Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

I forgot to mention that you have two premium Koi breeders there in S. CA, worth looking up, google California Koi Breeders, one has a parent branch in Japan.

You have a great climate for aquaculture on all scales, myself now I want the aquaponics, more in less space. Carp have one of the best growth rates of any selectively bred fish, the German Mirror Carp was one such, carp do respond well to growth selection so Koi should do, but, there has been a reverse selection, for many years breeders have selected stock from moderate sized fish with color the primary factor selected, but, that said, the maturation rate is similar, its the tapering off in growth rate that counts, you can still grow koi culls out economically for food.

I checked with a friend in N San Diego who has a large aquarium shop and he says the local oriental fish market does stock any size carp that they can raise.

Sorry I disappeared for a bit but things have been a little crazy for me, had to get my living situation figured out and I am finally on my way! Thanks again to everyone so much for all the helpful advice, based on everyone's advice I decided to build a greenhouse in my backyard and I think I will be going for tilapia to start out with at least as they seem to be the hardiest and have the most information on them. Also, because it will be relatively easy for me to source them. I also hope to try freshwater shrimp and hope that because of the greenhouse I will be able to maintain high enough temperatures for them. I just finished the frame of my greenhouse today, I'll post pictures later tonight or maybe tomorrow. I guess it's time to start my system thread...

Naturalmagic,
Sounds like things are starting to get rolling. Good luck with your project. I'm sure you'll have a lot of fun with it!