FAQ for private stockings
Q: Is delivery available?
A: Delivery is only available for large orders at a small cost and only within reasonable driving distances (negotiable). Freight is no longer available due to logistical complications.
Q: How many fish can I put in my dam?
A: Fingerlings can be stocked at a rate of about 50 fish for every 100 square metres of pond surface area.
Q: I only want a few fish for my aquarium. Would this be possible?
A: There is a 100 minimum order. If you only want a few fish for an aquarium, the only way to do this is by organising with a friend or relative to take the remainder for their dam.
Q: Will my fish need feeding?
A: Provided the dam is not overstocked, your fish will thrive on insects and other aquatic life that occur naturally in the pond. However, the fish have been raised mainly on artificial feed and so are used to regular and periodic feeding and so some people like to feed their fish as entertainment once they grow to adulthood.
Q: How fast will my fish grow and how long will it take until I can catch them on rod and reel?
A: Depending on species, stocking rate and feed availability, your fish will grow to catching size anywhere between 2-5 years.
Q: What payment methods are available?
A: Cash or cheque are the preferred payment methods.
Q: How long can I leave the fish in the oxygenated delivery bags?
A: Providing the fish are left in the shade they can survive for a maximum of 24hrs in the oxygenated bags, however are best released ASAP after collection/delivery.
Q: What's the best way to release my fish?
A: The safest way to release your fish is to float the sealed oxygenated bag in the water for 10-15 minutes where you intend to release them, then slowly add water to the bag every minute until the bag is full. You may then gently release them into the pond. This acclimatizes the fish to the water temperature and pH.
Q: There were some dead fish in the bag.
A: Every effort is made to prevent any fish from dying, however sometimes a few fish will still die. To allow for dead fish, at least 5% extra are supplied with every order so that you shouldn't have less live fish than you ordered.
Q: What is the survival rate?
A: Survival rate is very high (up to 100%) in farm dams providing there are no eels or predatory birds such as cormorants and herons, your fish were released as described above and the dam is not overstocked. It is recommended that if it is known your dam has eels that you catch and remove them before stocking the dam. Predatory birds should also be scared away as often as possible for maximum survival rate.
Q: I live in a flood prone area. Will my fish swim over the dam wall during floods?
A: This depends on the species and time of year. Australian Bass migrate to breed between April and August so if it floods during this period there is a chance that some of your fish may swim over. Silver perch generally won't swim over your dam wall during floods but it is possible, especially during the summer when they are most active. You will never lose all your fish over the wall during floods. It is however recommended that chicken wire is set over your overflow if you want to prevent any fish from swimming over.
Q: My dam is overcrowded with reeds. Is this a problem?
A: No. Reeds are ideal habitat for prey for your fish such as insects, frogs and tadpoles and support a higher density of prey species for you fish to thrive on. It also provides good shelter for your fish from predatory birds.