School Systems

Nelson and Pade, Inc.® works with schools and Universities around the world, supplying our Clear Flow Aquaponic Systems® for schools, education and research. Currently, we have shipped systems to hundreds of schools and Universities in the United States and over 30 countries. Aquaponics in schools is a primary goal of Nelson and Pade Inc.® We provide assistance, documentation, curriculums and grower support so that educators can focus on what matters…successfully implementing an aquaponics program to educate their students.

Aquaponics in Schools Aquaponics is an excellent means of demonstrating many principles of science, agriculture, math and business in all grade levels and for home schooling. Applications of these technologies are only limited by ones imagination. The concept of interdisciplinary education shines when it comes to aquaponics in schools. In addition to the plant sciences, aquaponics incorporates and demonstrates many of natures natural cycles, nitrification, biology, fish anatomy and nutrition and high-tech agriculture. A unit in aquaponics enforces practical uses of chemistry, mathematics, physics, economics and engineering. The monitoring and care of an aquaponic system by students helps instill a sense of responsibility, inspires creativity and creates excitement in the learning environment. A unit in aquaponics can be started at the beginning of a semester and run through the entire semester, allowing the educator to present the individual concepts and lessons as the plants and fish develop and grow.

Aquaponics in Universities Nelson and Pade, Inc.® is the leader in launching aquaponics in Universities by supplying aquaponic systems and training programs to Universities around the world. 

Additionally, Nelson and Pade, Inc.® has provided science-based, proven aquaponic systems to the University of the Virgin Islands, University of Malaysia, University of Minnesota, Johns Hopkins, Sustainability and Wellness program, Acadia University, Flagler College Enactus, JSC University, University of Hawaii, University of Massachusetts, Shepard’s College, Lakeland College, San Diego State University, Embry Riddle University, University of Greenwich-London, and many more. For aquaponics at your University, contact Nelson and Pade, Inc.® to discuss how we can assist you in advancing your aquaponics program.

FREE Aquaponics Curriculum Package to all schools who order a Clear Flow Aquaponic System®

Dean Longhofer, Flagler College Enactus, comments: “We acquired the system early this year and already we are seeing tremendous results. We chose a Nelson and Pade system because it was highly recommended for its efficiency and its quality. This system has taught Flagler College and Flagler College Enactus the science of aquaponics through its hands-on experience. Because Nelson and Pade takes time to create high quality products, we were able to produce high quality plants.”

What is Aquaponics?

Contact us for more information


Four Great Systems for Schools and Universities

Small Fry Aquaponic Systems
F5 Classroom Aquaponic System
School Garden
School Garden PLUS
Small Fry Aquaponic Systems

Looking for a great little aquaponic system to raise fish and plants in a classroom or at home? 

You’ve found it! 

Small Fry Aquaponic Systems

Available in 3 Sizes!

Small Fry Aquaponic Systems

 

These easy-to-operate aquaponic systems require minimal maintenance.  Just feed the fish, seed and harvest the plants and maintain the filter.

Fun – Easy – Safe

With an 18-gallon fish tank, this system is a dynamo producer that takes up very little space.  The small size makes it ideal for a classroom or as a food-producing attraction in your kitchen or home.  The rotating, circular plant bed creates a beautiful, dynamic growing environment.

The Small Fry is aesthetically pleasing, easy to assemble and ready to GROW!


Small Fry 1Small fry Aquaponic System

Specs:

  • The maximum footprint for the whole system is no larger than 32” x 32”. 
  • 18 gallon fish tank
  • 1 Circular Plant Tank with rotating plant rafts; 12 plant sites

 

System Includes:

  • Fish and filter tanks; filter system
  • Hand-crafted wooden stand
  • Circular plant raft tank and plant raft with 12 plant sites
  • Water pump, valves and all plumbing
  • Starter Pack of fish food
  • 50-1″ grow cubes
  • 4-seed packs (bibb lettuce, leaf lettuce, basil, green beans)
  • Fish Net
  • LED Plant Grow Lights (ideal for supplemental light)
  • 5-in-1 Test Strips (100) and Ammonia Test Strips (25)
  • Detailed assembly and operation manuals and the Aquaponic Food Production Book
  • Registration to the online Introduction to Aquaponics Course

Price: $1,995

Order a Small Fry NOW


Small Fry 2small fry aquaponic system

Specs:

  • The maximum footprint for the whole system is no larger than 32” x 32”.
  • 18 gallon fish tank
  • 1 Circular Plant Tank with rotating plant rafts; 12 plant sites,

System Includes:

