Build Your Own Simple Courtyard Aquaponics System
You don't need a large backyard or years of building experience to start growing food with aquaponics.
This self-paced online course gives you a complete, proven plan for building the Simple Courtyard Aquaponics System using common materials and straightforward techniques.
Because the system sits completely above the ground, it's ideal for renters, courtyards, patios, paved areas and small backyards. There's no digging, no permanent construction, and if you move house, your system can move with you.
We'll work through the project one step at a time—from choosing the location and preparing the parts to starting the ecosystem, adding fish and plants, and caring for the finished system.
There is no need to design everything yourself or piece together conflicting advice from across the internet.
You can simply follow the plan and build with confidence.
Self-paced online learning
Lifetime access
Learn anywhere, anytime
Grow More Than Just Lettuce
Fresh vegetables, herbs, tomatoes, cucumbers, strawberries, zucchini, broccoli, snow peas and goldfish—all growing together in one productive backyard ecosystem.
Is This Course Right For You?
This course was designed for people who thought growing their own food wasn't practical because of where they live.
If you've been putting off aquaponics because you're renting, only have a courtyard or don't feel confident building something yourself, you're exactly who I had in mind when I created this course.
I Rent My Home
I want a productive food garden, but I can't dig up the backyard or build something permanent.
I Only Have Concrete, Pavers or a Patio
I thought growing fresh food meant needing good soil and a large garden.
I'm New to DIY
I've never built an aquaponics system before and want someone to guide me through every step.
I Want a Step-by-Step Guide
I'd rather follow a proven plan than piece together information from dozens of websites and videos.
Why I Chose This System
Aquaponics systems come in all shapes and sizes.
Some are built for large backyards.
Others are designed for schools, farms or commercial production.
This course focuses on something much simpler.
A compact aquaponics system measuring approximately 1.5 metres by 1 metre, designed to fit comfortably into courtyards, patios, paved areas and other small outdoor spaces.
Because it sits above the ground, there's no digging or permanent construction, making it an excellent choice for renters or anyone who doesn't want to make permanent changes to their property.
Despite its small footprint, this system can grow a surprising variety of fresh vegetables, herbs and fruiting crops while raising healthy fish.
It uses readily available materials, is straightforward to maintain and is designed to fit comfortably into everyday life without taking over your outdoor space.
Most importantly, the decisions have already been made for you.
You won't need to compare dozens of grow bed designs, work out complicated plumbing layouts or wonder whether you've chosen the right components.
Instead, you can simply follow the build, understand each stage as you go and finish with a proven aquaponics system that's practical, productive and designed to help you succeed.
See the System You'll Be Building
Before we look inside the course, I'd love to show you the completed system.
Seeing the finished project makes it much easier to understand where each lesson is leading, and helps you picture what you'll be building in your own backyard.
Why I Created This Course
Many people become excited about aquaponics until they decide to build their first system.
That's often when the overwhelm begins.
You start watching videos online.
One person builds a huge backyard system.
Another recommends different plumbing.
Someone else says you need dozens of fish.
Before long you're wondering...
Which grow bed?
Which pump?
How many fish?
How do I cycle the system?
Where do I even start?
It isn't that aquaponics is too difficult.
It's simply that you don't know what you don't know yet.
I wanted to create the course I wish had existed when I built my first system.
A course that removed the guesswork.
A course that gave you one complete plan to follow.
One that showed you what to buy, how to build it, how many fish to keep, how to establish the ecosystem and how to care for it long after the build is finished.
By the end of the course, you won't simply have watched someone build an aquaponics system.
You'll know how to build this one, start it correctly and confidently keep it running.
Course Curriculum
Building your first aquaponics system doesn't need to feel overwhelming.
The course follows the same order you'll use when building your own system, so you'll always know what comes next and why it matters.
From choosing the right location through to harvesting your first vegetables, each module builds naturally on the one before it.
Module 1: What You'll Need
Before buying a single component, we'll look at everything you'll need to build your Simple Courtyard Aquaponics System.
You'll learn where to position it, what materials to buy, how to plan the layout and how to prepare for a successful build.
Topics include:
Choosing the best location
Understanding the components
Planning the layout
Materials and equipment
Preparing for the build
Module 2: Building Your Courtyard Aquaponics System
This is where your system comes together.
