Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Hello, I am new to the forum and to the culture so I may ask newbie questions because... well.... I am a newbie.

I am planning an aquaponics system and have really liked what I have read about the Silver Perch. I have done a search for suppliers and can only find them down under. here are my questions;

Are there any U.S. sources?

If not then can they be imported without red tape?

If not then are ther similar alternatives that I can get here in the States?

The only perch I am aware of in the US is yellow perch. It's a good eating fish, and is raised to some degree in commercial aquaculture. It more difficult to raise than some other choices like tilapia. John (Gotfish) is doing yellow perch in Illinois and could perhaps give an update on his progress with them.

I'm sure that the red tape and expense of importing silver perch from Au is going to be prohibitive. I have been costing out shipping a box of live fish within the US, and am getting quotes in the range of $100 just to ship. The price of the actual fish is on top of that. Even assuming you could get through the red tape, the cost of getting silver perch into the US at the scale that we work is going to be much too expensive.

I would explore the options you have that are more cost effective. See if there is a hatchery near you that could supply yellow perch or some of the other natives such as sunfish, catfish, trout or bass. Decide whether you want to heat the water or not. And most importantly, if you are raising fish to eat, do a taste-test first! I decided against catfish for that reason. Many people love to eat catfish. Husband and I have other preferences. I was interested in doing yellow perch, but like tilapia, too. I'm currently trying to obtain tilapia, including broodstock. My system is indoors, so heat is less of a problem.

Ask all the questions you like. We like to bring people over to the Dark Side....er....help them discover the joys of Aquaponics. Welcome!!!

Welcome John, I'm sure you'll find a local substitute. As Janet said, import costs would probably be exorbitant. You would end up having to grow 50lbs of basil to pay for each one!

Welcome John, I suggest sticking with a local fish if you can less problems with local laws. You should be able to check out your states allowed fishies on the web, read up see whats allowed to be sold, purchased etc. I am attempting Yellow Perch and have about 31 remaining of the original 50 I purchased. I would not recomend them to start with. As Janet has said try to keep it cost effective for your setup.
What type of system are you planning?

Not only that, there is a chance that an imported fish could become invasive - like the zebra mussel (great lakes), the mosquito fish(everywhere) or the tree octopus(seattle) already have.

Hi Janetpelletier,

With your system being indoors, do your plants get enough light to grow?

In my case my aquarium is so located that there is not enough light coming in to enable plants to grow well. And I don't want to spend on artificial lighting.

Regards,
Robert

John, I am planning a flood and drain system in a 12 X 24 greenhouse much like yours. I would love to do the YPs but I am afraid to start there. I love the taste of the Yellow Perch but am afraid that I would have too many "newbie" kills. Talapia are probably more suited to my skills( or lack thereof) but I am not excited about the flavor or lack thereof.

I loved reading about your system and your Perch. I will post similarly when we break ground. I am re-thinking some things based on what you have experienced.

John you may as well start a system thread for your self and post your system designs, thoughts so everyone can get involved as you plan.
Best of luck for sure.

Hi Robert,
Although I have a large bank of windows, I am having problems with light. Part of it is that we are in the shortest days of winter now. I have removed the screens from the windows, and cut down a huge vine that was blocking morning light. I am trying a variety of plants to find those that appreciate the light I can give. My best ones so far are wasabi and snow peas. Bok choy is next best. Lettuce, beets and radishes are leggy.

John,
I too would like to do yellow perch, but became cautious after John GotFish's experience. I'm still tempted to try them if I can convince my father to adopt my planned tilapia broodstock. (Need more tanks. Sigh.) There's a place about an hour away that I could get yellow perch or other native fingerlings.

Check with your state's aquaculture department. Tilapia in Idaho would probably not be a big issue with invasive fish, since they wouldn't survive in Idaho waters (too cold). On the other hand, if you were to try a colder water fish, like trout, then you would have difficulty with the bacteria. They like warmer water to operate at peak efficiency. Goldfish/Koi aren't as good for eating (there are people/places where this is common, but I wouldn't be too excited about it), in NC, perch, bluegill & sumfish are used, you can also grow bass and trout. Tilapia actually require special permission, in anything other than an indoor aquarium.

Hi John:
Bluegill and minnows would be interesting if you don't want to try YP; or, it is very easy to start with goldfish. If you kill some just take a day's lunch money to the pet store and re-stock the whole system.

Poor under loved Gold fish.

I like the idea of raising little sushi bits for whatever will eventually populate the tanks.

I am seriously considering the advice to build my own greenhouse also.

I don't want to be guilty of hijacking my own thread so I will post more about the greenhouse in the appropriate place.