Tilapia eggs are unique in that they need to be kept in motion in order to remain alive.  Over the years we have tested the effectiveness of many different types of incubators to determine which is the most cost effective solution.
 
Two basic designs exist; those where water is directed downwards to the domed bottom of a jar and keeps the eggs in suspension as it rises, and those where the water enters the container at an angle, causing the eggs to flow in a circular motion.  Both systems work, and each can be very efficient.  The more eggs you have the better most incubators function; the real trick is to get them to operate effectively with small batches of eggs.
 
Most 1st world tilapia farms and government hatcheries across the world utilise the McDonald type of incubator which is moulded from polyethylene.  These incubators are very expensive, look great and work fairly well.  They function by water entering via the vertical pipe in the middle of the incubator which opens near the floor of the incubator.  Due to the domed shaped of the floor, water velocity is high as the water enters the jar, causing the eggs, which are heavier than water and tend to sink, to be held in suspension.  As the water rises the jar widens and the velocity reduces, allowing the eggs to again fall down towards the floor of the incubator.  This constant motion is what the eggs require to remain healthy. 

An adaptation on this design involves the water entering the lower side of the jar at an angle, causing the water to spin inside the incubator, carrying the eggs in constant motion.  The eggs rise a bit but due to their mass they remain in the lower portion of the jar.
 
The trick with both systems is to provide sufficient flow to keep the eggs suspended without causing too much velocity that results in the eggs, or yolk sac fry, washing out of the top of the incubator.  As the fry hatch and absorb their yolk sac, they start swimming freely and many of them wash/swim out of the jar with the exiting water.  Some people position the incubators with their outlet high above the level of the tank that catches the water overflowing from the jar.  This is an error as the newly hatched fry are fragile and should not be allowed to fall in this manner.
 
A wide range of plastic, fibreglass and glass vessels have been trialled as incubators for tilapia eggs.  Many work fairly well, few work really well.  Of those that we have tested the 5L containers in which you purchase water work the best, but not just any container, look specifically for those that have a long tapered neck.  Cut the base off the container, turn over and fit a 25mm outlet into the top side just above the now open wall of the jar.  Water enters from above via a 15mm pipe and introduces water into the throat of the jar, against the inside of the lid.  Of all the options we have experimented with these consistently give the best results.
 
The water bottle incubators may not be the prettiest but they certainly work well.


Our latest Aquaculture videos have been uploaded to YouTube.  Remember to subscribe to be automatically informed of future videos.
 
We have also loaded our training material to the online shop for self study purposes.  In this way you can purchase the chapters you want to increase your knowledge in specific areas.
 
 
2nd hand fibreglass and plastic tanks For Sale
 
We are selling a selection of fibreglass and plastic fish tanks ex-Grahamstown.  Interested parties can email me for more information - first come first serve.
 
  
Tilapia Farming Webinar
 
The nile tilapia is one of the most farmed fish in the world.  Come and hear about the species and how to farm them at our webinar being held as a partnership between Aquaculture Innovations and Aquaculture Africa Magazine.
 
Please be sure to register by following this link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_9Q2NryJxTeyiVdhKQ1C0pQ 
 
 
Aquaculture Farm for Sale
 
The Aquaculture Academy, Grahamstown is for sale.  The farm of 4.4ha has excellent quality water and has permits to farm trout, tilapia and catfish.  Currently we also farm cucumbers and other crops organically on the effluent water from the fish.  There are several bee hives, hand tame chickens and many pecan nut saplings.
 
The farm has a 5-bedroom main dwelling, a bed sitter and a large lecture facility / office complex.
 
The excellent schooling in Grahamstown is a huge drawcard as this farm affords an opportunity to live the lifestyle whilst your children obtain top schooling 1.3km from the farm.
 
Interested parties are invited to contact me on 083 4060 208.
  
 
Aquaculture Courses
 
The following Courses are scheduled to be held in Pretoria:
 
Commercial Aquaponics 16 & 17 November
 
Fish Farm Management 18 to 20 November
 
Practical Aquaculture Course 30 November to 4 December
 
Grab this opportunity to learn the practical aspects of fish farming; the doing rather than just the theory.  All Courses enjoy a generous discount for the remainder of 2020.
 
To obtain further information email us on info@aquaafrica.co.za.
 
 
Aquaculture Products for Sale
 
We offer a wide range of products to the Aquaculture Industry.  These products can be viewed and purchased from our secure online store at Aquaculture Store.
 
We are currently offering the following special whilst stocks last:
 
Aeration Diffusers: we have several sizes of Aero Tube diffusers available - check on online shop for further information.
 
If you need anything that is not listed, drop me an email and I will attempt to source it for you.

Commonly used McDonald type incubators

5L water bottle being used as a cost effective and highly efficient tilapia egg incubator