Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How many fish can I stock in my dam?
In relation to the surface area of your dam/pond, please refer to each species page which gives you the maximum stocking rate recommended.
Q. How many fish can I stock in my Aquaponics tank?
As every system is different due to water capacity, filtration and aeration, we unfortunately cannot give you a recommendation, as we can be at risk of overstocking your tank.
Q. Will I lose fish to predators?
The short answer to this questions is YES. Birds are the most voracious predator of fish, especially cormorants/shags, as they are natural predators in the wild. As a general rule, you might expect to lose 20-30% of your fish to pointy-beaked birds. If the water in your dam is muddy this can help reduce losses somewhat as it is harder for the birds to detect the fingerlings.
Note: Harming cormorants, pelicans, shags, ibis and other wading birds is prohibited as they are protected by law.
To safeguard your fish as much as possible, there are a couple of measures you can take:
- Provide safe havens for the fish such as fallen timber, and aquatic plants.
- Provide other food choices for the birds (large quantities of small fish, shrimp, etc), as the birds will tend to feed on the most plentiful food source.
Ducks and Geese with flat bills pose no threat, as they are herbivores and feed on vegetable matter. The exception is the protected Musk Duck.
Eels will prey on fish and even small water fowl and ducklings and if your dam is infested with eels, they should be removed before stocking with fish as they will take a heavy toll on young fingerlings.
Q. What if I have Gambusia (Mosquito Fish) in my dam?
Gambusia, or ‘mosquito fish’ (sometimes incorrectly called ‘guppies’), are not indigenous to Australia. They are native to the Gulf of Mexico and were introduced into Australia in the 1920’s, with disastrous results to our native fish and other native animal populations, eg some species of frogs. They are aggressive, eat tadpoles and kill fish by nipping their fins and eating their eggs. Gambusia will breed in your dam, and their survival rate is high. If Gambusia are present in your dam, get advice from the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries as to what actions you can take to deal with this pest. These may include treatments with liquid chlorine, slaked lime or the fish-specific poison, rotenone.
Q. Do I need to feed the fish?
Sufficient food is supplied naturally in dams through the presence of insects and shrimp etc, as well as plankton which is generated via the action of sunlight, so supplemental feeding is not necessary to the survival or growth of your fish. However, supplementing your fish’s diet with other small fish or freshwater shrimp which will breed and create a continuous food supply, can assist with faster growth. Artificial food may be used but not recommended, as it is easy to overfeed. The excess food decays which can pollute the water resulting in excessive algae growth and possible loss of fish.
Q. How much do I feed my fish in my tank?
A general guide is to time how much they eat in 2-3 minutes 1-2 times a day. Any uneaten food after that is to be removed. During the winter period you may have to reduce feeding once a day or to 3 times a week as the fish’s metabolism slows down.
Q. How do I release fish into my Dam/Pond/Tank?
You simply open the bag the fish came in and fill it with as much dam/pond/tank water as there was originally in the bag. Let the bag sit for up to 5-10 minutes and release. It is always recommended you fill the bag and release the fish in the deepest part you can walk out too. Please note that if you leave the fish in the opened bag for any longer than 5 minutes you have a high chance of the fish dying due to lack of oxygen. As our bags are pumped with pure oxygen, once open this oxygen is released.
Q. Shipping & Returns.
For a quote on shipping, please contact us and let us know what suburb/postcode the fish will need to be delivered too. We can either road or air freight, whatever may be a easiest/cheapest option for you. We guarantee live fish for 24 hours post hatchery in the packaging! If this is not the case, we can refund or replace.
We always pack an extra 10% of the order to cover for minor transit losses, however, if you have lost more than that within the 24 hour period, please let us know along with photographic evidence within a couple of hours after the guarantee period is over.
Q. Can I be added to a waiting list?
Only large wholesale order’s will be able to be added onto our waiting lists, as we cannot keep up with the demand of fish being sold to the public.
Q. What do I need to transport my purchased fish safely?
The fish will be packed in oxygenated plastic bags. If possible, bring a 30-60 litre esky or box with lid to keep the fish cool during transport.
Q. Will my fish breed?
Yes and no, many of the fish species we sell will NOT breed in your dam or tank, due to the very complex stimuli needed for them to breed. The current species that will breed for you, if the water quality and temperature is perfect, are; Spangled Perch (Only in dams), Saratoga (Only in dams), Pacific Blue Eyes, Crimson-Spotted Rainbow fish, Purple Spotted Gudgeons, Fire-tail Gudgeons, Glassfish, Shrimp (Only in higher temperatures) and Redclaw (Also in higher temperatures).
Q. Order minimum?
There is a $50 fish order minimum, which excludes delivery cost.