I’ve always been fascinated by the idea of growing food in a way that feels almost magical—fish feeding plants and plants cleaning the water for fish. It’s a beautiful cycle of life, and aquaponics captures that perfectly. But when I first looked into setting one up, I thought I needed hundreds, maybe even thousands of dollars. Turns out, that couldn’t be further from the truth.
Aquaponics doesn’t have to be expensive or intimidating. With a little creativity and the right system, you can grow fresh herbs, leafy greens, or even vegetables right at home for less than the cost of a fancy dinner out. Whether you live in an apartment, a small house, or have a backyard, there’s a budget-friendly system that fits your space and your goals.
In this post, I’ll walk you through seven aquaponics systems under $200 that are perfect for beginners, DIY enthusiasts, and anyone curious about sustainable home gardening. These setups prove that you can enjoy the beauty of aquaponics without draining your wallet.
What Is an Aquaponics System?
At its core, aquaponics is a natural ecosystem turned into a gardening system. Fish produce waste, which breaks down into nutrients that plants can use. In return, the plants filter and clean the water before it’s cycled back to the fish. It’s like hydroponics and aquaculture combined into one efficient loop.
Every aquaponics system, no matter how small, has three basic components: a fish tank, a grow bed for plants, and a pump to circulate water. Some setups come as compact kits, while others you can build yourself using simple materials. The concept remains the same—it’s all about balance between fish, plants, and bacteria.
For home gardeners, aquaponics offers a low-maintenance and sustainable way to grow food indoors or outdoors. It uses up to 90% less water than traditional gardening, requires no soil, and creates a mini ecosystem right on your countertop or patio.
Why Build or Buy a Budget Aquaponics System?
I understand why people assume aquaponics is a costly hobby—some of the advanced systems can easily hit four digits. But what’s encouraging is that many smaller, beginner-friendly versions are surprisingly affordable. For less than $200, you can have a functional setup that lets you grow fresh produce and enjoy the serenity of watching fish swim below your plants.
One of the biggest reasons to go for a budget system is sustainability. These setups recycle water, reduce waste, and promote organic growth without the need for fertilizers. You get to experience farm-to-table freshness without needing acres of land. Plus, it’s rewarding to see how quickly your little ecosystem becomes self-sufficient.
And let’s be honest—affordable systems are less intimidating for beginners. You don’t need advanced technical skills or plumbing experience. Many kits are plug-and-play, while DIY versions use simple parts like buckets, jars, and small pumps. Starting small lets you learn the ropes before scaling up to something bigger later.
7 Cheap Aquaponics Systems for Home Under $200
1. Back to the Roots Water Garden Kit (~$99)
If you’re just getting your feet wet with aquaponics, the Back to the Roots Water Garden Kit is an excellent start. It’s a small desktop system that doubles as décor, combining a clear fish tank with a plant bed on top. It comes with organic seeds, fish food, and everything you need to start growing right away.
What I love about this kit is how educational it is. It’s ideal for families or classrooms since it helps kids understand how ecosystems work. You can watch how fish waste nourishes the plants while the plants clean the water—it’s nature’s recycling system in miniature form.
The only real drawback is size. You won’t be feeding a family with it, but you can easily grow herbs like basil, mint, or wheatgrass. It’s compact, low-maintenance, and looks great on a desk or kitchen counter.
2. ECO-Cycle Aquaponics Indoor Garden System (~$180)
For those wanting to grow more than a handful of herbs, the ECO-Cycle Aquaponics Indoor Garden System is a great upgrade while staying under $200. This system fits neatly on top of a standard aquarium and includes everything from programmable LED grow lights to a water filtration system.
What makes this one stand out is its combination of functionality and design. The built-in lighting ensures your plants get what they need, even if you don’t have much natural sunlight. It’s a great option for urban dwellers or anyone who wants an indoor garden that feels high-tech but is still beginner-friendly.
The price point may be close to $200, but the features justify it. You’ll be able to grow herbs, lettuce, or small veggies all year round, regardless of your location or climate. It’s a sleek, modern system that bridges sustainability and convenience.
3. Penn Plax Aquaponic Betta Fish Tank (~$40)
If space is tight, the Penn Plax Aquaponic Betta Fish Tank is perfect for small apartments, offices, or dorm rooms. This system is designed specifically for betta fish and features a small planter on top where you can grow simple greens or decorative plants.
It’s not a production system, but it’s a great introduction to the aquaponic concept. Watching your betta swim while your plant thrives above is both calming and rewarding. Plus, it adds a natural, decorative touch to any space without needing much maintenance.
The best part? It’s extremely affordable and easy to clean. You won’t need pumps or fancy lighting—just keep your fish healthy and enjoy the tiny ecosystem you’ve created.
