Type of fish to use

[davidc56]

I am just getting started with this. I notice a lot of system are using Tilapla for fish. I have found in Texsit is illegal to import or own Tilapia. My guestion is what type of other fish would be a good choice? Useing a 250 gal tank.

[keith_r]

overton fish in TX has tilapia that are legal (Mozambique Tilapia)
catfsih are good, bluegill work.. what kind of fish do you like?

[davidc56]

Thank you I will check that out. As far as what I like I'm not to sure.

[Ike016]

David,

I will be in Odessa within the month and looking to start a system there. Would love to talk to you and see what is working for you and we can compare notes. I am looking to use a raft system to grow some stuff and did not know about the tilapia issue in Texas. If this is fact then I am thinking catfish is what I will go with.

[JCO]

For info on fish feasable to use in an Aquaponic system, check out http://www.diyaquaponics.com/aquapon...uatic-animals/

[Ike016]

Went ahead and sent an email to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to see what they require for Tilapia. Will post response.

[Ike016]

Here is what I got back from Texas Parks and Wildlife:


If it's just for personal use, you can possess Mozambique tilapia
without having to get an Exotic Species Permit.

If you want to raise a different species, or plan to sell fish at any
point, you'll need some permits. See the attached document for details.
You can find a downloadable application form for the Exotic Species
Permit (PWD-1026) on this web page:
http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/publication ... oat/forms/

[davidc56]

Great information, I tried to call TPWL office in San Angelo to talk to there fish biologist but had to leave message.
But it looks like you have answered my question. Thanks

[Ike016]

If you get a link on a good place to buy in TX, link it. I will do the same. Thanks.

[foodchain]

You get the Mozambique Tilapia from Overton near Buffalo,TX right off the highway. They ARE legal in TX without a permit with no problems. OR if you are around San Antonio, just go fishing. The state has released them in the waterways there and there are plenty.
Otherwise, a good cheap alternative is any of the many sunfish family we have around here, small "bullhead" in the ditches/ponds. Looks like a small catfish, only gets about 2-3 lbs. That's one of my favorites. Crawfish don't do well in AP by themselves, least ways not the red LA type ones they farm. They have to come out of the water to complete cycle and that's a problem in the AP system. Plus you have to have a lot of them to yeild enough waste product to make the plants grow. The marbkreb ones are good though, as well as freshwater malasian prawns....but they are territorial and need lots of space. You can get those in Weatherford from the hatchery. Guy there knows his stuff for sure! Catfish will work too, but the get big fast and if you contain them in small environments you end up with a variety of health issues.