A Community and Forum For Aquaponic Gardeners

New commercial venture

Is anyone using Nelson and Pade aquaponic systems? Considering purchasing one to get started.

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Jonathan Kadish NYC AA Chair on August 11, 2012 at 3:38pm

I have done the course and evaluated the systems. They know what they are doing and have good science behind their systems. They use the UVI model which is the most proven type of commercial AP. I have also done another UVI type course with AES and after that course I felt more comfortable sourcing my own system. I now have all the components ready to order, now I'm just settling on a location.

IMHO buying a system from N&P you pay a premium for the materials, however you get something for that premium, and that is support and a support network. Aquaponics ain't rocket science, but there is science behind it so you need some education to do it optimally. It all depends on your comfort level and how much you are a DIY kinda person.

Permalink Reply by John Morris on August 12, 2012 at 3:01pm

I am a diy kinda person, but i own another business and really dont have the time to "reinvent the wheel". I really want to sell my business and do this full time. What is AES?

Jonathan Kadish said:

I have done the course and evaluated the systems. They know what they are doing and have good science behind their systems. They use the UVI model which is the most proven type of commercial AP. I have also done another UVI type course with AES and after that course I felt more comfortable sourcing my own system. I now have all the components ready to order, now I'm just settling on a location.

IMHO buying a system from N&P you pay a premium for the materials, however you get something for that premium, and that is support and a support network. Aquaponics ain't rocket science, but there is science behind it so you need some education to do it optimally. It all depends on your comfort level and how much you are a DIY kinda person.

Permalink Reply by Kevin Gorham on August 12, 2012 at 4:17pm

Before you jump head first off the deep end, you need to learn a few things. AES is Aquatic Eco Systems, and the Nelson and Pade systems are built from components in their catalog and on their website. Don't just buy a Nelson and Pade system and hope for the best, because they charge a huge premium on all of their equipment. If you are serious about doing this commercially, then adding 200k in costs up front is 1-2 years extra time to make it back. Go to the AP conference in September, do a training from Nelson and Pade, do a training from AES, and maybe do friendly's training in hawaii. Spend 10-20k doing these and you will save yourself that and more in your business down the line, and you will set yourself up for success instead of failure.

John Morris said:

I am a diy kinda person, but i own another business and really dont have the time to "reinvent the wheel". I really want to sell my business and do this full time. What is AES?

Jonathan Kadish said:

I have done the course and evaluated the systems. They know what they are doing and have good science behind their systems. They use the UVI model which is the most proven type of commercial AP. I have also done another UVI type course with AES and after that course I felt more comfortable sourcing my own system. I now have all the components ready to order, now I'm just settling on a location.

IMHO buying a system from N&P you pay a premium for the materials, however you get something for that premium, and that is support and a support network. Aquaponics ain't rocket science, but there is science behind it so you need some education to do it optimally. It all depends on your comfort level and how much you are a DIY kinda person.

Permalink Reply by Jonathan Kadish NYC AA Chair on August 12, 2012 at 9:41pm

Another option is just to hire Dr. Wilson Lennard who is a AP consultant. Apparently his prices are reasonable and he will be at the AP conference in September.

Permalink Reply by John Morris on August 13, 2012 at 10:23am

really! you are an authority on aquaponics and different systems out there? I dont plan on jumping off the deep end. I perfectly capable to investigate and make wise decisions I wasnt born yesterday!!!!!! I dont appreciate your tone! I have been to an Nelson and Pade workshop, thats why i was asking the questions about their systems, they seem high to me. But i dont know all the components that was entailed in their system.

Kevin Gorham said:

Before you jump head first off the deep end, you need to learn a few things. AES is Aquatic Eco Systems, and the Nelson and Pade systems are built from components in their catalog and on their website. Don't just buy a Nelson and Pade system and hope for the best, because they charge a huge premium on all of their equipment. If you are serious about doing this commercially, then adding 200k in costs up front is 1-2 years extra time to make it back. Go to the AP conference in September, do a training from Nelson and Pade, do a training from AES, and maybe do friendly's training in hawaii. Spend 10-20k doing these and you will save yourself that and more in your business down the line, and you will set yourself up for success instead of failure.

John Morris said:

I am a diy kinda person, but i own another business and really dont have the time to "reinvent the wheel". I really want to sell my business and do this full time. What is AES?

Jonathan Kadish said:

I have done the course and evaluated the systems. They know what they are doing and have good science behind their systems. They use the UVI model which is the most proven type of commercial AP. I have also done another UVI type course with AES and after that course I felt more comfortable sourcing my own system. I now have all the components ready to order, now I'm just settling on a location.

IMHO buying a system from N&P you pay a premium for the materials, however you get something for that premium, and that is support and a support network. Aquaponics ain't rocket science, but there is science behind it so you need some education to do it optimally. It all depends on your comfort level and how much you are a DIY kinda person.