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Ashland FWCO
 Midwest Region
 ***Dedicated To Tribal Aquaculture Programs***
      Fish Jumping
          **June 1996 ~ Volume 16****Coordinator:
                  Frank G. Stone 
                  (715-682-6185) Ext. 12
                  U.S. Fish and
                  Wildlife Service
                Email: [email protected]** Topics
  of Interest: MTAN ArrowPond Aeration
  MTAN ArrowPond Aeration: Matching Equipment To Needs
  MTAN ArrowTribal Hatchery Updates
  MTAN Arrow2.5 Hatchery Tips  Pond Aeration **By: Gary L. Jensen, Joseph D. Bankston and John W. Jensen,  Southern Regional   Aquaculture Center** Oxygen in ponds comes from two sources--photosynthesis and  diffusion from the air. The most important source, photosynthesis, is the  process plants use for manufacturing food. In the presence of sunlight, plants  (especially algae) add oxygen to water as a by-product of photosynthesis. At  night, no oxygen is produced, but respiration of algae, fish and bacteria  continues to remove oxygen from the water. Most of the time there is a  desirable balance between how much oxygen is produced and how much is used, but  under some conditions, the balance can be upset, and the oxygen concentration  becomes low enough to stress or kill fish. The amount of oxygen in pond water can  vary considerably from pond to pond and from hour to hour. Typically, however,  oxygen concentrations are lowest at dawn and highest during late afternoon. The amount of oxygen water can hold is dependent upon  atmospheric pressure, salinity and temperature. Water can hold less oxygen as  altitude increases. Salinity is not important for most freshwater fish  producers. The most important factor is water temperature. As temperature  increases, water can hold less oxygen. Most low oxygen problems occur from June  through September. The reasons for this are: water can hold less oxygen as it becomes warmer;
  respiration rates of both plants and animals increase with  the warmer water, so more oxygen is used;
  summer's still, hazy or cloudy days may reduce the amount of  oxygen produced; and
  large amounts of feed given to fish at this time of year  result in large quantities of fish waste which create a higher demand for  oxygen.  **Causes of oxygen depletion** The most common oxygen problem occurs when consumption by  respiration exceeds the amount of oxygen produced through photosynthesis and  diffusion from the air. Algae grow in large quantities as a result of heavy  fish feeding. As the quantity of algae increases, it accumulates closer and  closer to the surface to gather sunlight and increasingly shades the lower  depths. As a result, most of the oxygen is produced near the surface, leaving a  large volume of water below the first 2 to 4 feet deficient in oxygen production.  Eventually, oxygen produced during the day is less than the demand for oxygen  during the night, resulting in possible death or undesirable stress on fish. Another type of oxygen depletion occurs when algae die  suddenly. When algae die, not only does the pond lose its source of oxygen but  the decaying algae use considerable amounts of oxygen. All causes of sudden  algae die-offs are not fully understood, but it is known that die-offs can  occur after pond treatments with certain chemicals and herbicides. Predicting  natural algae die-offs is difficult. However, they are often associated with  surface algae scums and very heavy algal "blooms." When a die-off  occurs, the green water often becomes streaked with gray, black or brown. The  color of the water may eventually become totally brown, gray, black, milky or  clear. A distinct foul smell may also be noticeable. The third and most serious kind of oxygen depletion is  referred to as a "turn-over." During hot summer weather, surface  water becomes less dense as it absorbs heat and it floats over a cooler, more  dense layer of water. All the oxygen is produced in the warmer layer and the  two layers may not mix for weeks at a time, especially in deep water ponds.  Eventually, all the oxygen is used up in the lower, cooler layer. A cool snap  or a thunderstorm with wind and hard rain can cool the warm surface water  making it heavy enough to sink and mix with the oxygen deficient bottom layer.  The net result is a dilution of the oxygen and an increase in the demand for  oxygen from dissolved minerals and decaying organic matter. To complicate these  problems, the algae usually die at the same time. "Turn-overs" cause  the most catastrophic fish kills in ponds. **Measuring oxygen concentrations** Oxygen concentrations can be measured using inexpensive  chemical kits ($40) or electronic oxygen meters ($200-$1,000). A chemical kit  is suitable as a backup, as a check on electronic devices, or when fewer than  three ponds are involved. It takes several minutes to test oxygen in a pond  using the chemical test, and results are relatively difficult to read by  artificial light at night. Electronic measuring devices, on the other hand,  allow the user to quickly measure oxygen in many ponds during the night. **Monitoring dissolved oxygen** Ponds in which fish are fed should be monitored for oxygen  at least twice daily, at daybreak and nightfall, during summer and early fall.  Higher evening oxygen readings and correspondingly lower morning oxygen  readings from day to day, or low evening readings, usually warn of future  problems. Oxygen monitoring may have to be done continually during darkness  throughout the summer if stocking and feeding rates are high. No season of the  year is totally immune from low oxygen problems so oxygen should also be monitored  periodically during cooler months. Keep a chart of daily oxygen readings to  help detect developing water quality problems. Two methods have been used to project oxygen concentrations  at sunrise. The first is based on the fact that, in general, dissolved oxygen  concentrations decrease during the night at approximately the same rate from  dusk to dawn. The rate may vary from night to night so readings taken one night  don't necessarily apply to predictions for oxygen decline during following  nights. Here are 4 steps to use the projection method of predicting  nighttime oxygen depletions: 1) Mark vertically on graph paper a line representing  dissolved oxygen concentrations from 0 to 20 parts per million (ppm).  Horizontally mark a line with the time of night beginning at dusk. Use one  graph for each pond.
