Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

How long does it take to raise fingerlings to harvest size for these fish?

Trout?

Tilapia?

Catfish?

And how long does it take to raise a batch of freshwater prawns?

We're trying to get a handle on what the best option for our climate and our food preferences.

it's all going to depend on lots of factors..
tilapia will grow really fast if the water is in the mid to high 80's,, from fry to plate in about 6 months.. cooler water will take longer
trout on the other hand like much colder water, and lots of oxygen.. from fry to plate in 6-9 months if water is in the 50's
for the catfish, i've seen a few people on here grow them out quite large over a couple of years (read TCLynx's stuff)

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my basement system;
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The catfish in my pond went from fry to over a pound in 6 months.

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Helomech's system

According to my research, for North Carolina climat, the Tilapia is a better choice. If you get them in April, by October they will be big enough to harvest them.
That is the reason I went with Tilapia. Remember to apply for a permit if you decide to go with Tilapia.

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My system thread

Here is a pic of when I put the catfish in my pond.



And here is a pic 6 months later with no supplemental feed.

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Helomech's system

And here is tilapia fry



And almost 2 months later.

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Helomech's system

How well they take to feed has some to do with it too. I procured my tilapia from the wild, so they took a while to go onto pellets. I'm sure once they have fry, those fry will grow out much faster as they will only have known feed.

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