Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

newbie here. local fisheries/ suppliers are telling me that i've missed the season, check back in the spring. I don't want to wait. It occurred to me that live bait shops might have some species that I can practice on (keeping the water clean, nitrite levels, temperature, etc).

is there any young bait shop type fish that also grow to become edible for humans, not just food for other fish? I am in Ontario, canada.

You are heading into your winter over there, it's probably going to be an issue... unless you are going to be heating the water or running your system indoors.

indoors (bsmt) in a barrel

look for bluegill.. they're pretty tough.. you might be able to find a pond owner or supplier nearby
yellow perch are nice too.. but if you can't find any game fish, you could always use ornamentals
i began cycling my first system with minnows, which became fish food when i added bluegill and yellow perch

double post..

I am in Canada also, and some friends of ours have a small decorative pond about 3 feet deep, in their backyard.
It is never heated, even when the air temperature is -20C in the winter.
They have goldfish in it, and the fish survive the winter just fine, under the water.

you are sure was under the water

cheers

This is a little late but sucker minnows would work, they can grow to 2 pounds and are sold in bait shops (here in Minnesota anyway).