Catfish & Blue Gil (very good fish too for our climate), they are available from Florida Fish Farms (usually cost $30 per 100 : 2 inch or so)

http://www.floridafishfarms.com/

They also sell Koi and may have Koi they are going to cull (in breeding season).

God bless,

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