How to Grow Tilapia in Tanks

A genus of fish native to the freshwater environments in Africa, tilapia prefer to live in warm water environments. They keep easily in temperature regulated flow-through and recirculation style tanks. In a tank environment, they need an artificial source of oxygenation either by the regular addition of freshwater accompanied by the drainage of old water or by the action of aeration pumps. Most fish farms in the United States grow Florida red tilapia, because they adapt well to tank, pond, and cage conditions and they mature quickly to a marketable size.

Things You'll Need

  • Flow-through or recirculating tank
  • Water-proof thermometer
  • Water heater
  • Tilapia fingerlings
  • Tilapia fish food
  • Dip-net
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Instructions

    • 1

      Set up a flow-through or recirculation style tank. Use a large glass, plastic or wood tank with about 4 gallons of water space per pound of live tilapia fish. Many people chose to design their own system based on the space they plan to use for production. An adaptable fish, tilapia thrive in long shallow tanks, rounded tanks or tall deep tanks.

    • 2

      Fill the tank with freshwater. Submerge and mount the thermometer in an easily accessible location, and set the water heater to between 75 and 86 degrees.

    • 3

      Ensure the correct operation of the flow-through or recirculating system of the tank before adding the fish. Make sure the temperature consistently reads between 75 and 86 degrees at all times of the day and night.

    • 4

      Stock the tank with fingerling tilapia fish purchased from a reputable tilapia breeder.

    • 5

      Feed the fingerlings twice a day. Their diet should consist of ground plant material and a source of protein. Commonly used feeds include ground-up salad and duckweed greens, soy protein, algae, rice bran, worms and termites.

    • 6

      Monitor the tank environment. Some tank styles may require periodic cleaning or maintenance to maintain the correct operation of the system and high water quality for the fish.

    • 7

      Harvest adult tilapia with a dip-net. Mature Florida red tilapia weigh between 1 and 2 pounds.