  2) Measure the dissolved oxygen in each pond around dusk and  plot it on the graph at the time the reading was taken.
  3) Return to the same place in the pond 2 to 3 hours later  and plot the new oxygen reading on the same graph.
  4) Draw a line using a straight edge between the two plotted  readings, and extend the line to a point that crosses a vertical line drawn  from dawn. Where those lines cross is the concentration of oxygen expected at  dawn.
  4) If the predicted oxygen concentration at dawn is less  than 3 ppm, then action can be taken to begin emergency aeration before 3 ppm  is reached. This method is a tool which producers can use to make  management decisions; it doesn't work in all situations. The best example of  when it does not work is the case of an algae die-off. Algae die-offs will  cause sudden, unpredictable oxygen depletions and must be monitored closely to  prevent fish kills. Another method to predict low dissolved oxygen was developed  from actual records on fish farms. It has been shown that when dissolved oxygen  in a pond at dawn is 5 ppm or more and dissolved oxygen at dusk is more than or  the same as the day before, no oxygen depletion occurs during the following  night or morning. But when dissolved oxygen at dawn is less than 5 ppm and  dissolved oxygen at dusk is less than the day before, an oxygen depletion can  be expected during the night. The techniques described above are only tools to help  predict oxygen problems that occur under "normal" conditions. Neither  method can be used to predict oxygen depletions which are caused by algae  die-offs, turnovers, or other unusual circumstances. **Aeration requirements for ponds** Oxygen requirements in ponds can vary greatly. A commonly  used rule of thumb is to use 1 horsepower/surface acre with an aerator rated at  least 2.5 lbs 02/HP per hour. This assumes normal oxygen cycles during the day  and night, healthy fish, and maintenance of minimum oxygen levels above 2 to 3  ppm. However, an excessive algae buildup or sudden algae die-off can create a  much greater than normal demand for oxygen. Fish, standing crops and maximum  daily feeding rates also influence the aeration requirement. Sick fish and high concentrations of nitrites, ammonia or  carbon dioxide can also increase the need for additional aeration. In these  situations, additional capacity can be provided by portable aerators to prevent  fish losses which may occur either immediately or as delayed deaths caused by  disease. Also, power outages or mechanical breakdowns can shut down any unit.  For these reasons, mobile aerators with high standard oxygen transfer rate  (SOTR) ratings are also needed for emergency or standby use. For most farm  situations, one portable aerator for every three to four ponds is adequate. If  aeration requirements exceed that supplied by available equipment, then ponds  with the fastest falling oxygen levels should be aerated first. **Placement of aerators** Recent research has shown that the most effective placement  for fixed electric paddle wheel aerators is midway along the longest side of a  pond with the discharge of the aerator directed toward the middle of the pond.  In this position, the aerator directs water perpendicular to the long side,  developing circulation that reaches most areas of the pond. Placement of this  type aerator in a corner of a pond and directing water diagonally across the  pond provides poor circulation. Locating fixed aerators in the middle of a pond  levee will incur a higher installation cost and may be inconvenient when  aerators are needed in conjunction with harvesting operations near water  supplies. Portable aerators should be used before fish are stressed to  the point that they cannot reach the aerated area. The best location to place  an aerator before they are seriously stressed will usually be in the part of  the pond with the highest oxygen concentration because that is where the fish  will be found. If two aerators are needed to keep fish alive, then they should  be operated alongside each other so that if one aerator cuts off, the other  aerator can hold fish until the problem is remedied. Fish will panic and move  to other oxygenless areas of the pond in search of more oxygen if a single  aerator cuts off during a severe oxygen depletion. If fish are severely stressed from low oxygen and cover the  surface of the pond, aerators should be placed in the area of highest fish  concentrations in an attempt to aerate as much of the pond as possible and  attract fish to the aerator. Fish will usually go to the shallow end of a  watershed pond in search of higher oxygen and fresh water. Be prepared to  operate an aerator in shallow water to attract fish to this area. Fish also  will tend to move out onto the banks when oxygen is very low. Bankwasher  aerators are effective in aerating along the shoreline so that relief is  quickly provided to fish near shore. **Maintenance and safety** All types of equipment require occasional maintenance and  repair to ensure longer life and dependability. Information and instructions  for recommended maintenance should be obtained from the manufacturer or dealer  when an aerator is purchased. Check the warranty and keep all records of  purchase for later use. Several types of aerators have pillow bearings that require  frequent greasing. This is important for normal operation of equipment and  protection of the bearing. Some bearings have a self-greasing device that  reduces this task. All engines and motors should be maintained as recommended  by the manufacturer. Electric motors should be protected from splashing, and  all drive shafts should be checked periodically for proper alignment.  