Raising tilapia in aquaponics

Today we are going to talk about tilapia, this famous fish native to the African continent. Before discussing the disadvantages and advantages of farming tilapia in aquaponics, we will review its history and classification. We will then see how to raise tilapia and take good care of it.

The origins of Tilapia

Do you wonder about the origins of tilapia? As mentioned above, this endemic fish originally comes from the African continent. It is therefore found in almost all parts of Africa, with the possible exception of North Africa.

It can also be found in the Jordan Valley. Indeed, this region is supplied by water coming from the south of the Galilee Sea, and streams of tilapia originating from these places.

There have been rumors that tilapias are artificial fish, created in laboratories. But it is nothing. In this case, tilapia fossils have since been found: their dating places them at around 18 million years! Moreover, in Egypt, one can still find representations showing hieroglyphs of tilapias about five thousand years old.

The question now is whether these fish are genetically modified or not. In practice, farmed strains come mainly from selective breeding and hybridisation between species, not from laboratory manipulation. Beyond that, tilapia remains a natural species of our planet.

The different species of Tilapia

Let's now move on to taxonomy, where we find the classification of important tilapia species. So far, more than 70 species of tilapia have been recorded around the world. However, of these 70 species, only eight or nine are truly commercially viable.

That said, farming tilapia is relatively easy. Indeed, it is rare that he falls ill. They are naturally enduring: many of them recover without antibiotics, or even without any treatment. These different parameters make tilapia a very suitable fish for tank culture.

The benefits of farming tilapia in aquaponics

Tilapias, tough and resistant fish

One of the first advantages of tilapias is that they are friendly fish and generally very hardy. For many people, especially those new to fish farming, tilapias are going to offer a lot of leeway.

If the water is of poor quality, chances are the tilapia will survive. Of course, you might have slight deaths here and there. But on the other side, you will be able to really push the limits.

⭐ You may be interested: our guide to analyzing the water in your pool

Fish more tolerant to ammonia and nitrates

Tilapias can survive higher or lower levels of ammonia and nitrates. At the same time, carbon dioxide levels could be quite high. If you are new to aquaponics, you can really start with tilapia.

This will allow you to try and test things, while building your experience in this discipline. Then, you will still have to take care of your aquaponic pond .

Growth and feeding of tilapia

Tilapia is one of the most famous fish among farmers and in aquaponics. They are generally forgiving when it comes to adaptation, so you will enjoy incredible growth and proliferation. It is a fish that grows very quickly, especially the males. They reproduce a lot: an adult female can produce 250 fry!

Tilapias eat everything, they are omnivores . Any insects that may accidentally fall into the water will serve as a meal. Plankton is good food for fish, but not enough for it to grow. At the same time, they also eat certain fruits and vegetables.

Disadvantages of certain tilapia requirements

With the right climate, you will be delighted with the results. These are the right species to keep. It is not uncommon in France to have tilapia breeders. You don't have to be in the tropics, but you will need warmth and certainly have them in a greenhouse where you can create favorable conditions for these super fish, namely a mini tropical climate.

You can also install a heating system for your fish tanks .

Tilapias like warm water: they do best at 25 to 30 °C, ideally around 28 °C. They survive roughly between 12 and 35 °C, but stop feeding at around 16 °C. For aquaponics enthusiasts located in mainland France, we recommend choosing Niloticus and Mossambicus tilapias.

Profiheater stainless steel 1 kWHeater with thermostat adjustable up to 40 °C, to connect to the water circuit.€229.95 · View product Pond thermometersTo check every day that the water stays in the right range.View the range

So, given these constraints related to temperature and energy expenditure for heating, if you're in a colder climate, then you're probably better off raising something else. But it's still a great fish!

Setting up an aquaponics tank for tilapia: the equipment

Tilapia forgive many mistakes in water quality, but not in temperature. In our climate, successful farming therefore starts with a sheltered location: a greenhouse, a conservatory, an insulated garage or a utility room. That is what keeps the water warm without sending energy bills through the roof.

1. A suitable fish tank : a food-grade tank, a preformed pond or a cut-down IBC. The larger the volume, the more stable the temperature and water quality.
2. A heater with thermostat : it keeps the water in the ideal 25 to 30 °C zone. Outdoors, it is hard to exceed 25 °C in a large volume: one more reason to work under cover.
3. Permanent aeration : an air pump and a diffuser. The warmer the water, the less oxygen it holds, while fast-growing fish consume a lot of it.
4. A circulation pump : it sends water from the fish to the grow bed. Choose a model designed for continuous operation.
5. A grow bed filled with a porous substrate (clay pebbles, for example): this is where bacteria settle and turn waste into nutrients for the plants.
6. Hungry plants : lettuces, herbs, leafy vegetables. They absorb nitrates and give you a harvest as a bonus.

JBL PondOxiComplete aeration kit with air pump, for volumes up to 3 m³.€34.50 · View product Sera Aqua-Test SetThe drop test kit to monitor the essential water parameters.€34.61 · View product

Water parameters to monitor

An aquaponics system is a small closed ecosystem. As long as the cycle runs, the water stays clean; as soon as one link weakens, waste builds up. A few regular measurements are enough to see problems coming:

• Temperature, every day: it is the parameter that drives the growth and appetite of tilapia.
• Ammonium and ammonia : they come from fish waste. A rising value signals an overloaded filter or too much food.
• Nitrites : they must stay very low. Their presence shows the bacteria cannot keep up, typically when the system is starting.
• Nitrates : they feed the plants. If they climb, add plants or reduce feeding.
• pH : the higher it is, the more ammonium turns into ammonia, the most toxic form.

Sera Test NH4/NH3The ammonium and ammonia test, the first one to watch in aquaponics.€14.95 · View product All water testsStrips, drop tests and complete kits.View the range

Where to find tilapia and what precautions to take

Tilapia are bought from specialised breeders or fish farms, usually as fry or juveniles. Before buying, check the regulations in your region: keeping and transporting certain fish species may be regulated.

• Ask the breeder for the exact species and origin of the fish.
• Prepare the system several weeks in advance so that the bacteria are already established.
• Acclimatise the fish gently: let the bag float to equalise the temperature before releasing them.
• Start with a few fish, then increase gradually according to your test results.

Tilapia or cold-water fish: which to choose?

If you have neither a greenhouse nor a heated room, tilapia is probably not the right choice, as the end of this article points out. Temperate or cold-water fish, such as carp or goldfish, can be kept without heating in our regions, at the cost of slower growth in winter. Aquaponics works with them on the same principle: fish waste feeds the plants.

Before winter, whatever fish you choose, also remember to prepare your aquaponics pond for autumn.

If you have ever raised tilapias, send us a comment, if you have any questions do not hesitate.

Frequently asked questions about raising tilapia

Read also