or at least 2 more of those 110 gallon tanks. If you are going to be raising fish for food, you will need multiple tanks for different sized fish and different stocking densities. The larger the tank the more stable the environment and the easier the management.

Thanks for your input stanofh and Nil13. I thought of raising only a few at a time since I am not really a meat/fish eater, but planned on passing whatever I raised to my family. With your input, I realize that either there's need for a larger pond or additional small ones to keep smaller fish away from the larger. I'll think about it some more, thanks.

With the cost of high electricity and water (especially during a drought) in CA, raising fish here to eat is not very cost effective. And unless your pond is at least 4.5 feet deep you will also be feeding the local raccoons and herons.

If you're worried about poorly raised or contaminated fish, better choice would be to buy from a reliable source that knows where their fish comes from. Many organic grocery stores or good fish mongers would be where to buy.

Probably more cost effective to raise chickens. At least they breath air. ;)

Thanks BarbJP. I realize it might not be cost effective to raise a few fish, but got excited to try something new. I assumed it would not be as expensive as all the plants I've bought and lost or the fruit trees I have, but this year got nothing (fruit) in return because of squirrels and whatever else ate them. I've had chickens going back to 1999, but now have two left and won't be replacing once they're gone. With these two, the few eggs I get are not worth the feed, hay, etc., especially when one is always going broody so there are no eggs.

I like your honesty Eloise!