Differentials in tractor-powered paddle wheel aerators should be checked for  water and drained and re-serviced if water is found. Check water depth of paddle wheel blades and adjust so that  the unit is level and depth is proper. Tractors used to power aerators should  be fueled and ready for operation when needed. A good maintenance program is  important because the loss of a tractor or aerator during an emergency can  result in high fish losses. Safety is another important consideration. Hazards include  tractor use on narrow levees, operating PTOs and moving gears, and the use of  electricity near areas of activity and water. Make certain all safety guards on  tractors are in place and in good condition, especially on PTO shafts and stub  gear. Perform any inspection or service only after equipment is shut down.  Refuel only when engine is not operating and is cooled down. Make sure that  tractor operators are experienced, especially when equipment is used on levees  and around ponds. When using tractors to relocate or place aeration equipment,  set brakes securely and block wheels. **Handle fuel with caution** Do not smoke around fuel
    Use a vent on fuel storage tanks, and make sure that tanks  are properly grounded
    A fuel filter should be located in the fuel line between the  fuel tank and engine.  **For electrical safety** Do not drive over live wires
  Make sure that power is shut off at the control box before  any maintenance work is done
  Use qualified electricians to install wiring
  Place exposed wiring in conduits to prevent rodents from  damaging the wiring.   Pond Aeration: Matching Equipment to Needs **By: John W.  Jensen, Department of Fisheries and Allied Aquaculture, Alabama  Cooperative Extension Service, Auburn   University** No one should attempt to be a commercial fish farmer without  aeration devices and the knowledge of when and how to use them. Aerators can be  used exclusively for emergencies, continuously at night, or all day and night. Today, aeration equipment is most commonly used in  emergencies to keep fish alive and minimize stress associated with oxygen  concentrations lower than 3 to 4 parts per million (ppm). Aerators used in this  manner are not intended to aerate the entire pond but just a portion of it.  Fish move to the zone of oxygenated water found near the aerator. Enough oxygen  is supplied to save fish, but not to increase oxygen levels greatly in the  entire pond. Aerators work by increasing the area of contact between air  and water. Aerators also circulate water so fish can find areas with higher  oxygen concentrations. Circulation reduces water layering from stratification  and increases oxygen transfer efficiency by moving oxygenated water away from  the aerator. Many units are electrical so wiring should be properly protected  and installed to avoid any hazards from an electrical shock. If a pond shows a decreasing oxygen pattern that will reach  3 ppm or less before sunrise, emergency aeration should be used. In most  situations, the critical time for low oxygen levels is from midnight to  sunrise. If the oxygen concentration is falling quickly, however, aerators  should be started when oxygen reaches 4 ppm. This creates a sufficiently large  area of aerated water that fish will find and remain in until oxygen levels  improve during daylight hours. Two terms are commonly used to compare aerator performance.  The standard oxygen transfer rate (SOTR) is the amount of oxygen that the  aerator adds to the water per hour under standard conditions (68F and no  initial oxygen) and is reported as lb O2/hr. The standard aeration efficiency  (SAE) is the standard oxygen transfer rate divided by the amount of power  required and is expressed as lbs O2/hr per horsepower (HP) or lbs O2/HP-hr.  Efficiency ratings are based on the horsepower applied to the aerator shaft and  not the horsepower of the power source. Most commercial aerators have ratings  between 1 and 5 lbs. O2/HP-hr. Ratings for tractor-powered aerators are generally given as  standard oxygen transfer ratings (SOTR). Other, usually smaller, aerators are  normally given standard aeration efficiency ratings (SAE). **Types of Aerators** Fish farmers have used emergency aerators powered by tractor  power takeoffs (PTOS) for many years. These PTO aerators can be quite expensive  because each aerator requires a tractor. Therefore, most ponds are equipped  with electric aerators. Large tractor-powered aerators are used as back-ups  during severe oxygen depletions, equipment failure, or power outages. Several  types of aeration devices have been evaluated for use in commercial fish ponds.  