Rainbow Trout – No Stock for 2024

Description

The key indicator for healthy Trout is their appetite – if at any time they are not interested in food, test your water, ensure the pump is clear, and/or air pump is working. Don’t hesitate to do a salt treatment if you are unsure (refer below).

If there are abnormal levels of ammonia, nitrites etc, do a 1/3 water change, (make sure you condition the water if from tap), and make sure you have lots of splashing water or use an air pump. You will need to keep doing water changes until the levels are normal. If they are still lethargic and not eating after 24 hours do a salt treatment.

Any signs of fungus, white films on skin or fins, or gasping, then do a salt treatment – See all the info at: Salt Treatment

Sudden hot days and nights are the ones that kill Trout unexpectedly, so please:

1. Make sure your pump, air stones and filters are clear and running to full flow – don’t think “I will do it tomorrow”, do it now.
2. If you are thinking about adding more aeration, do it now.
3. If you think your pond needs a water change, do it now (but don’t forget about water conditioner if you are changing more than a 1/3 and don’t walk away and leave the hose running)
4. Fill some large plastic drink/milk bottles with pond water and freeze them, putting these frozen bottles in the pond on a hotter day, may just be enough to keep them cool.
5. Shade over the tank will be helpful too, but keep the cover up high,  you want as much air flow as possible.

If any of your Trout are big enough to harvest, do it now. Even harvesting the larger ones will mean you can enjoy eating them now, and it will leave more room and food for the others to grow to maximum potential.