I will be receiving my Tilapia (Mozembic & White Nile) today to introduce into my new system and I am curious of what temps folks have been keeping their water at. White Brook Tilapia Farms where I got the fish from is saying that the fish will do fine with water in the mid sixties range, they just won't grow as fast which is ok with me. I also want to limit having to keep a heater running any more than needed as well as keep the water from causing lettuce to bolt quickly.
My plan with the new fish is to start the water temp at 78 degrees and slowly drop it down to around 70-72 in time. I have heard that the young Tilapia will do best with the warmer water and become more adaptable as they age. Any thoughts?