Tank Raised Tilapia

I don’t know why more farmers and homesteaders don’t raise fish in tanks for consumption. From my naïve, don’t own land yet, never farmed point of view, it seems quite logical for a number of reasons:

• Almost everyone loves fish prepared in one way or another: fried, baked, scampi, broiled, stewed.
• Fish is a healthy and lowfat source of protein.
• Tilapia are more economical and easier to raise than other fish types.
• Raising fish in an above ground tank under an overhang eliminates water contamination from rain and groundwater.
• Tilapia is particularly well suited for raising in a tank.

Once ensconced onto ONE ACRE FARM, I fully intend to try my hand at raising fish in an above ground tank made of timbers and a liner or, even better, out of concrete. I’ve seen above ground cisterns made waterproof with a waterproof plaster coating. A squat cistern is just another fish tank.

In addition to shading the tank to reduce sun and rainfall, I think I’ll also try a biofilter. Here in Florida, water and bog bog plants grow wild in the ditches. The ditches are full of them. By biofilter, I mean an assortment of mineral layers that provide for the growth of beneficial bacterial and water plants that use and transform fish waste. For instance, with the fish tank, I can make or buy a large tub; layer it with sand, volcanic stone, charcoal, etc; and then in a top layer of sand, plant water plants. Water pulled through this medium should be cleaner. The pump will cycle the water and oxygenate it for the fish. I can also pump the water through a bit of black pipe exposed to our hot sun to warm the tank. Tilapia are tropical fish and like warmer water. Like the beneficial bacterial, the plants also will a bsorb nitrogen from the fish waste. I haven't thought through the feed issue. I'd rather find something self sustaining and organic if possible. Perhaps vermiculture.

The end goal for me is about having a very healthy, controlled source of fish for consumption. And although I could snag one here and there for supper as they're gaining weight, I imagine, like with poultry, it might be best to raise them to weight and then harvest them all at one go; clean and fillet them all in one day and freeze.

Here are some interesting websites on the topic:

• Mother Earth News Magazine article on the different types and benefits of fish farming.
• Article from Bradshaw on the importance of oxygenating pond water.
• Journey to Forever article on vermiculture.
• Pond construction tips.
• Practical advice for raising and feeding fish in small areas.
• More practice advice on raising and feeding fish in small areas.
• A video showing a fairly large tilapia operation - No words, only home camera shots and groovy music. (Very large file)