beyond the tank
Harnessing the power of aquaponics.
meet the team
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Inventor & FounderMinh Dung Hoang, electrical engineer and former biomedical research scientist, created Aquatic Circle to solve a personal challenge: maintaining a clean, thriving fish tank for his family. What began as a hobby has evolved into a revolutionary filtration system with the potential to transform aquarium care worldwide.
Originally from Vietnam, Minh's journey took him from France to New York City, where he completed a collaborative Ph.D. program at NYU Medical Center. During this time, he specialized in designing MRI coils for small animals, contributing to advancements in biomedical research. In 2017, Minh moved to Allegany County to join his wife, who works at the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science's Appalachian Laboratory.
His unique background in engineering, research, and innovation drives Aquatic Circle's mission to simplify and sustain aquarium care for fishkeepers everywhere.
Founder/CEO
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Marketing Manager
Chad oversees Aquatic Circle’s marketing and creative efforts, concentrating on brand development, packaging design, and community outreach initiatives.
company timeline
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![Freshwater aquarium with colorful fish and decorative plants.]()
Founded Aquatic Circle LLC
October 1, 2021
During the pandemic, Minh discovered a love for fish tanks. Inspired to find a better solution to aquarium filtration, he designed his own aquaponic filtration system.
This first successful design became the foundation for Aquatic Circle.
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![A collage of images and sketches showing the development of a fish tank prototype. The top left photo shows the original prototype with plants under a LED light. Adjacent to it is a 3D schematic of the tank's structure. Below that is a more detailed fish tank with colorful fish and aquatic plants labeled 'Version 3.' To the lower left, there's a photo of a different fish tank setup with equipment on a windowsill labeled 'Version 5.' Lastly, there are two gray 3D sketches of the tank's early filter designs, labeled 'Version 4' and 'Early filter design.']()
Research and Development
October 7, 2022
Through countless prototypes, Aquatic Circle evolved from an initial concept into a polished, long-lasting solution. Minh worked closely with an industrial designer to refine every detail, ensuring durability, efficiency, and ease of use.
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![Hydroponic garden system with a black rectangular grow box containing green plants and a small black water pump with tubes.]()
Manufacturing Deal Secured
July 1, 2023
Partnered with a trusted manufacturer committed to quality and sustainability. This partnership ensures our patented filtration systems are produced with precision and durability, allowing us to bring our innovative aquarium care solution to homes and fishkeepers everywhere.
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![Room with several aquariums with fish and aquatic plants, chairs, and tables, at the Suwamt Station at Innovation Park.]()
Established Headquarters
September 2023
Aquatic Circle LLC proudly calls the Summit Station at Innovation Park home.
This remote work center and business incubator located on the Frostburg State University campus provides the resources and support needed to drive our mission forward.
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![Logo of Allegany County Economic and Community Development with blue, green, and white colors.]()
Selected for Startup Program
May 2024
Minh found his inspiration for the revolutionary filtration system, Aquatic Circle, in his desire to maintain a pristine fish tank for his family. This groundbreaking creation could transform the aquaculture industry, and Dung's journey to bring his idea to life began and continues in Allegany County.
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![TEDCO logo with the tagline 'Leading Innovation to Market' and a graphic element resembling an atomic model with orbiting rings.]()
TEDCO Invests in Aquatic Circle
April 10, 2024
TEDCO, Maryland’s economic engine for technology companies, announces Rural Business Innovation Initiative (RBII) Rural Pre-Seed Fund investment in Aquatic Circle LLC.companies based in rural Maryland.
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![A multi-story office building with beige brick exterior, multiple windows, and a parking lot in front with several vacant spaces and a few parked cars.]()
Awarded Cleantech Grant
May 10, 2024
The Cleantech Research and Development (CRD) Grant program helps local firms, including those that have relocated to the county, access leading edge research services and facilities at the Appalachian Laboratory to meet a growing demand for research and development support.
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![Logo for Aquatic Circle featuring a stylized fish and underwater elements in a circular design.]()
New Logo/Branding Completed
August 2024
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![University System of Maryland logo with black, red, yellow, and white colors and text.]()
Awarded USM Launch Fund
October 28, 2024
The University System of Maryland (USM) Launch Fund has awarded a series of microgrants and grants to USM-affiliated entrepreneurs, in a bid to make critical early capital more accessible.
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![Two ornate discus fish swim in front of a blue background with green aquatic plants, a logo with fish and bubbles labeled "Aquatic Circle", and a small black aquarium filter with the text "effortless aquarium care".]()
Launched Kickstarter Campaign
A major milestone for Aquatic Circle as we introduced our innovative aquaponic planter, to the public.
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Announced Nano Aquaponic Kit prototype
August 1, 2025
Free one gallon test kit giveaway
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![appalachian lab]()
First Aquaculture Shrimp Harvest
November 10, 2025
We hosted guests, stakeholders, and funders at the Appalachian Lab to unveil our large-scale shrimp farm and mark our first full harvest. Visitors toured the system, saw our integrated aquaponics and natural filtration in action.
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![product]()
Began shipping product
December 14, 2025
Began shipping Aquatic Circle products across the United States today. Each package is built for easy setup, natural filtration, and long-term stability so customers can start sustainable aquaponics with confidence.
