First stage

[Deep Lurker]

This is what I have so far-
type: CHOP
Tanks: Stock tank=100gal Rubbermaid stock tank, sump=100gal Rubbermaid stock tank,
Growbeds: 4'x3'x1' 60g Aquaponics Sorce growbed w/ bell siphon, media=3/4" gravel.
Plumbing: Rio Pro+ 1100 pump (in sump)
Livestock: one lonely crayfish

The system has been running since September, the plan being to let it run over the fall and winter to give it plenty of time to cycle. There where about a dozen crayfish but I grossly underestimated the raccoon population and neglected to make a cover.

[Deep Lurker]

The simplest way (maybe not best) way to get tilapia is to go to one of the big Asian markets where they sell them live with a cooler. Have em get the smallest ones, may take a bit of explaining. I'v heard of several people doing this. Hell some places have live catfish too.

I know there are lots of private ponds loaded with the appropriate kinds of  fish but finding ones willing to do so is the trick as its sorta shady in the eyes of the state.

this is the site of the only state certified fish farm that has anything but trout. http://catfishandbass.com/ You also need a permit to transport/ stock fish from the state. The fish farm won't sell to you without one. On the up side they probably wont charge yo the $25 fee if you tell em its for a backyard aquaponics setup.

[Dominic Ebacher]

Nice work.  I am actively following your adventures about where to acquire fish - as I am in Bremerton and looking for a supplier of Tilapia or catfish as well.  I know a guy in Sequim who has a pond full of catfish, if that helps.  He got fry many years ago, and they've just been growing ever since, huge now.  Its the guy who owns the wildlife park there, if you're familiar with it.

[George]

Yeah but the raccoons sure did enjoy it.  Are you using native crayfish?