South Coast Region Classroom Aquarium Education Program

Yes, you will need to get your own certification on order to receive eggs as well as to transfer any fish. Certifications are not transferrable, you can sign up for a teacher training workshop in the section above.  

The TIC program changes over time and can vary from region to region. If it has been more than three years since you last participated, or you were certified in a different region and are now looking to receive eggs in Region 5, you must take a R5 teacher training workshop again before you can receive eggs. 

This helps us ensure that participants who are not familiar with how Region 5's TIC is currently run don't experience any mishaps with raising and releasing the trout. 

Exact dates vary each year based on spawning but, depending on which session you signed up for you will know the general date you will receive eggs. Generally late October for fall session and early February for the winter session. 

• Check the R5 CAEP webpage in August each year for new application deadlines and teacher training workshops links. 

• Once your application has been accepted, start planning your field trip if you intend to have one. Many cities and lakes may require additional forms for schools planning to bring students beyond what CDFW can provide, so check early to see what you may need! 

• Trout eggs typically arrive in October for the fall TIC session and February for winter TIC session. Expect to have the eggs/trout in your classroom for 5-8 weeks before releasing them. 

• Set up your aquarium a minimum of two weeks before receiving your trout eggs. This gives your trout the best chance at survival. 

• Once you release your trout you have two weeks to submit your release summary. If your eggs/trout die before release, teachers must submit the release summary form within two weeks of the last trout dying.  

• Teachers will need to purchase their own equipment, such as aquariums, filters, gravel, etc., which can cost up to $250 or more, depending on the type of purchase. A detailed list of required equipment is provided during the teacher training workshop. 

• Aquarium chillers are another cost consideration, as they are necessary for raising trout and typically cost around $500. In Region 5, CDFW can loan aquarium chillers to classes, but the supply is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. If you plan to purchase your own chiller, choose one rated slightly higher than the size of your aquarium, as a lower-rated chiller will have a shorter lifespan if overworked.  

• Often, teachers are able to offset these costs with mini-grants, parent clubs, or other funding sources available through your district. Reach out to your school’s administration for funding support to help cover the cost of equipment. 

• When filling out you application to receive trout you will see a question in the application form asking if you would like to borrow a CDFW chiller. If you select ‘yes’ you will automatically be put on a list to receive one. CDFW chillers are available on a first come first serve basis, so not everyone who applies is guaranteed to receive one. Once the application window has been closed, and all applications have been looked over, you will be notified if we have one available for you and we will schedule a time for it to be picked up/dropped off.  

• If a mechanical problem arises, please contact CDFW immediately. If a chiller breaks down and is unable to be fixed quickly, it is un-likely that CDFW would have a replacement unit. In this circumstance it is likely that fish would die if we don’t address the situation.   

• It is normal for some trout not to make it to release but if you notice several eggs/trout dying in a short time span then you may want to check the following: 

1. Check the water temperature, is the water too warm? Make sure the chiller running and not pressed up against a wall and there are no kinks in the coil. 

2. Have your recently started feeding the trout? You may be adding too much food to the tank and caused an ammonia spike. Test ammonia levels and do a water change of 15-20%. Lessen the amount of food added to the tank. 

3. Count your eggs/trout, are any missing? Dead fish or eggs will decay if left unnoticed and can cause an ammonia spike. Remove any dead trout, make sure to thoroughly check the tank (including under gravel and in the filter). Check ammonia levels and do a 15-20% water change. 

Unfortunately, the answer is no. It takes several months of coordination to get the trout eggs and there is a short window in which schools will receive them. There just isn't time to get a class more eggs if theirs die.