DIY Aquaponics

Contributed by: Rebecca Nelson

Can you be successful in aquaponics as a (DIY) Do-It-Yourself Builder?

If you search YouTube and other sites on the internet, you will find many variations of DIY Aquaponics plans, from simple aquarium-based hobby kits to commercial farm ideas and plans, most of which do not provide quite enough information or detail to successfully build and operate an aquaponic farm.

For many years, we have looked at DIY Aquaponics as a likely path to failure in aquaponic farming because that is often what happened to the DIY aquaponic farms in the past. DIY aquaponic builders often had an abundance of enthusiasm and just enough info to get the aquaponic system to almost function well.

What was lacking in many DIY Aquaponic farms for long-term success was a proven system design, years of experience, comprehensive training, detailed assembly and operation manuals and SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) with an emphasis on food safety.  These are the things that have led to repeatable successes for Nelson and Pade’s clients, who operate systems in nearly every US state and over 35 countries. 

Looking at the industry as a whole and wanting to continue to assist as many people as possible to be successful in aquaponics, we stepped back to consider how we could help more people who want to embrace our proven systems, yet also have some knowledge and skills to contribute to the build process.

DIYers are generally pretty savvy at building things and quite resourceful when it comes to finding parts needed.  Often, they might be in a related trade or business that could have access to labor, parts or skills that can be applied to building an aquaponic farm. 

After thinking this all over, we realized that we can bring Aquaponics DIYers together to work with Nelson and Pade to achieve a better end-goal…a lower cost, more efficient and profitable aquaponic farm. 

This discussion led to the development of a whole new line of aquaponic system offerings, which are a fraction of the cost of complete aquaponic systems and allow new and existing growers to utilize their labor and skills to save money.  Essentially, Nelson and Pade Commercial Aquaponic Systems and Aquaponic MicroFarms are now available as kits, modules or complete packages. 

With our new system offerings, a DIYer can put their skills to good use and save big money on establishing an aquaponics farm, yet rely on our proven, science-based aquaponic system designs, methods and procedures.

For a savvy builder who can source common parts and take on some of the assembly, the base system is all that they need. 

Beyond the base system, there are a variety of additional items that the buyer can source and build locally or purchase from Nelson and Pade, Inc®. This flexibility creates a money-saving platform for each customer to excel and save where they want to, but rely on the proven, science-based Nelson and Pade, Inc® system designs throughout the process.

The complete system packages, as they’ve been offered for many years, are still available for the grower who wants to purchase everything needed from Nelson and Pade, Inc®. 

Nelson and Pade’s new system order forms allow you to select exactly what components you want to order and what you want to source and build locally.  When you check all of the options on the order form, you get the complete system.

Starting with the base system, you can pick and choose what you want from Nelson and Pade, Inc®, source what you want locally, buy additional components when you are ready and spread your startup costs out over time. This strategy results in a much lower startup cost because you can do some of the work yourselves, source components locally and save on labor and freight.

If you are interested in getting started in aquaponic farming, but were hesitant because of the cost, this new approach might be just what you need to advance your project. It will save you money on labor, parts and freight and allows you to apply your skills and finesse to complete the aquaponic system installation. 

So, can you be successful as a DIY Aquaponics Farmer?

We believe that now you can, with the right design, plans and support from Nelson and Pade, Inc.

Check out our new aquaponic system offerings and ask us for spec sheets and pricing. If you are a DIYer, as you look through the new aquaponic system order forms, you can pick the items you want to purchase from Nelson and Pade and then build the rest on your own, using your skills and time.  We even provide estimated shopping lists for the components that you’ll buy locally. 

Ready to start your aquaponic farm?
Let’s chat!
888-798-6378

Or email: info@aquaponics.com