Latest addition to fish room

[elithelion]

As many as you know my school is doing a program called Trout in the classroom. We had about 140 fry in the tank, but as they got bigger the ammonia started to spike (expected) and we started losing some of the fry (expected). So being the fish addict I am I opted to take about half of the fish home with me (more like 45) and put them in what was supposed to be my quarantine system.

The tank is a 55gal with no heater, no chiller, a 10gal sump with filter sock, hob overflow, and a aerator. I lost 5 fish over the first few days(probably because the tempature swing) but now everything seems to be going well. These guys are a blast to watch and go crazy at feeding time.

 

[elithelion]

MYREEFCLUB0070;1063705 wrote: what's the ideal water temperature needed to keep trout, is the temp. a year round constant, what are you feeding, where did the school acquire the fry?

Ideal I believe is 50-60, but I've gotten up to 68 with no major problems, probably because my tank is super aaerated. The weather is fluctuating a lot lately, so I've opened my fish room doors to keep the tank around 63-65. Brown trout and rainbow are very hardy and can take quite a bit of abuse. I'm feeding them freshwater flake food, but trout eat nearly anything. My school got then from Trout Unlimited(who run trout in the classroom). Trout Unlimited usually gets the eggs from out west, but my school was a bit late in the breeding season, so we got fry from a hatchery in TN I believe.

 

[elithelion]

Sewer Urchin;1063724 wrote: You know... I just happen to have a cold water Marineland "Lobster Tank" sitting empty, even has a chiller

Sounds like someone is a worse hoarder than me

You know, I haven't picked out a Christmas present yet...I'd be down to buy if you're willing to sell

 

[sewer urchin]

There is a Federal hatchery over in Rock Creek

http://www.fws.gov/chattahoocheeforest/">http://www.fws.gov/chattahoocheeforest/</a>

They supplied the trout for Trout Unlimited at Union County Schools. Also, there are state run hatcheries at Lake Burton

[IMG]http://www.georgiawildlife.com/Hatcheries/Burton">http://www.georgiawildlife.com/Hatcheries/Burton</a>

and Buford Creek
[IMG]http://www.georgiawildlife.com/Hatcheries/Buford">http://www.georgiawildlife.com/Hatcheries/Buford</a>

If you get the chance the Buford Creek Hatchery tour is really cool. Are you familiar with the "Back to the Brookie" program run through. Brook Trout, while smaller then non native cousins, are more colorful and put up a bit more of a fight.

 

[sewer urchin]

You know, I haven't picked out a Christmas present yet...I'd be down to buy if you're willing to sell

You have NO IDEA of bad of a hoarder I am and I have an entire basement full of "fish junk" to prove it. In all honesty, I think I would be willing to trade for it ( either stuff or cash).

Shoot me a PM and we can talk details

 

[elithelion]

Sewer Urchin;1063728 wrote: There is a Federal hatchery over in Rock Creek

http://www.fws.gov/chattahoocheeforest/">http://www.fws.gov/chattahoocheeforest/</a>

They supplied the trout for Trout Unlimited at Union County Schools. Also, there are state run hatcheries at Lake Burton

[IMG]http://www.georgiawildlife.com/Hatcheries/Burton">http://www.georgiawildlife.com/Hatcheries/Burton</a>

and Buford Creek
[IMG]http://www.georgiawildlife.com/Hatcheries/Buford">http://www.georgiawildlife.com/Hatcheries/Buford</a>

If you get the chance the Buford Creek Hatchery tour is really cool. Are you familiar with the "Back to the Brookie" program run through. Brook Trout, while smaller then non native cousins, are more colorful and put up a bit more of a fight.[/QUOTE]

My parents took me to Rock Creek when I was about 8. It's only about 20 mins from me I think. I've read about Brook Trout and was curious as to why Trout Unlimited is interested in culturing and releasing brown Trout rather than the native Brook Trout. As far as I know brown Trout are invasive.. I suppose they make up for it in their food yield and popularity witin the fishing community

 

[Adam]

Don't know if your school can swing it but the Buford trout hatchery is just south of Buford dam. Would be a pretty cool field trip for the class.
http://www.georgiawildlife.com/Hatcheries/Buford">http://www.georgiawildlife.com/Hatcheries/Buford</a>

I Striper fish on Lanier a decent amount. Yes your temp range is accurate but they will do alright in the low 70's for extended period of time. At 75 and up waters ability to hold DO drops drastically and gets worse the higher the temp goes.

I've kept 10-16 inch trout for weeks at a time in a 55 gallon Brute can. I hooked up a drain to it and ran an overflow into a 30 gallon bait tank. Then attached a hang on filter to handle the ammonia. I also ran an air pump 24/7. The bigger your fingerlings get the more flow they will need. The difference is you want a constant even flow not a random one in a reef tank.
In a small footprint a circular tank and flow works best.

Also when they get bigger giving them little feeder bait fish is a blast to watch. They are extremely aggressive feeders. Tank covers are also a must. They will jump any chance they get.

You sound like you've got everything down Eli but if you have any questions let me know.