Wash the gravel and place in the bottom of the fish tank. then drill 3/16th” holes in the bottom of the grow bed at every two square inches so that the water can drain into the tank. drill a ½” hole for the tubing from the water pump. step 2: set the grow bed after you place the water pump in the fish tank. pass the tubing through the ½” hole.. How much does an aquaponics system cost. starting your own business may be a difficult job as many of the activities need unique skills and tones of money to invest. there is one service which needs minimum investment and which pays off in less than a year. aquaponics includes growing veggies utilizing the water from your fish tank..