4. DIY 5-Gallon Bucket Aquaponics System (~$60)
For those who love a hands-on project, building your own 5-gallon bucket aquaponics system is incredibly satisfying. All you need is a sturdy bucket, a small water pump, some tubing, gravel, and a plant container. There are plenty of tutorials online that walk you through the setup step-by-step.
The best part about going the DIY route is flexibility. You can scale it up or down depending on your space, and you’ll understand exactly how each part of the system works. It’s also the most budget-friendly way to get started, as many materials can be repurposed from items you already have at home.
This kind of system is perfect for growing herbs or leafy greens while keeping a few small fish. It may not look as polished as a store-bought kit, but it’s educational, fun, and completely customizable.
5. AquaSprouts Garden Aquaponic Kit (~$150)
The AquaSprouts Garden Kit is one of the most popular mid-range aquaponics systems available, and for good reason. It sits neatly on top of a standard 10-gallon aquarium and transforms it into a living garden. The kit includes a grow bed, pump, timer, and clay pebbles for the plants.
This system is ideal for home hobbyists who want something that looks professional but remains affordable. It’s a plug-and-play kit that doesn’t require much assembly, and once you set it up, it runs almost automatically. You can grow herbs, lettuce, or even strawberries if you’re adventurous.
The only catch is that the aquarium itself isn’t included, so you’ll need to buy one separately. Still, for under $200 total, it’s an impressive setup that combines style, sustainability, and simplicity.
6. Mason Jar Aquaponics System (~$25)
If you’re just curious and want to experiment on a micro level, try making a mason jar aquaponics system. It’s as simple as it sounds: a mason jar with water and a small aquatic creature (like a snail or shrimp), topped with a net pot holding a small plant.
This setup won’t grow full vegetables, but it’s perfect for herbs like mint, basil, or small succulents. It’s also a creative way to introduce kids to the basics of aquaponics. Watching how even a tiny amount of fish waste nourishes a plant is fascinating.
Beyond being functional, mason jar systems are also surprisingly stylish. You can line them up on a windowsill for a beautiful, green display that’s both decorative and sustainable—all for under $25.
7. 10-Gallon Indoor Fish Tank Aquaponics Conversion (~$120)
If you already have a standard 10-gallon fish tank, converting it into an aquaponics system is easier than you might think. All you need to add is a small water pump, a grow bed, and a simple lighting setup. Many people use affordable hydroponic grow beds that sit directly on top of the tank.
This type of system gives you more flexibility than smaller kits. You can keep several small fish and grow a variety of plants—lettuce, basil, even tomatoes if you’re patient. It’s the perfect middle ground between a beginner kit and a more advanced setup.
The conversion process teaches you how to balance water quality, fish health, and plant growth. Once it’s established, it’s incredibly rewarding to see your own mini ecosystem running smoothly day after day.
Tips to Maintain Your Cheap Aquaponics System
Aquaponics systems are fairly low-maintenance, but they do need a bit of care to stay healthy. Start by keeping your fish-to-plant ratio balanced. Too many fish can overload the system, while too few might not provide enough nutrients for the plants. Finding the right balance takes a little observation and patience.
Regularly checking your water quality is key. Test pH, ammonia, and nitrate levels every week or two to ensure the system stays stable. A small testing kit can go a long way in preventing issues before they start.
Finally, choose plants and fish that can handle beginner conditions. Herbs, lettuce, and leafy greens grow beautifully in small systems. For fish, go with hardy types like betta, goldfish, or guppies. And don’t forget to clean the pump and tubing occasionally to keep everything running smoothly.
How to Choose the Right Budget Aquaponics System
When choosing an aquaponics system under $200, think about your goals and available space. If you just want a decorative system for your kitchen, something like the Back to the Roots or Penn Plax kit will do. If you want a small-scale food-growing system, go for AquaSprouts or ECO-Cycle.
Maintenance is another big factor. Some kits are ready to run out of the box, while DIY options require a bit of setup and learning. If you enjoy tinkering and customizing, building your own can be both cheaper and more satisfying.
Lastly, decide whether you want it to be purely functional or also a centerpiece in your home. A sleek system like AquaSprouts doubles as décor, while a DIY bucket setup focuses more on performance and learning.
Wrap Up
Starting an aquaponics system doesn’t have to break the bank. For under $200, you can bring nature indoors and create a living, breathing ecosystem that grows fresh food while adding beauty to your space. It’s one of the most fulfilling and sustainable hobbies you can start at home.
What I love most about these budget systems is how accessible they make sustainability. You don’t need a greenhouse or fancy equipment—just curiosity and a small setup to get started. Watching your fish thrive and your plants flourish above them is a quiet reminder of how connected everything in nature truly is.
So go ahead—pick a system, set it up, and enjoy the satisfaction of growing something living and green right where you are. Once you see that first sprout rise from the water, you’ll realize how amazing aquaponics can be.