Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Hey there. I just signed up for the forum. I have grown using hydroponics in the past and was blown away by the idea of having plants fed by fish lol.

I am interested in growing catfish and crawfish and probably some peppers or leafy veggies.

I have been searching google and have not been able to figure out where to get fish that I can use.

Where have all you guys gotten your fish?

I live in the san fernando valley in Los Angeles. Any help is appreciated. Thanks!

I recommend searching for fish farms in your state and you may be limited to species that are allowed by your state's regulations.

However I think Catfish are allowed in California.
here is one of the first listings that came up when I googled california fish farms
http://centralvalleyaquafarm.com/

I recommend fishless cycling before you get your fish though.
http://www.aquaponiclynx.com/fishless-cycling

Yeah I'm familiar with plants, so that's not a problem. the fish and game website gave me a list of hatcheries but they're only trout

are there any websites that ship catfish?

Oh this is also a small scale thing.

Here, this may help...

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/59256860/Public%20Aquaculture%20List%20Report.pdf

Another great source is Asian markets - bring a cooler, they almost all sell live catfish & tilapia. Look for (or Google) a 99 Ranch store near you.

99 ranch's sell live fish?!?! gotta give em a call or just go there lol thanks

I posted an old copy of the DFG Aquaculture Report (apparently there is no way to edit posts here?)

Here is the current version:

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/59256860/Public%20Aquaculture%20List%20Report-2.pdf

You can edit posts, but you currently have a time limit in which to do it.

also...

Does anybody know where to get redclaw crawfish in southern california? or any vendors who will ship?

stick fin farms out of florida ships redclaw crayfish

Catfish are illegal to import into California, last I read, due to channel catfish virus. As for the crawfish, I would check an Asian seafood market, sometimes they sell live crawfish. Tilapia is going to be the easiest to aquire in SoCal. You could also try bass, but they take a long time to grow out.

oh thanks for the info!