Thanks for the link on the earth worm farm.

It is my understanding that it is against the law to take fish from the wild and grow them at home. I had to get approval from one of the ministries when I was thinking about having my 215 gallon tank done up with native fish. Seems strange when you are allowed to fish but not keep them at home.

There are several types that you can have at home that are in other countries a regular eating fish such as Pacu.

Thanks for the link on the earth worm farm.

It is my understanding that it is against the law to take fish from the wild and grow them at home. I had to get approval from one of the ministries when I was thinking about having my 215 gallon tank done up with native fish. Seems strange when you are allowed to fish but not keep them at home.

There are several types that you can have at home that are in other countries a regular eating fish such as Pacu.

Good point however how would the ministry ever know about a fish barrel? Especially on a rural property.

I guess it depends on your neighbors. Most fish do not get big enough, fast enough to eat however I watched a documentary about someone that turned a swimming pool into a fish pond. They ate fish every day. Sorry but I can't remember what type of fish it was.

The pool fish pond is an interesting concept and would certainly yield respectable sized fish. When it comes to a barrel, even if the fish do not grow that big they could still be used for bait, making soup, stock, fertilizer or dog feed and the really small fish could be pan fried or roasted and eaten bones and all. Tilapia has been known to reach 6-8 inches in a matter of months in a barrel which would give you enough to fillet. I also read that a 55 gallon barrel can support 12 or more breeding adults + offspring. They thrive in confined space. The only thing about barrel raising is that you would have to move the barrel indoors during the winter and make sure it gets enough light. Not sure if Tilapia can handle any cold.

Really interested to hear from anyone that is doing this in Canada.

I don't know about the barrel idea, but I'm thinking about a deep enough dug-out for fish on the farm. A dozen years ago i went fishing on a freinds property who have several dug-outs with fish. 3 dug outs, with 3 different type of fish. It was my understanding that you can purchase minnows from a licensed fish farm to raise for sale or consumption.

PrepNow, I don't know where in Canada but I have a couple 20 gallon tank setups that you are welcome to for free. No stand but I think I have lights, filters for both of them.

I don't know about the barrel idea, but I'm thinking about a deep enough dug-out for fish on the farm. A dozen years ago i went fishing on a freinds property who have several dug-outs with fish. 3 dug outs, with 3 different type of fish. It was my understanding that you can purchase minnows from a licensed fish farm to raise for sale or consumption.

Do you remember what types of fish he was breeding?

PrepNow, I don't know where in Canada but I have a couple 20 gallon tank setups that you are welcome to for free. No stand but I think I have lights, filters for both of them.

Thank you, that is very kind of you to offer oldschool. But an indoor type tank set up is not really what I was looking for. The pumps might be of use though. I am really curious as to what kind of first hand results anyone has gotten in plastic rain-barrels. What type of fish they used and how big they grew etc.

I'm thinking I might just have to catch some minnows myself and use some trial and error on this one.

Sorry but the type of pumps that I have won't work on a round object. Pond pumps are not that cheap...the good ones anyway. You may try Kijiji to see if there is a cheap one. I think the tilapia was the type of fish the guy had in his pool.

Would love to know how this turns out for you.

Sorry, one more thought...I once had a neighbor that used a kiddie pool for carp. That may work as well.

Sorry but the type of pumps that I have won't work on a round object. Pond pumps are not that cheap...the good ones anyway. You may try Kijiji to see if there is a cheap one. I think the tilapia was the type of fish the guy had in his pool.

Would love to know how this turns out for you.

Sorry, one more thought...I once had a neighbor that used a kiddie pool for carp. That may work as well.

Thankfully, I would not need an expensive pond pump. A small air pump for a 55 gallon fish tank drawing less than 10 watts can be picked up for around 20 bucks at any pet store. Put an air stone on the end of a tube, drop it to the bottom of the barrel and voila, oxygen.

I have read that Tilapia are great confined space fish but I also heard that they don't do well in temperatures of 8-9 degrees or less. I'm thinking trout or perch might be the way to go in Ontario.

Next time I'm up north I'll throw my minnow trap in and see what I get.

Do you remember what types of fish he was breeding?

One was a rainbow trout, another was a grayling ( spelling?), and not sure about the third pond.

Do you remember what types of fish he was breeding?

One was a rainbow trout, another was a grayling ( spelling?), and not sure about the third pond.

Thanks. I'm starting to think that trout would be the way to go. Grayling is a really nice fish to eat but I don't think I would find too many in South or Central Ontario.

Here, these folks just posted on my blog today, I looked them up and Goldmine ..

http://aquaponicfamily.wordpress.com/
Our adventure into the world of aquaponic gardening

they do it, they live it, very cool and informative blog so far, LOTS of PICS ... lots.. and lots..

Here is a small scale aquaponics system
http://www.instructables.com/id/Build-a-vertical-aquaponic-veggie-fish-farm-for-/

uses a few barrels give you salad as well