The Best Budget Aquaponics System For 2022
Until recently, the aquaponics system was just a large-scale farming hobby that required large tanks and commercial operations. But things are going a notch higher with the introduction of various aquaponic kits, which not only save time but space as well. Now, keeping fish and plants together requires less time, space, and little effort from your side, but only with the right system.
You might be wondering which best budget aquaponics system is the one for you. The answer to that question lies in your experience and skill set. However, there are certain basic factors that everyone should look through before making a purchase. The most important factors would be the size of your tank and the number of fish you plan on keeping inside.
A tank with a minimum volume of 50 gallons is ideal for starting up on aquaponics. However, you can easily go to 100 gallons if you are willing to spend more. This way, one fish per gallon will do just fine. Before we go further on the details, let’s look at some of the best budget aquaponics kits that you can buy right now in the detailed reviews below. We also have a detailed buying guide to help you buy the aquaponics service that suits your needs.
Our Top 4 Product Ratings
- Easy to use kit
- Well-made and sturdy
- Compact and classy design
- Stylish and high-quality design
- Large enough for beginners and families
- It's easy to set up
- Large enough for beginners and families
- Perfect for growing herbs, pepper, and wheatgrass
- Simple to set up and operate
- Well-made and sturdy unit
- It comes with everything you need
- All parts are high quality
- Easy to set-up
- It's not suitable for growing large vegetables
- Has a small size
- Only suitable for fish
- The instructions can be confusing
- Not suitable if you're a beginner
- The glass can crack if you're not careful
- Expensive set-up
- It doesn't come with a tank
- The assembly instructions aren't that clear
- You need to purchase an air pump separately
- Not suitable for small fish
- Easy to use kit
- Well-made and sturdy
- Compact and classy design
- It's not suitable for growing large vegetables
- Has a small size
- Stylish and high-quality design
- Large enough for beginners and families
- It's easy to set up
- Only suitable for fish
- The instructions can be confusing
- Not suitable if you're a beginner
- Large enough for beginners and families
- Perfect for growing herbs, pepper, and wheatgrass
- Simple to set up and operate
- The glass can crack if you're not careful
- Expensive set-up
- It doesn't come with a tank
- Well-made and sturdy unit
- It comes with everything you need
- All parts are high quality
- Easy to set-up
- The assembly instructions aren't that clear
- You need to purchase an air pump separately
- Not suitable for small fish
Best Overall Product: Back to the Roots Water Garden
Beginner Friendly: 4/5
Easy Maintenance: 5/5
Size: 3/5
Affordability: 4/5
Back to the Roots Water Garden is a mini aquaponics system that includes everything you need to start aquaponics. Water Garden is a raised, self-cleaning fish tank that uses the soil’s natural bacteria to filter and clean water.
The kit comes in five different color options, but we recommend getting it in black as it will perfectly match most decor styles. It comes pre-assembled, and all you have to do is add soil, gravel or pebbles, and plants/seedlings.
The tank has a capacity of 2 gallons, so that it will be suitable for growing lettuce, salad greens, radish sprouts, basil, etc. There’s also an option to customize your garden by adding a lighting system and fish feeder.
Back to the Roots Water Garden is a beginner-friendly, elegant and compact unit that you can easily carry around. It’s an excellent choice for those who want to keep their aquaponics system indoors but want it to look natural at the same time. The kit eliminates any need for having soil as a medium for growing because it allows you to grow plants in water.
Key Features
- An in-built tank filtration system
- Includes everything you need to get started (fish, seeds, etc.)
- A customizable unit that can be easily converted into an indoor garden
- A free Stem curriculum for a better understanding of aquaponics
- The kit works with any standard fish tank (30-gallon or smaller)
Pros
- Easy to use kit
- Well-made and sturdy
- Compact and classy design
- It eliminates the need for soil
- It comes ready to use with seeds
- Does a great job of growing lettuce and other salad greens
Cons
- It’s not suitable for growing large vegetables as it can only grow plants that thrive well in water.
