Murray Hallam Aquaponic Gardening - Book of Plans

Build a fully-functional aquaponics system out of two bathtubs!  One as the fish tank and one as the grow bed.

• Quick
• Easy
• A good system for first-timers or those will only a small space
• Cheap, too, if you buy second-hand bathtubs

You'll need two regular-size bathtubs (that's about 250 L / 66 Gal).

The book lists the materials needed for the plumbing, or you can get our Bathtub System Plumbing Kit (which has the pump, hose, fittings, and autosiphon needed for this system, plus instructions).

You'll also need to supply six large concrete blocks (Besser/cinder blocks) to raise the grow-bed bathtub.

For more information about this system, see this page on our website: Bathtub DIY Kit.

Toteponics System

This is a three-bed system made out of IBC/Tote tanks.  You end up with three media beds, one sump and one fish tank.

• About 3 m-sq (32 sq-ft) of growing area.
• A small construction project with big results!
• A good size system for both beginners and more-experienced operators.

You will need three 1000 L (250 Gal) IBC/Tote tanks.  Two of them get cut up to make the beds and the sump, and the other stays mostly intact as the fish tank.

You will also need 24 Besser/cinder blocks and some sturdy boards to hold the grow beds.

The instructions show the layout of the system, and list the materials needed for the plumbing.  But we have a Toteponics Plumbing Parts Kit already put together for those who'd like to save themselves the time and effort of chasing up all the pipe and fittings.  This Plumbing Parts Kit even includes the autosiphons!  (does not include pumps)

See the Toteponics DIY Kit page on our website for more information about this system.

Indy 11.5 System

This is the half-size version of our flagship Indy 23 system, and uses the same construction methods and materials.

As well as the timber, plywood and liner mentioned, you also need three 1000 L (250 Gal) IBC/Tote tanks to be used as the fish tank and the sumps.

The instructions include lists of materials needed, step-by-step instructions, and some tips on running the system.

A good construction project for DIY-ers.  Only basic tools and techniques required.  Any reasonably active person could build it.  We estimate that it takes about 60-70 hours to construct (less, of course, if you have more people working on it).

Find out more at this page on our website: Indy 11.5 Aquaponics System 

If you want to spare yourself the time and effort of getting all the materials, measuring and cutting, we have the answer!  Our Indy 11.5 Flat Pack contains ALL the construction materials required - timber, ply, liner, foam, pipe, fittings, even screws, nails, glue and thread tape!  The timber, ply, foam and liner is even cut to size for you!  

Wicking Bed

Learn how to make this stand-alone garden bed that gets watered from below!

• Very simple to build and operate
• Extremely water conservative
• Can be built in any water-tight container about 300-400 mm (12-15") deep

It's a great addition to any aquaponics system.  Excellent for root crops like potatoes, carrots, radishes, turnips, etc.

Detailed instructions for every project, including lists of quantities and tools needed for the particular project you have chosen to build. Over 130 pages, including 180 illustrations/photos/diagrams.

Based on Murray Hallam's years of Practical Experience, this is a great book for anyone wanting to build their own aquaponics system, whether small or not-so-small.