Most aerators are in one of the following categories: surface spray or vertical  pump, pump sprayer, paddle wheel, diffused air and propeller aspirator pump. **Surface Sprag or Vertical Pump** Surface spray aerators have a submersible motor which  rotates an impeller to pump surface water into the air as a spray. They float,  are lightweight, portable and electrically powered. Units of 1 to 5 HP with  pumping rates of 500 to 2,000 gpm are available. They are designed to be  operated continuously during nighttime, cloudy weather, or when low dissolved  oxygen concentrations are expected. Surface spray aerators have prevented fish  kills when used at 1.5 to 2 HP/acre. They are usually of little use in large  ponds, because of relatively low oxygen transfer rates and their inability to  increase an adequately large area of oxygenated water. **Pump Sprayer** Pump sprayer aerators are found on many fish farms. Most are  powered by a tractor power takeoff or electricity. Some units are engine driven  and require mounting on a trailer frame for transport. Pump sprayer aerators  are equipped with either an impeller suction pump, an impeller lift pump, or a  turbine pump. Some have a capped sprayer pipe or "bonnet" with outlet  slits attached to the pump discharge. Others discharge directly through a  manifold which has discharge slits on top and outlets at each end. Water is  sprayed vertically through the discharge slits and from each end of the  manifold. This type is commonly referred to as a T-pump or bankwasher and  directs oxygenated water along a pond bank where distressed fish often go. Pump  sprayers typically have no gear reduction which reduces mechanical failure and  maintenance. These units do not erode the pond bottom, and minimum operating  depth is reached when the intake is covered with water. **Paddle wheel Aerators** Farm-made paddle wheels are usually made from 3/4 ton truck  differentials and vary with drum size and configuration, shape, number and  length of paddles. Units are powered by power takeoffs or driven by  self-contained diesel engines. The self-contained units are usually on floats  and attached to the pond bank or held in place by steel bars secured in the  bank or pond bottom.. Studies have demonstrated that increasing either the speed  of the drum rotation (rpm) or paddle depth generally increases aeration  capacity. Paddle depth affects oxygen transfer rates more than does the speed  of rotation. This increase in capacity is not cost free, because horsepower  requirements increase and oxygen transfer efficiency may decrease. The maximum  rotational speed of a tractor-powered paddle wheel aerator for extended  operation is limited by the tractor, its recommended power takeoff speed under  load, and the gear reduction of the paddle wheel. The shape of the paddles is also important; for example, U,  V, or cup shapes are more efficient designs than flat paddles. Paddle wheels  create vibrations that can be reduced when paddles are arranged in a spiral  pattern. The oxygen transfer rate and power requirement increase with  paddle immersion depth and the diameter of the paddle wheel drum. The size of  the spray pattern likewise increases. The power required to operate a paddle  wheel aerator at any given speed and paddle depth is constant. Fuel consumption  and operating costs depend on the power source. Most producers do not have enough paddle wheel aerators for  all ponds and move these units from pond to pond. A paddle wheel, though  mobile, can be difficult to situate in the pond properly so that it is effective  without damaging itself or the tractor. Before emergencies occur, their  locations should be selected and several trial runs should be conducted so that  situating becomes more or less routine. Paddle wheels can erode a hole in the pond bottom during  operation. If the aerator settles into a hole while running, the load increases  and reduction gears can break. Weld a metal plate under the paddle wheel to  reduce erosion of the pond bottom. It is also important to block the tractor to  prevent it from slipping back and increasing the load on the tractor. When fish are stressed from low dissolved oxygen, they often  go to shallow areas of the pond near the banks. The type and design of the  paddle wheel aerator may affect the ability to direct the water along the pond  bank where the fish tend to congregate. Another consideration is the ground  clearance under the frame of the aerator. A paddle wheel aerator with limited  ground clearance may get caught on high spots, such as a levee crown, while  high clearance models can traverse these areas with ease, but may operate too  shallowly to be effective. **Electric Paddle