Aquaponic Systems Catalog

Successful Operation

Aquaponics is a viable method of organic, sustainable food production.  The technology has been proven and applied at a variety of locations around the world.  People are successfully using aquaponics to grow food for their families and for profit.  You can find aquaponic systems of all sizes - from backyard hobbyists to educational systems to large-scale commercial operations.  Many people are interested in pursuing aquaponics as the industry grows and the technology becomes more well known. 

You Can Be Successful Operating
an Aquaponic System
If...

you can raise plants or fish with success.
People who are successful in aquaponics usually have an interest and aptitude for raising plants and/or fish.  If you've had a garden or aquarium (or have experience in hydroponics or commercial fish farming) and your plants and fish consistently did well, then you will probably be successful with aquaponics.  The information on the daily operation can be learned, but if you don't have a green (or blue) thumb, you will be at a disadvantage. 

you are willing to follow directions.
All of the aquaponic systems from Nelson and Pade, Inc. have been designed following proven ratios and methods and they come with detailed assembly and operation manuals.  It is important that you study and understand the information in these manuals before assembling your system.  Getting it right the first time will save you money, time and stress later on.

you know when to ask for help.
A farmer calls a veterinarian when there is a problem with the animals on the farm; a business owner calls an accountant when preparing tax filings; an individual calls a lawyer when they need legal advice.  An aquaponic grower needs to build a network of people who are familiar with aquaponics, aquaculture, hydroponics, pest and disease identification and business management.  When a problem arises, a grower should pursue information that will provide a resolution.  Aquaponics is a young industry and no one person, company or University has an answer to every question that will present itself. 

you (or someone) is there to observe the fish & plants.
The daily operation of an aquaponic system is fairly simple but it is important that you observe the health of the fish and plants often.  For best growth results, the fish need to be fed several times per day and this provides a good opportunity to visually inspect the system, the water flow, the aeration and the plants.  Aquaponics is not hard work, but it does require vigilance and regular monitoring.  If you can't be there, then you need to make arrangements for someone else to be.

you are meticulous, detail oriented and organized.
It is important to keep records of your water quality, fish stocking, plant seeding and harvesting.  Providing the proper environment is as important as providing food to the fish and it takes organization and monitoring to achieve this.  No matter how automated your system might be, it is important that a human is involved to interpret test results and manipulate environmental control equipment, as needed.

you don't re-invent the wheel.
Experimentation, research and development are all essential to the advancement of any technology.  But, it is a waste of time and money to duplicate efforts that have already been done.  There are designs, methods, ratios and techniques that have been refined over many years.  Look to this information and data first and then build on it.  You can help the aquaponic industry advance by expanding the knowledge base vertically rather than horizontally.

you are willing to continue learning.
Aquaponics technology will continue to be refined.  There are numerous courses on aquaponics offered by organizations, Universities and businesses.  We highly recommend that you take courses and follow the latest developments in the industry.  This will help you become a better grower and to produce a higher quality product. For a list of learning opportunities, visit the Aquaponics Journal workshop and course list.

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Call us at 608-297-8708 or email to discuss you project.