Aquaponic Systems Catalog

Nelson and Pade, Inc. offers proven Clear Flow Aquaponic Systems™ for all applications including:

  • Hobby
  • Home food production
  • Education
  • Commercial and research

The Clear Flow Aquaponic Systems™ design produces higher quality fish and vegetables with increased production over other systems. The unique Side-Stream Mineralization™ increases nutrient availability while eliminating fish waste from the grow bed. By purchasing one of Nelson and Pade, Inc.'s Aquaponic Systems, you will avoid the high costs and problems associated with untested systems and home-built efforts. Nelson and Pade, Inc. offers a diverse mix of systems to meet a variety of budget, space and production requirements. All of the systems have been designed around proven concepts, equipment and fish to plant ratios.

Read this first You can be successful in aquaponics if...

All of Nelson and Pade, Inc.'s Clear Flow Aquaponic Systems™ use the raft method, which is a proven method of aquaponic growing. The raft method is the most dependable and productive method of aquaponic growing and has over 25 years of research, demonstration and application. Each model listed below uses 4 fish tanks, stands for tanks, clarifier(s), mineralization tank(s), degassing tank, sump tank, pH tank and raft tank(s). Each of these components is sized and designed to provide maximum production, the best ratios, water flow, water quality and nutrient dynamics. Components are made of high quality, food-grade materials.

Each model uses the same proven design, just in a different size. Packages include the above components, plus water pump, air blower and aeration system, plumbing parts, detailed assembly and operation manuals, plus more. See below.

All of the aquaponic systems are listed below in a grid that shows estimated production levels, footprint & cost.

Complete Systems Include

  • Fish tanks
  • Fish tank stand pipes
  • Tank stands
  • Clarifier(s)
  • Mineralization tank(s)
  • Degassing tank
  • Raft tank(s) (rigid poly or frame and liner)
  • Rafts
  • Sump tank(s)
  • Float valve
  • pH correction tank
  • Air blower
  • Air distribution lines
  • Air diffusers for fish tanks, raft tanks and degassing tank
  • Water pump
  • Water plumbing and all PVC parts
  • Tank drains
  • Starter pack of rockwool cubes for planting
  • Detailed assembly and operation manual
  • Aquaponic Food Production Book, Intro to Aquaponics DVD
  • E-mail tech support on system installation

Kits

For a lower cost option, we offer the main system components as a kit. Kits require you to buy all of the PVC plumbing components locally, build the raft tank stands (or frames), build some or all of the fish and filter tank stands (depends on which kit you buy). In some cases, you can use cement blocks for the fish tank and raft tank stands.

If you buy a kit, you save on the equipment costs and on the freight.

The kits are intended for people who are quite handy and are familiar with building, plumbing and using hand tools. They are ideal for people who want to do their own floor plan layout.

Kits come with an assembly and operation manual and email tech support. They do not include PVC pipe or parts, or tank stands.

Optional Equipment

Once assembled properly, these systems are fully functional. There is, however, optional equipment that can increase performance.

  • Optional Equipment Descriptions
  • Optional Equipment Costs

Cost Guides*

Prices subject to change. All prices listed in US Dollars. Cost is for the complete system as described. Actual cost might vary based on individual customer's needs. Cost does not include optional equipment, growing supplies, freight, crating charge, installation or sales tax. Some materials, such as lumber, cement blocks, lengths of PVC pipe need to be purchased locally.

Approximate footprint*

This is the space needed for the system to be set up, with extra space for working and moving around (approximately 4' on each side).

Estimated number of lettuce heads per year*

We have used lettuce as an example because it is commonly grown in aquaponics. Most herb varieties such as basil, chives and cilantro, can be grown using the same plant spacing. Other crops, such as tomatoes, egg plant, melons, beans, cucumbers, etc., can be grown using the appropriate plant spacing. Estimated pounds of fish is based on raising Nile Tilapia, under optimum conditions.

High intensity plant lights can increase lettuce production by up to 40%. The cost and number of lights required are listed on the optional equipment costs page.

Other Details

Skills and Tools Required

The complete system packages arrive in many individual parts that need to be assembled. You will need to follow the directions in the assembly and operation manuals. You will need to cut and glue PVC pipe, drill holes and assemble components. The kits require all of the above, plus you have to build the tank stands.

Electrical and water requirements

You will need a continuous supply of electricity and a source of fresh, de-chlorinated water.

Need a greenhouse?

Providing the proper environment for your plants will greatly increase productivity. A greenhouse is beneficial in every climate, even the tropics. A greenhouse is required anyplace that you do not have an environment compatible with your fish or plants. Nelson and Pade, Inc. works with several greenhouse manufactures who can supply a greenhouse that meets your needs based on you climate, crop and budget.

  • History and development of these systems
  • Order Placement Details
  • Optional Equipment
  • Financing Info