I'll guide you through each stage of the build with clear, practical demonstrations, showing you exactly how to assemble the system from start to finish.
Topics include:
Measuring and preparing components
Constructing the grow beds
Plumbing the system
Installing the pump
Testing the water flow
Module 3: Creating Your Aquaponics Ecosystem
Building the system is only half the journey.
In this module, you'll learn how to establish the living ecosystem that allows fish, beneficial bacteria and plants to work together naturally.
You'll understand how to cycle the system, colonise it with beneficial bacteria and prepare it for healthy fish and thriving plants.
Topics include:
The nitrogen cycle
Beneficial bacteria
Cycling your system
Water quality fundamentals
Preparing for fish
Module 4: Choosing and Caring for Your Fish
Healthy fish are at the heart of every successful aquaponics system.
You'll learn which fish are suitable for this system, how many you can keep, how to introduce them safely and the simple routines that help keep them healthy.
Topics include:
Suitable fish species
How many fish to keep
Introducing fish safely
Feeding routines
Recognising healthy fish behaviour
Module 5: Growing Fresh Vegetables and Herbs
Now comes one of the most rewarding parts—growing your own food.
You'll discover which vegetables and herbs grow well in aquaponics, how to plant seedlings or seeds, and how to naturally support healthy plant growth throughout the seasons.
Topics include:
Choosing suitable crops
Planting seedlings and seeds
Natural micronutrients
Seasonal growing
Harvesting your produce
Module 6: Keeping Everything Running Smoothly
Aquaponics is surprisingly easy to maintain once you understand the routine.
This final module shows you how to care for your system throughout the year, helping you keep your fish healthy, your plants productive and your ecosystem thriving.
Topics include:
Routine maintenance
Water testing
Seasonal care
Troubleshooting common issues
Long-term system success
Bonus Module — Growing Fresh Herbs with Aquaponics
Herbs are a great way to get more from a small aquaponics system.
They're useful, productive and many can be harvested regularly without removing the entire plant.
In this bonus module, you'll learn about different herbs you can grow in aquaponics, including their growing habits, space requirements and preferred seasons.
We'll cover:
Parsley
Rosemary
Ginger
Turmeric
Oregano
Basil
Coriander/ Cilantro
Dill
Mint
And so much more
Included With Your Course
Building your Simple Courtyard Aquaponics System is just the beginning.
Once your system is up and running, you'll naturally want to learn more about maintaining healthy water, caring for your fish and becoming more confident with the tools used throughout the build.
That's why these additional resources are included with your course.
Together, they provide practical guidance that supports you well beyond the day your aquaponics system is finished, helping you continue learning as your confidence and experience grow.
Understanding Water Quality & Fish Health
Healthy fish and healthy plants both depend on healthy water.
This companion course explains what your water tests are actually telling you, how water quality changes over time and how to recognise common fish health problems before they become serious.
Instead of simply memorising numbers, you'll understand what they mean and how they relate to the health of your entire aquaponics ecosystem.
It's designed to give you confidence whenever something doesn't quite look right.
Growing Fresh Herbs in Aquaponics
Fresh herbs are one of the easiest and most rewarding crops to grow in aquaponics.
In this bonus module, I'll show you how to grow a wide variety of herbs, explain which ones perform particularly well, and share practical tips for harvesting them regularly so they continue producing throughout the season.
Whether you enjoy cooking, herbal teas or simply love the smell of fresh herbs growing outside your door, this module will help you get the most from your aquaponics garden.
Using Common Tools with Confidence
Not everyone grows up using power tools.
If you've never used a drill, jigsaw, hole saw or heat gun before, you're certainly not alone.
This practical workshop introduces the common tools used throughout the course and explains how they're used safely and effectively during a backyard aquaponics build.
Sometimes learning the tool is just as important as learning the project.
Optional Extras
As you continue your backyard aquaponics journey, you may also enjoy adding a few extra features to your system.
These optional workshops and tools aren't essential for building a successful system, but they can make the experience even more enjoyable and help you get even more from your aquaponics journey.
They're completely optional and can be added during checkout if you'd like them.
AquaTracker
Keep track of your water quality with confidence.
AquaTracker is a colour-coded spreadsheet that helps you record your water test results, identify trends over time and quickly see whether your readings are moving in the right direction.