- It has a small size that restricts the number of plants you can grow in it
Verdict
Back to the Roots Water Garden is one of the best budget aquaponics systems that you can purchase right now with a reasonable price tag. It comes assembled, has excellent customer support, and will save you money on electricity bills as well. You should consider Back to The Roots Water Garden if you’re looking at starting a low-maintenance aquaponics system for your home or office.
For more information on the Back to the Roots Water Garden, read our in depth review here
Best Value Product: VIVOSUN Aquaponic Fish Tank
Beginner Friendly: 4/5
Easy Maintenance: 4/5
Size: 3/5
Affordability: 5/5
VIVOSUN is a household name for Aquaponics systems, and they have a history of producing high-quality products. Their aquaponics fish tank is one of the best that you can buy at an affordable price tag. It comes with everything that you need to get started and a free starter kit (seeds, gravels, etc.).
The durable unit features a very stylish design and looks great in any home or office. It has a capacity of 11 liters and is quite large for starters. The tank also features dual filtration systems to keep your fish healthy, warm water, and oxygenated at all times. So the fish are safe and protected from other creatures like birds and raccoons.
The kit is suitable for growing both tropical and non-tropical fish. So it will work for goldfish, shrimp, tilapia, or any other small fish you don’t plan on eating.
The unit is quite easy to set up and comes with instructions on how to get started. It comes with everything you need to begin an aquaponics system indoors, including an instruction manual, seeds, and gravel.
Key Features
- High-quality aquaponics fish tank with a capacity of 11 liters
- Dual filtration system for oxygenation, sanitation, and heat retention in the water
- The air-powered filtration system means that you save on electricity and you don’t have to worry about cleaning the water every day
- Suitable for both tropical and non-tropical fish
- Includes free seeds, gravels, and a fish seed
- It comes with an instruction manual on how to set up your aquaponics system indoors
- Features a self-cleaning function, so you don’t have to do much
Pros
- The stylish and high-quality design looks great in any home or office
- Large enough for beginners and families
- It is easy to set up and start an aquaponics system at home without much hassle
- The air pump is powerful enough to drive the water filtration system
- It’s reasonably priced, considering that it includes a free starter kit with seeds, gravels.
Cons
- The unit may not be suitable if you’re looking to grow lots of salad leaves or herbs indoors, it is better suited to growing fish.
- The instructions can be confusing if you’re new to this
- Not suitable if you’re a beginner or don’t have much experience setting up an aquaponics system at home.
Verdict
Overall, the VIVOSUN Aquaponic Fish Tank is a great choice for those of you looking to start an aquaponics system in your home. It’s an excellent choice for beginners and comes with everything you need to start (seeds, gravels, etc.). However, if you’re not good at DIY projects or are new to aquaponics systems, the instructions can be confusing.
The unit is one of the best value for money models on our list. It’s one of the best options if you’re looking to set up an aquaponics system indoors.
For more information on the Vivosun Aquaponic Fish Tank, read our in depth review here
Best for Beginner Users: AquaSprouts Garden
Beginner Friendly: 4/5
Easy Maintenance: 5/5
Size: 5/5
Affordability: 3/5
The AquaSpouts Garden uses an advanced design that enables you to grow up to five plants in a glass-like orb. The unit comes with everything you need and is fairly simple to set up in your home or office. Furthermore, the AquaSprouts Garden has a water filtration system that keeps your fish healthy and protected from contaminants.
The unit is quite easy to maintain and comes with an instruction manual on setting up and maintaining your unit. Furthermore, the unit comes with a large LED light that provides enough energy for plant growth. The AquaSprouts Garden is suitable for both tropical and non-tropical fish and works well in small spaces.
The unit comes with seeds, gravels, clay balls, and everything else that you need to start an aquaponics setup in your home. So it’s a great choice for beginners, condo owners, office workers, and others looking to set up an aquaponics system indoors.
