I am considering starting some small-scale Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) in my basement.

I have multiple species of fish and minnows in the creek at our property and would like to raise some in tanks to observe their breeding requirements and fecundity. If I find some good candidates, then I might try to start them in tanks, then stock some small forage ponds at our property.

I also might try to over-winter tilapia and then start them each spring in a warm shallow forage pond. (Plus many other "crazy" projects that I might attempt.)

Can anyone suggest a good introductory book or resource for someone just starting out?

I do have floor drains in our basement, but the stairway is too narrow to utilize large tanks (such as a 275-gallon tote).

If I can't go "big", should I just do what I can utilizing standard aquarium ecology?

Thanks for any help or suggestions,
FishinRod