  • Everything in the Small Fry 1, PLUS:
  • Fish Tank window kit, installed
  • Fish Tank Light
  • Fish Tank Heater
  • Aeration Kit
  • Water Exchange Kit
  • Test Strips are replaced with LaMotte Aquaponics Test Kit (Test pH, Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrate,  Iron, Alkalinity, Dissolved Oxygen)
  • Registration to the online Aquaponics 101 course

Price: $2,995

Order a Small Fry NOW


Small Fry 3Small Fry 3 Aquaponic System

Specs:

  • The fish and filter tanks sit in a 32” x 32” space. 
  • The 3 circulating plant tanks sit above the fish and filter tanks, in a 96″ x 96″ space. 
  • 18 gallon fish tank
  • 3 Circular Plant Tanks with rotating plant rafts; each has 12 plant sites, for a total of 36 plant sites

System Includes:

  • Everything in the Small Fry 2, PLUS:
  • 2 Additional Circular Plant Tanks with rotating plant rafts
  • Frames to support the additional Plant Tanks, with shelves
  • 2 Additional LED Plant Grow Lights
  • Registration to the online Aquaponics Daily Operations Course

Price: $3,995

Order a Small Fry NOW

F5 Classroom Aquaponic System

F5 Classroom Aquaponic SystemF5 aquaponc system

The F-5 (Fantastically Fun Fresh Food Factory) Classroom Aquaponic System is a fantastic system for the beginner or anyone who wants to set up a small but highly productive aquaponic system. An F-5 can annually produce 110 lbs of fish and 900-1,440 heads of lettuce, other leafy crops or a variety of vegetables such as tomatoes, beans, cucumbers and more. The F5 is a great system an ideal classroom aquaponic system.

  • Vegetable Production:
    • 900 – 1,440 heads of lettuce/year (or other vegetables)
  • Fish Production:
    • 110 lbs of fish/year
  • System Dimensions:
    • 6′ x 16′ = 96 sq. ft.
  • Suggested total area indoors or greenhouse:
    • 12′ x 20′ = 240 sq. ft.
  • Estimated Labor/day
    • 1/2 – 1 hour/day
  • Electrical Requirements:
    • 2.4 amps 120V, 24/7
    • Grow Lights, optional, max: HID 1000 watts -or- LED 750 watts
  • System Configuration:
    • 1-100 gal fish tank, all filter tanks and pumps, 2-4′ x 6′ raft tanks
    • also available in a 1-raft tank version
  • F5 Cost:
    • $6,495 (price does not include options, palleting fee or shipping)

Request an Order Form Ask About Special Offers!

School Garden

School GardenHome-Garden aquaponic system

The School Garden is a great teaching tool for K-12 and beyond.  It is highly productive, growing over 200 lbs of fish and 1,350—2,160 heads of lettuce or lots of other fresh veggies every year. The School Garden is a classic aquaponic raft system that in which you can grow a variety of crops - tomatoes, beans, cucumbers, and more!

  • Vegetable Production:
    • 1,350 – 2,160 heads of lettuce/year (or other vegetables)
  • Fish Production:
    • 215 lbs of fish/year
  • System Dimensions:
    • 10\\'6"′ x 28′ = 294 sq. ft.
  • Suggested total area indoors or greenhouse:
    • 12′ x 36′ = 432 sq. ft.
  • Estimated Labor/day:
    • 1-2 hours
  • Electrical Requirements:
    • 2.4 amps 120V, 24/7
    • Grow Lights, optional, max: HID 2,000 watts -or- LED 1,500 watts
  • System Configuration:
    • 2 – 100 gal fish tanks, all filter tanks and pumps, 3 – 4′ x 6′ raft tanks
  • School Garden Cost:
    • $12,395 (price does not include options, palleting fee or shipping)

Request an Order Form  Ask About Special Offers!

School Garden PLUS

School Garden PLUSFamily Plus aquaponic syste

Step up your educational impact and food production with The School Garden PLUS. It is twice as big as the School Garden! It can annually produce 460 lbs. of fish and 2,700 - 4,860 heads of lettuce (or other vegetables).

  • Vegetable Production:
    • 2,700 – 4,860 heads of lettuce/year (or other vegetables)
  • Fish Production:
    • 460 lbs of fish
  • System Dimensions:
    • 11′ x 40′ = 440 sq. ft
  • Suggested total area indoors or greenhouse:
    • 18′ x 48′ = 864 sq. ft.
    • 2 – 3 hours
  • Electrical Requirements:
    • 2.8 amps 120V, 24/7
    • Grow Lights, optional, max: HID 3,000 watts -or- LED 2,300 watts
  • System Configuration:
    • 4 – 100 gal fish tanks, all filter tanks and pumps, 6 – 4′ x 6′ raft tanks
  • School Garden PLUS Cost:
    • $16,969 (price does not include options, palleting fee or shipping)

Request an Order Form  Ask About Special Offers!