Key Features
- Advanced design that allows you to grow five different plants in one unit
- Fully automated aquaponics system that is suitable for beginners and those with no experience setting up an aquaponics system
- A water filtration system keeps the water clean and safe for your fish
- A large LED light for plant growth and illumination
- Suitable for both tropical and non-tropical fish
- Includes everything you need to set up an aquaponics system at home or in your office
- Easy to operate thanks to the user-friendly design, even if you’re a beginner
- The advanced aeroponic technology ensures that your plants grow quicker and healthier
- It comes with an instruction manual on how to set up your aquaponics system indoors
- Advanced aeroponic technology allows for a simple maintenance setup, even if you don’t have much experience with setting up an aquaponics system before
- The clear globe design makes it easy to monitor the health of your plants and fish
- It comes with filter baskets that handle all of the water filtrations for you, so you don’t have to worry about cleaning your unit regularly
Pros
- The clear glass design looks great in any home or office
- Large enough for beginners, families, and small offices
- Perfect for growing herbs, pepper, and wheatgrass
- Simple to set up and operate
- User-friendly design that comes with a clear instruction manual
- The clear glass globe makes it easy for you to monitor your plants and fish
- Easy maintenance, even if you have no experience with setting up an aquaponics system before
- It fits up to a 10-gallon tank
- You can adjust the water flow to meet your needs
- It’s a large system that takes up to 10 fish
- Easy to monitor the health of your plants and fish via a filtration system
Cons
- The glass can crack if you’re not careful (this is true for any other aeroponic setup too)
- Expensive set-up
- It doesn’t come with a tank
Verdict
Overall, the AquaSpouts Garden is a great choice for those looking to incorporate aquaponics into your home or office. It’s suitable for beginners and comes with everything you need to set it up quickly (seeds, etc.). However, if you’re not good at DIY projects or are new to aquaponics, we recommend that you hire a professional.
For more information on the AquaSprouts Garden, read our in depth review here
Huamuyu Hydroponic Garden Aquaponics Fish Tank
Beginner Friendly: 4/5
Easy Maintenance: 5/5
Size: 3/5
Affordability: 5/5
This hydroponics kit from Huamuyu is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a low-maintenance and compact aquaponics system. It comes with everything that you need to get started and is quite easy to set up.
The kit has the capacity to accommodate two small fish with three plants growing in it at a time. The model features a carbon filtration system that can be easily assembled with an air pump. The pump will have to be purchased separately, though.
It works well for growing lettuce, radish, and basil seeds and sprouts. You can also add another fish once the first one is large enough after a few weeks. We recommend that you start with just one at the beginning.
The kit includes a durable net, aquarium pump, stainless steel strainer, and filter media. It is also easy to clean and maintain as you only have to fill it with water once in two days.
Key Features
- Perfect for growing lettuce seeds and sprouts
- An air-powered fish tank filtration system
- Carbon filters included
- Suitable for growing both small and large fish
- Includes a durable net for protection
- It comes with seeds, gravels, and plants to get you started
Pros
- Well-made and sturdy unit
- It comes with everything that you need to start an aquaponics system indoors in your home or office
- All parts are high quality
- Easy to set-up
- A nice addition to your home décor
- It comes with instructions on everything you need to get started
Cons
- The assembly instructions aren’t that clear and maybe a little difficult for first-time users
- You need to purchase an air pump separately
- You need a separate heater if you’re keeping tropical fish
- Not suitable for small fish
Verdict
Huamuyu Hydroponic Garden Aquaponics Fish Tank is a great choice if you’re thinking of starting an indoor aquaponic system. It’s an excellent beginner-friendly model that looks good and can be easily set up in your home or office. It is one of the best value for money products on our list and certainly worth considering if you’re looking for an affordable aquaponics kit.
For more information on the Huamuyu Hydroponic Garden, read our in depth review here
Kingro 5 in 1 Indoor Gardening Ecosystem
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Beginner Friendly: 5/5
Easy Maintenance: 5/5
Size: 4/5
Affordability: 3/5
If you’re looking for a farming system to help you save water, time, and effort, Kingro is an excellent option. This aquaponics system is a 5-in-1 indoor gardening ecosystem that offers everything you need for your aquaponics set-up.
