Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Hi, I'm starting a system and an using a tote for the fish tank. I'm an having a hard time choosing the right fish to start offs with. Tilapia sound good as they are hearty and spawn well, but I'm not sure if they can handle the winter (I'm in the la verne area). Silver perch should do fine in the weather, not sure if they will spawn our grow quick enough. Maybe blue gill out some other fish would be better. Anyone from the area want to weigh in?r

Good morning hig,

I can't answer your question because I haven't successfully run my system yet (I'm just now getting ready to introduce my fish). What I can tell you is that I intend to raise Tilapia as well and am looking into acquiring a heater for maintaining water temps through the winter. We live relatively close to one and other, so maybe it makes sense for us to stay in touch and keep each other posted with what works and/or doesn't.

If you are interested, let me know. You can pm me, or simply reply to this thread.

Mike

I have my system cycled with a fair number of plants growing in Ventura County, CA, but have not yet introduced fish. I want to get catfish, but so far, I have not been able to find any source of fish, catfish or otherwise. Anybody have any ideas?

Catfish are tricky. The channel catfish virus makes transportation of live catfish a legal issue.

Through research, I think blue tilapia is the path for me