our journey to clear waters
Our journey into the world of fishkeeping began much like many others, sparked by an unexpected discovery. During a casual outing, my children and their grandparents stumbled upon a few wild fish in a nearby stream. Excited to welcome these new pets, we quickly set up a standard 10-gallon tank, complete with an air pump and a basic filter from PetSmart. At first, everything seemed fine. However, within just a week, the water began to cloud over, turning a murky green. Despite our frantic efforts to change the water and clean the filters, we couldn’t clear the haze. The fish were hidden behind a persistent green blur. Our troubles didn’t end there. The introduction of aquatic plants turned into a feast for our goldfish, who ripped them apart before they could establish. With a mix of resolve and innovation, I explored the potential of aquaponics, inspired by systems from Back to the Roots and AquaLife. This new approach maintained our water’s crystal clarity, much to our relief.
Yet, challenges persisted. Debris built up, slowing the water flow to a near halt, and our snails struggled against the strong suction of the pump. It was clear that while our aquaponic setup was a step in the right direction, it required significant refinement. This necessity led me on a three-year journey of relentless innovation, during which I developed hundreds of prototypes to address each emerging challenge. The culmination of this intense effort is a system that not only simplifies fishkeeping but also ensures the clarity and quality of the water, dramatically reducing maintenance needs. This final design doesn’t just minimize upkeep—it significantly enhances the health and visibility of the aquatic life it supports.
Now, I am thrilled to share this revolutionary system with fellow aquarium enthusiasts. Our solution allows fishkeepers to enjoy their vibrant aquariums effortlessly, confident in the health and clarity of their aquatic environment. Designed with Ease in Mind
We understand that diving into fishkeeping can be daunting for beginners. That’s why we’ve engineered our system to be as user-friendly as possible. From setup to maintenance, every step is straightforward, ensuring that even first-time fishkeepers can start on the right foot. Clear instructions and smart design eliminate the guesswork, making it simple to integrate our system into any home aquarium. Whether you’re a seasoned aquarist or just starting your first tank, our system makes fishkeeping accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
The Journey
First Aquarium
10-gallon PetSmart tank (Video)
Founded Aquatic Circle
Completed prototyping
Filed 3 utility patents
Filtration system design
Member company of MEIA
Started testing saltwater fish tank
Joined Summit Station incubator
Received TEDCO rural preseed investment
Received Cleantech research grant
Received University of MD Launch Fund
our mission
At Aquatic Circle, we’re committed to transforming fishkeeping with innovative, eco-friendly products that make it easy to maintain a healthy, balanced aquarium. Our goal is to promote sustainability and reduce water waste, so you can enjoy your aquarium with peace of mind.