5,000 gallons for Catfish

[Frank Castle]

My friend has a pond that is 5,000 gallons on the lower level ....idk exactly, but the surface area is probably 15-20 across, 2-3 feet deep, probably 2 for most with a hole for 3' or 2.5' if I had to guess. How many Channel catfish would you put in this pond? Forget all other factors......just think of how many would be ok in 5,000 gallons.

 

[Wailua Boy]

are they being grown for aquaculture purposes or ornamental?

 

[Frank Castle]

are they being grown for aquaculture purposes or ornamental?

a little of both maybe.

 

[Wailua Boy]

For intense aquaculture, I would say 2000 would be max.

 

[Frank Castle]

For intense aquaculture, I would say 2000 would be max.

HUH??!?!! 2000 channel cats in a 5,000 gallon pond? At 20" per fish?????

 

[Wailua Boy]

HUH??!?!! 2000 channel cats in a 5,000 gallon pond? At 20" per fish?????

I mean it would require mass filtration/aeration but I think that is close to what the commercial guys go. There is actually a formula for stocking and it ends up with fish swimming head to tail.

 

[Frank Castle]

I mean it would require mass filtration/aeration but I think that is close to what the commercial guys go. There is actually a formula for stocking and it ends up with fish swimming head to tail.

Ok, forget that....let's go with "How many would be ok to keep in 5,000g for life" Pretend it is a fishtank and you are putting cichlids in it.

 

[Wailua Boy]

I would go 16. At first it may look empty but as we all know Channels grow huge and fast. You could stock more and rehome or consume(if you eat catfish)as they fill in.

 

[SandNukka15]

My friend has a pond that is 5,000 gallons on the lower level ....idk exactly, but the surface area is probably 15-20 across, 2-3 feet deep, probably 2 for most with a hole for 3' or 2.5' if I had to guess. How many Channel catfish would you put in this pond? Forget all other factors......just think of how many would be ok in 5,000 gallons.

Is this indoor?......where in pa are u located just curious if ur close to me

 

[Frank Castle]

Is this indoor?......where in pa are u located just curious if ur close to me

I'm close to you and ALOT of other members on MFK. It is the same temperature where you are as it is here The pond is outdoor.....have had a channel cat in it since May 2012....this thread is because I have another ready by the end of the year and I'm curious how many years I can do this before the pond is over-stocked.