The Kingro 5 in 1 comes with seeds, gravel, clay balls, and everything else that you need to set up your tank and grow plants indoors. The unit offers a seedling growing system for plants that don’t need soil. It offers a great way to grow both tropical and non-tropical fish.
The Kingro 5 in 1 is suitable for people who want to start an aquaponics setup but are unsure about the process. It’s easy to operate thanks to the user-friendly design, and it’s suitable for people who don’t have much space to grow plants indoors.
Key Features
- Advanced design that allows you to grow five different plants in one unit
- A water filtration system keeps the water clean and safe for your fish
- An LED light for plant growth and illumination
- It comes with a clear glass globe that allows you to monitor the health of your plants and fish
- One of the best indoor aquaponics systems for people who don’t want to spend too much time on their setup but still want good results
- Easy to manage thanks to the user-friendly design
- Great for people who don’t have much space in their home or office to grow plants indoors
Pros
- It fits up to 2-gallon tanks
- The set-up is easy and doesn’t require much time or effort on your part
- Suitable for both tropical and non-tropical fish
- It doesn’t require many maintenance chores
- The instructions are easy to follow, even if you’re a beginner
- Ideal for people who don’t have much space available in their office or home for an aquaponics set-up
- Easy to set up and take care of
Cons
- It comes with a manual pump that can break down easily
- It’s not suitable for really small tanks
- The unit can be expensive for some people
Verdict
The Kingro 5 in 1 is a great choice for people who want an aquaponics set that can grow up to five different plants while also keeping your fish healthy. It’s all-in-one and doesn’t require much maintenance on your part once you get it set up.
For more information on the Kingro 5 in 1, read our in depth review here
Product Comparison
Why Trust Us?
Our aquaponics guide is not based on mere hearsay but experience. We’re experienced gardeners who have been growing vegetables for decades. Our love and passion for gardening led us to discover hydroponics, and we have never looked back since then. We only review the kits that we’ve tried and tested, so you get accurate information.
If you’re looking for a home aquaponics system to grow your organic food, then the information provided in this guide will help you get started. We’ve also discussed everything you need to know about setting up an aquaponics system from scratch, including what kits are available, how they work, and their features.
We love sharing our knowledge as far as aquaponics is concerned and always happy to see you succeed. So if you want to start an aquaponics system without spending a lot, then this guide will help you accomplish that with some of the best systems in the market.
What To Consider When Buying An Aquaponics System
Now that you know some of the best aquaponics kits available in the market, it’s time to decide which one to pick. There are a few things that you’ll need to consider before investing in an aquaponics set-up, and we’ve summed them up below:
Your Budget
Aquaponic kits can be expensive, especially if you’re looking for something designed for commercial use. However, they vary greatly in price depending on the quality and the features that they come with.
It’s important to understand what you want from an aquaponics setup before deciding how much you’re willing to spend on it. If you want a complete aquaponics kit, then you’ll have to pay more than if you were just looking for a tank with everything else included. And if you’re looking for an automated aquaponics system that can help you monitor the health of your fish and plants, then you’ll need to fork out some extra cash too.
What's Included
Another thing to never ignore when shopping for an aquaponics system is what comes with it. Depending on the kit you’re looking for, some come with everything (including the gravel and seeds), while others offer just a basic tank with the essentials.
What’s included in your kit will depend on the specific brand, so make sure to check this out before making a purchase. Some kits have more than one tank and a bigger water filtration system. It’s good to know what exactly you’re getting for your money.
The Size of the Tank
One of the most important things that will determine if an aquaponics kit is right for you is whether or not the tank can accommodate the number of plants and fish that you’re looking to grow. After all, it won’t matter how well-designed an aquaponics kit is if it doesn’t fit the type of fish and plants you wish to cultivate. You don’t need something that can only hold small amounts of each for your particular set-up.
