FAQs
Stocking 10-15 grass carp per actual acre of vegetation typically works well. If vegetation is sporadic and not very dense, you can likely get away with only 10 fish per acre.
What is the major problem associated with the pond culture of tilapia? ›
The major draw- back of pond culture is the high level of uncontrolled reproduction that may occur in growout ponds. Tilapia recruitment, the production of fry and fingerlings, may be so great that offspring compete for food with the adults.
How long does it take for grass carp to clean a pond? ›
The general rule of thumb for ponds is to stock enough grass carp to control the weeds in one or two seasons, but not so many that they completely eliminate all vegetation in a short period of time.
Can you put too many grass carp in a pond? ›
Grass carp can be extremely effective for certain aquatic weed problems—but only against those choice plants they are capable of controlling. They are not a cure-all for aquatic vegetation problems. Too many grass carp can quickly lead to even more and difficult problems.
How many fish can a 1 acre pond support? ›
A typical pond stocking strategy for a warm-water pond would be 1,000-1,500 bluegills, 50-100 bass, and 50-200 catfish per acre. Many recreational pond owners, however, prefer to stock bluegills and catfish to increase the size and population of bass.
Why is grass carp a problem? ›
Grass carp have a ravenous appetite for plants and can quickly reduce or eliminate large quantities of aquatic vegetation from waterbodies, which can lead to the alteration or loss of habitat for native species, reduction in food availability for waterfowl, and increased occurrences of algal blooms.
Will grass carp eat koi? ›
Grass carp act as natural pruning system for your pond and they will make great friends for your Koi.
Do grass carp eat pond algae? ›
Grass carp will eat algae if preferred plants are not available, but this is not a recommended control strategy.
Why do people avoid tilapia? ›
Tilapia may be polluted with harmful chemicals
Several reports have revealed highly concerning practices in Chinese tilapia farming, including the use of feces as food and the use of banned chemicals.
Why does tilapia have a bad reputation? ›
Many people have suspicions about tilapia being "bad" or "dirty," leading many to wonder if the fish is bad for you. That's because tilapia has a reputation for contamination. In the past, some farm-raised tilapia fed on animal waste. However, most farming practices have changed since then.
The preferred depth for tilapia ponds is at least 1 m (4 ft or waist deep) in the deep end and 30 cm in the shallow end.
How many grass carp for a 2 acre pond? ›
About 10 grass carp per acre is a good starting stock level. Once stocked in a pond they are not easy to get out.
What are the downsides of grass carp? ›
Grass carp tend to either control very little of the vegetation within their dietary preference, or they control all of it. They are not a good tool if you are expecting long-term partial control of submersed aquatic vegetation.
Can you eat a grass carp? ›
Edibility. Grass carp are mighty good eating, too, a platter not lasting long at a fish fry. And in many regions, lakes, and ponds hold grass carp populations that could stand a little thinning. The flesh is white, tender, and smooth in texture with practically no “fishy” taste.
How many carp do you need in a pond? ›
In ponds that are used to attract waterfowl, you should not have more than 2 to 3 grass carp per acre. Sportfish ponds can be managed by grass carp if they are stocked at 5-10 fish per water surface acre and 15 fish per vegetated acres.
How much fish food for 1 acre pond? ›
Typically, start out feeding one-half to one pound of feed per surface acre of water. Another "rule of thumb" is to feed only what the fish will eat in 5-10 minutes. As the water temperatures start dropping in the fall, the fish will eat less and will eventually stop alto- gether. When they stop eating, stop feeding.
How fast do grass carps reproduce? ›
Grass carp – Mature between 4 and 7 years, with each female producing up to two million eggs each year. Adults eat aquatic and terrestrial plants, while juveniles tend to prey on aquatic invertebrates.
How many minnows do I need for a 1 acre pond? ›
The minnows should be stocked at a rate of no less than 1000 per acre and a rate of 5000-10,000 per acre is ideal. The crayfish should be stocked at a rate of at least 400-500 per acre. These numbers should be increased if there is already an established bass population in the pond.