F5, School Garden and School Garden PLUS Systems Include:
Fish tank(s) with pre-drilled holes Heated seed germination kit
Filter tanks with pre-drilled holes Fish net
Raft tanks Thermometer
Water pump Net covers for fish tanks
Plumbing parts: PVC-straight pipe, elbows, tees,
unions, Uni-Seals, valves
Air blower/pump and aeration components
Stands for fish, tanks, filter tanks and raft tanks. 
Stands include pre-cut wood, hardware and assembly instructions.
Stands are un-assembled.
Documentation and Educational Materials

  • Detailed assembly manual
  • Detailed operation manual
  • Standard Operating Procedures
  • Book: Aquaponic Food Production
  • Aquaponics Curriculum Package

Optional:


Not Included with system:

  • System Assembly
  • Palletizing fee, freight and any other fees or costs related to the shipment of your system
  • Optional equipment, supplies, services or training listed on the order form or website. These are all available at an additional cost.
  • Plumbing connection from your incoming water source to the system automatic fill valve.
  • Plumbing from the system drain to your drain.
  • Plant rafts – Safe for food contact

Note: All system plumbing is for our standard system configuration. Any modification to the standard configuration will require additional plumbing parts that are not included


Greenhouses for Aquaponics and Indoor Farming

Contact us to learn more


Optional Equipment We offer all of the supplies you need to keep you system running…fish food, grow cubes, pest controls, etc

Aquaponics Store

Nelson and Pade Grower Support Program

The Nelson and Pade Grower Support Program helps aquaponic growers get off to a great start, with proven technical support and continuous access to the leaders of the industry, valuable information and direct access to over 30 years of experience and success. The Nelson and Pade Grower Support Program is available, for an additional fee, to aquaponic growers using Nelson and Pade, Inc.® Clear Flow Aquaponic Systems®.
Nelson and Pade Grower Support Program

Learn more Attend our Aquaponics Master Class®.

 


Questions?

School and University Systems

Yes! It is included FREE with the purchase of a Nelson and Pade® Clear Flow Aquaponic System®
Yes, we supply detailed instructions in the assembly manual. If you are not handy with tools and basic assembly, we suggest that you enlist the help of someone who is.
Our School and University Systems are designed for and intended to grow a combination of garden crops, such as lettuce, greens, herbs, beans, peas, cucumbers, peppers, cabbage, broccoli and more. You should grow what you will best suit your needs in education and research. The fish can be tilapia, blue gill, koi, goldfish or another fresh water fish that does well at 74℉.
A controlled environment greenhouse is ideal, but not a necessity for a school or university system. Most schools put these systems right in a classroom or a wet lab. One school even put it in an abandoned locker room! Just keep in mind that you’ll need fresh water, drains, electricity and grow lights if growing indoors. If you have a greenhouse, or a budget for a greenhouse, that is a great choice.

General Questions

Place your order, receive the shipment, assemble the system, add fish, add plants. Buying our system eliminates the need to invent and design a system, find and order the fish tanks, filter tanks, raft tanks, plumbing parts, water pump and aeration system. It all comes as one science-based, proven system with easy to understand assembly and operation manuals, developed by Nelson and Pade, Inc.® who have a longer history and more experience in designing, building, operating and refining aquaponic systems than any other company.
Nelson and Pade, Inc.® believes that success in aquaponics comes with a science-based system, proper training and tech support and we offer all three. For people in the knowledge-gaining process, we offer a variety of learning opportunities. We also offer our Nelson and Pade Grower Program.
By following our assembly manual and using our Assembly Guidance Service, you can successfully build the system yourself. Or, if you are not handy, it is most cost effective to hire someone locally to help. Assembly Guidance is provided as part of the Nelson and Pade Grower Support Program, which is available for purchase with all systems.
Most new growers enroll in our Grower Support Program so that they have easy access to our support staff throughout the year. Learn about the Nelson and Pade Grower Program.
Nelson and Pade, Inc.® is known around the world as the leader in aquaponics education. Check out our leaning opportunities!
We have designed these highly productive systems, sourced the parts, written the manuals, built and packaged the systems for you. We use very high quality components, water pumps and air blowers and we use food grade tanks, liners and plumbing to keep your crops and you safe. If you sourced out equivalent quality parts, you would spend just as much or more, but not have our designs, our 20+ years’ experience available to you, our assembly, operation, SOP and GAP manuals, or our tech support. When you look at the quality and longevity of the materials, the design, manuals and support we offer and the production and ROI Clear Flow Aquaponic Systems® provide, you will see they are a great value. Plus, they are 90% made in the USA.
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