The Size of Your Fish
Another factor that you’ll have to keep in mind is whether or not the aquaponics kit can support the type of fish you want to grow. This isn’t much of an issue if you’re looking for a plant-only set-up as most kits can accommodate various plants such as lettuce and spinach. However, if you’re looking for more of an all-in-one aquaponics system, it’s best to check out the size of your fish and how much they can grow. Certain set-ups are better suited for larger fish such as tilapia and bass.
The Type of Fish You Want to Grow
Much like the size of your fish, you’ll also need to make sure that the tank you’re using can support the type of fish you want to grow. Different types of aquaponics set-ups are designed for different types and sizes of fish. It’s important to know what exactly you want before making your purchase.
Grow Light
Depending on the plants you’re growing, an indoor aquaponic system may come with a grow light. If your set-up doesn’t include one already, then you can purchase one separately to help your plants thrive. Check the number of watts required for your specific plant and ensure it’s compatible with all other components before adding it to the tank.
The Educational Element
Some aquaponics kits are designed with an educational side. If this is something that you’re looking for, then pay attention to what’s included in your kit. Some include a DVD or booklet which can teach you how to grow plants and raise fish in an aquaponics system.
The Extra Items You Need
Depending on the type of fish you wish to raise and how many plants you want, your kit should come with all the essential items you need. However, depending on where you live, some extra supplies may be necessary, so make sure to check if these are included or not. It’s best to include these before setting up everything else.
Ease of Use
If you’re a beginner, then you’ll want to find an aquaponic kit that’s easy to use. As previously mentioned, some kits come with detailed instructions on how exactly to set up and maintain your system, so these are the best for beginners who have no idea what they’re doing. Some may also include more advanced features such as thermostats and timers, which can make your aquaponics system more dependable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are home aquaponics systems worth it?
Home aquaponics systems are worth it because they produce fresh, natural, and organic food for you in a self-sustaining manner. With home hydroponics systems, you can grow your own nutritious fruits like tomatoes, herbs like basil, and vegetables like lettuce, spinach, or cucumber. You’ll have better health, too, because homegrown food has better nutritional value than food bought from markets and supermarkets.
Can beginners in aquaponics use the kits?
Yes. Home aquaponics kits are easy to use, and you can always refer to the instructions for a better understanding of how to use them. They’re also cheaper compared to the cost of setting up your home hydroponics system from scratch. So, if you’re just starting, then these are the ones to get.
What do I need to set up an aquaponics system?
You’ll need fish (tilapia, catfish, and others), grow media (rocks and gravel), net pots, seeds, air pump with tubing, and filter. You can buy these items separately or purchase home aquaponics kits that already include most of the things you need for your system.
How big are the fish in an aquaponics system?
The size of your fish and how many you have will depend on the type of kit or setup. Many home aquaponics kits can support small-medium-sized fish such as tilapia, trout, goldfish, and koi. If this is what you’re after, then search for a kit that can support these. Do consider the size of your tank and how many fish it can hold, though.
Are Hydroponics systems expensive?
One of the main benefits of aquaponics is its (relatively) low cost. Even if you don’t plan on making money off your set-up, it’s not nearly as expensive as traditional farming. Then, if you want to set up a professional business, the cost of setting it up is still much cheaper compared to purchasing land and growing crops with other methods.
How much space do I need?
The size of your indoor aquaponic system set-up will depend on how many crops you want to grow and how large they are. You’ll also need to consider the size of your fish tank, so if you know what these are, it’ll be easier to decide how much space you need.
Conclusion
Home indoor aquaponic systems allow you to grow organic food in the comfort of your own home. You no longer need to grow plants in soil because you can now grow leafy vegetables and other crops that thrive on water. You’ll also save money by not having to purchase fertilizer or pesticides, so it’s a great way to green up your lifestyle without harming the environment.
However, you must remember that your success depends on the kit you buy, so look for one that will give you great results. There are many home aquaponics kits out there, so do your research and compare different brands before deciding on the best one to purchase. Once you have it, follow the instructions carefully and make sure that you maintain everything well to achieve optimum efficiency. Then, you’ll be harvesting fresh produce in no time.