wheel** Electric paddle wheel units are 4 to 12 feet long with  paddles of triangular cross section and a total drum diameter of about 28 to 36  inches. Paddle wheel speed is usually 80 to 90 rpm with a paddle depth of about  4 inches, enough to load the motor. The correct paddle depth can be determined  in the field as the depth needed to draw the rated amperes of the motor. To  extend the service life of the motor, the motor should draw only 90 percent of  full load amperes rating, unless the manufacturer recommends differently. Motor  sizes generally range from HP to 10 HP. Motors operating on single- or  three-phase current are available. Methods used to reduce the motor speed to the desired  aerator shaft speed include v-belts and pulleys, chain drive, gears and  gearboxes. Shafts of most electric motors run at 1,750 rpm and most units are  mounted on floats. **Diffused Air Systems** Diffuser aerators operated by low pressure air blowers or  compressors forcing air through weighted aeration lines or diffusestones  release air bubbles at the pond bottom or several feet below the water surface.  Efficiency of oxygen transfer is related to the size of air bubbles released  and water depth. The smaller the bubble and the deeper it is released, the more  efficient this type aerator becomes. When tested at normal catfish pond depths,  these aerators were found to be inefficient compared to other devices. Limited studies in commercial catfish ponds showed no  improvement in fish production when a diffused aeration system was used. One of  the biggest problems with diffused-air systems is clogging of the air lines and  diffusers so that periodic cleaning is required. Also, the air lines interfere  with harvesting. **Propeller-aspirator Pump** These aerators consist of a rotating, hollow shaft attached  to a motor shaft. The submerged end of the rotating, hollow shaft is fitted  with an impeller which accelerates the water to a velocity high enough to cause  a drop in pressure over the diffusing surface which pulls air down the hollow  shaft. Air passes through a diffuse and enters the water as fine bubbles that  are mixed into the pond water by the turbulence created by the propeller. They  are electrically powered, and models range from 0.125 to 25 HP.   Tribal Hatchery Updates This is now the fourth year that the MTAN has been sharing  aquaculture information with Tribal fish hatchery programs. During this period,  we have seen Tribal programs grow and make several fish production changes. The  MTAN would like to share with you two recent Tribal hatchery program updates.  **Red Cliff Tribal Fish Hatchery** A new 100 x 40 foot insulated hatchery building became  operational in the fall of 1994. An official grand opening and dedication  ceremony was held on October 10, 1995. Water to the hatchery is supplied from two 200+ foot wells  with 50 horsepower submersible pumps. Each well is capable of producing 500 to  600 gallons of fresh water per minute. Water temperature is a constant 47  degrees Fahrenheit. After passing through a degassing/oxygenation column, the  level of oxygen is 11.5 ppm. Inside the building are twenty 14 x 3 x 3 foot  fiberglass rearing tanks, several smaller fry tanks, one four foot round tank,  an incubation area, laboratory, pump control room, and offices. A 125-kilowatt  generator provides backup power and alarm systems monitor security and  electrical power levels. Also completed in 1994 were three 1 acre walleye  rearing ponds with a "common kettle" draining system. Red Cliff has been rearing lake trout and coaster brook  trout (broodstock and production) inside the hatchery and walleye in rearing  ponds. Trout eggs are shipped in or picked up from other hatcheries and placed  in heath incubator units. Eggs are monitored and cared for until hatching.  After hatching the fry are placed in small fry tanks and feeding begins. As the  fish grow they are split up and moved to larger tanks. Inside the hatchery many duties are attended to regularly.  These include cleaning tanks, feeding, monitoring water quality, disease  inspections, fish sampling, data collection and computer entry. After approximately 1 years the fish are finclipped for  assessment purposes and stocked to specific locations around the Great Lakes  Region (lake trout only to date). The cycle begins again with a new batch of  eggs. Red Cliff is also actively involved with raising walleye  throughout the summer. Walleye eggs and milt are collected from tribally  speared walleye in the spring. The fingerlings are then transferred to inland  lakes that may need population numbers built up or have poor natural  recruitment. The fertilized eggs are transported to the hatchery for  incubation. Presently, we are using two different incubation systems for  walleye eggs. Red Cliff has three Big Redd Incubation Systems operating, which  are capable of holding approximately three million walleye eggs. Also, a Bell  Jar Incubation System is being utilized which can hold approximately 100,000 -  