TROUT, possible to raise in an aquarium?

Question

I would like to raise a trout, I love them. What size tank would do for 1 trout up to 14 inches or so. I am thinking of a brook trout. Is there such a thing of a tank "cooler", because the like prett cold water. Is it even legal to do this? They are a game fish where i live, washington state. I have room for a good sized tank. Thank you.

PS, im not going to eat this trout. It would be easier to go fishing if I wanted to do that

I would run a pump, in and out to bring in fresh water, I know they would like this. I van have up to about a 150 or so gallon tank. I live in a two bed room apartmet, and there is only me here.

Answer 1

Yes it is very possible and done quite often. I have done it myself. Far warnings, it's expensive. You will need a tank "cooler" in the trade known as an aquachiller. You can make a good substitute for a small tank, but not one large enough for trout. For a tank size you will need at least 150 gallons and a huge wet dry filter. For one this size I would suggest you google DIY wet dry filters and read several of the hits to get a good idea of what it takes. Plan to build one that will support a 200 gallon tank though and boost the flow rate even higher. You will also need several large power heads with the airation features turned wide open. All this water flow will be directed from one side of the tank to the other making what is called a "race". The fish can swim against the current for hours without having to turn around, typical trout behavoir. It would also need to be arranged so that there is a slow spot or two that the fish can sit in as it tires.

Sum it up: tons of quite coldwater constantly moving and highly aeriated. Easy enough to pull off, but expensive.

Call around and see if you can tour a local trout farm or other hatchery facility, they might have an example of what you are trying to create.

Best of luck with it!

MM

Answer 2

Yes, you are allowed in Washington state to raise trout in your own pond, but in a pond. A large pond. You most definitely cannot raise trout in an aquarium. The largest aquarium made would still be too small. You would need about a 1,000 gallon aquarium to happily and healthily raise 1 or 2 trout. Trout are wild creatures. They need a lot of space that emulates the outdoors to keep them happy. It's about more than just minimally adequate space with wild creatures. It's also about their need to "run free." Trout should be raised in a very large pond with depths between 6 and 8 feet, and with a maximum depth not greater than 10 to 12 feet and widths at least twice as wide. Water quality would need to be monitored. With rare exceptions, trout will not reproduce in farm ponds. You would have to restock it as the stock dwindled.

Answer 3

i hope you realize your gonna have to change the water alot because they are a freash water fish and your gonna nee a pretty big tank...... but it is possible. i know people who raised jack fish in a tank. so it can be done good luck.

Answer 4

if you love 'em, then see them best in nature!
keeping & raising them in tanks/ponds can be very expensive affair - high maintenance!

Answer 5

Yes, gonna need a pretty damn big aquarium though...