200,000 eggs per jar. After the walleye eggs hatch, the fry are placed into rearing  ponds. The ponds have been fertilized and have natural food for the young  walleyes to feed on (zooplankton). In a cooperative effort with local  conservation clubs, some of the fry are placed in the club's own growout ponds. The onsite ponds are monitored and fertilized throughout the  summer. When the walleye are approximately 1.5 - 2.0 inches in length, small  fathead minnows are introduced into the pond for food. As walleye size  increases so does minnow feed size. By September, walleyes are feeding on 2 - 4  inch minnows. Growth and condition is monitored weekly. Walleye are harvested  at 6 - 10 inches by the end of October. The ponds are harvested in the fall for  several reasons; walleye for stocking are larger, colder air and water  temperatures make for better hauling and stocking conditions. Ponds are harvested by opening valves located at the rear of  the ponds. Water drains into the collecting basin or "kettle". Fish  are held in the kettle by a system of screens and fresh water. Walleye are  sorted and taken over to the hatchery where they are finclipped for assessment  purposes and held overnight for observation. The next day they are loaded into  a fish hauling truck and taken to a stocking location and released into the  lake from which the eggs originally came (to maintain genetic integrity). The Red Cliff Tribal Fish Hatchery is continually exploring  new ideas and research for the future. Presently, we are involved with several  local institutions and their students. Several "new" techniques for  rearing walleyes are being explored and much data is being collected on rearing  coaster brook trout for future use. Red Cliff is also investigating the  possibility of rearing different species for the future.  **Keweenaw   Bay Tribal Fish Hatchery** Our program has gone through many changes since 1992. We  completed our hatchery in 1993 and have stocked over 250,000 lake trout  yearlings (6-8") into Keweenaw   Bay. We have been listed  as a specific pathogen free hatchery for three years of operation. We did lose  several lots of fish in 1994 due to an electrical storm. We have installed a  security and electrical failure alarm to minimize our chances of another  failure. In 1995, we entered into a 2 year isolation agreement with  the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). We're raising new strains of brook  and lake trout for future federal broodstock. USFWS will duplicate our  production quotas for the next 2 years. In 1995, we added a third person, Neil  Malmgren, to our staff. In 1995, we also initiated a juvenile lake trout  assessment program to determine the survival of fish stocked from the hatchery. In 1996, we'll begin funding National Biological Service  trawling in lower Keweenaw   Bay to improve our  assessment program for hatchery juvenile lake trout. Otherwise, our hatchery is  new and we have not made any major changes in the facility. We're hoping to install a third well at our hatchery during  the summer of 1996, with funding from BIA hatchery maintenance, USFWS challenge  grant, and tribal gaming revenue. We'll continue stocking lake trout into Keweenaw Bay. We hope to raise and stock brook  trout for reservation lakes and streams. During these times of budget  shortfalls, we may start a "pay fish" pond or sell brook trout to  private land owners. Our isolation agreement with the USFWS will expire in  1997, but there is a possibility of extending this contract. There is a need to  restore lake sturgeon populations in the Lake Superior  basin. We could modify our rearing program to raise lake sturgeon to fingerling  size. Presently, the Keweenaw Bay Hatchery is a cold water  facility capable of delivering 450 GPM through our hatchery. The water supply  is wellwater and we hope to double our intake volume in 1996. The hatchery is  located on a 15 acre site and we're open to expansion. We'll be glad to work  with other hatcheries to rear trout species or provide information.   2.5 Hatchery Tips #1 - Addition of ice to hauling water -  one pound of ice will lower 1 gallon of water by 10 degrees.
  #2 - Safe fish hauling - The maximum permissible weight of  trout is directly proportional to their length. Thus, if you can safely  transport 100 pounds of 2 inch trout, then you can also transport 200 pounds at  4 inches and 300 pounds at 6 inches.
  #2.5 - Pumps and supplies - Stockpile extra plumbing supplies  to insure your rearing program will not be adversely affected when a breakdown  occurs. Hardware stores are not open after 6pm or on Sundays. These being the  normal time periods when manufacturers build in the self destruct program for  plastic fittings and pumps.     **Return
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          names mentioned in this publication are for informational purposes only.
          It does not imply endorsement by the MTAN or the U.S. Government.
 
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