Rather than looking at individual test results in isolation, you'll begin seeing the health of your entire system develop over time.
Aquaponics Fish Viewing Window Workshop
One of my favourite upgrades for backyard aquaponics systems.
This practical workshop shows you how to safely install a clear viewing window into an IBC or drum using two different methods, helping you avoid common mistakes while creating a feature that's both practical and enjoyable.
Being able to watch your fish every day adds a whole new dimension to your aquaponics system.
My Goal Is Simple
I don't want your first experience with aquaponics to feel confusing.
I want it to feel enjoyable.
There's something incredibly satisfying about watching water begin flowing through a system you've built with your own hands.
Seeing your first seedlings establish themselves.
Watching your fish settle in.
Harvesting food that only weeks earlier existed as a simple idea.
That's what this course is really about.
Helping you take that first step with confidence, knowing someone is there to guide you through every stage of the journey.
Simple Courtyard Aquaponics Course
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this course for?
It's for anyone who wants to take control of their life and grow healthy food. It is perfect for those in small spaces, as well as those who want to start small and 'kick the tyres'. Everything you need to know, is included to ensure you have the best opportunity.
Can I do this course with no DIY experience?
This is the best question, as to be good with DIY, you have to start somewhere. This course (and bonuses) have been designed for people with NO DIY experience, walking you through everything step by step
Can You Build the Aquaponics System for me and ship it?
This is a common question, and the answer is no I cannot build it and ship it out. I teach you how to source recycled materials, to save landfill, and be sustainable.
I cannot ship out 200L drums to people without the shipping cost being more than it costs to build it yourself.
This course was designed for those who are not confident with tools, to use small power tools. Any handyman can build this for you in an hour or so.
The rest of the course teaches you how to look after it, what fish, plants and care you need to do.
How long does it take to build?
That's the best part about this design, it is small and easy to build in an afternoon. No need to wait weeks trying to build this. Simple, easy and Low Maintenance.
How much room does the Courtyard System take up?
This will depend a little bit on what you do for the stand, however if you follow my deign, it is 1.5m wide, 0.6m deep and the system itself is 1m high ~ plus the height of the veggies.
This is perfect for small spaces. I have mine right outside my backdoor and it is the perfect way to start a herb garden easily.
How much does the parts cost to setup?
When we start anything new, there is always a set-up cost involved.
Within this course, I encourage you to source your parts second hand, and recycle where possible. This will reduce the cost of the aquaponics system.
With second hand parts and time, I have been able to build this aquaponics system for under $100AUD.
Ultimately the question needs to be, is it worth it ~ paying for the course and the parts to build it.
How much do you spend on your herbs? Greens? Your food bill each week? What does your health mean to you, to grow healthy food?
Unlike container gardening where you have to keep buying fertiliser, compost, and soil ~ the only only cost is the water pump, and I show you how to work that out. I run mine for $20AUD per year.
For this, I have healthy herbs year round in this system as well as the occasional broccoli, corn, tomato, zucchini, and capsicums.
Does this the Simple Courtyard Aquaponics System cost a lot to run?
That's the best part. The water pump in my Courtyard Aquaponics System costs $10 per year to run. When you go to bigger systems, the costs get more expensive, but this small system is very economical.
Is this course for me?
That depends really. Are you the type of person who completes the training and is goes out and gets what you need AND builds it? Then yes, this course is for you. If the answer is no, then you will be disappointed. Only you can get the results you are looking for, you have to take the next steps.
Can't I just find this all out on YouTube?
A common mis-conception is that YouTube gives you all the answers. It doesn't, and you never know who you are getting the information from. Will it last, and is it right.
I have formal training in aquaculture as well as work in commercial aquaculture and aquaponics, plus 15 years backyard aquaponics experience.
I don't know everything, but I do know a lot.
Building an aquaponics system is fairly easy and yes, you can pick that up on YouTube with enough research.
BUT, understanding how it runs, how to interpret the water quality results, prevent fish stress and disease, understanding the balance of the system, and learning from someone who understands that every climate is different, every system is different, and how people look after things are different.
This is the knowledge you are paying for. How to get it right, the first time.
Is aquaponics for me?
Aquaponics can be for anyone who wants to do it. Often the issue is 'how do I learn this', and if you are willing to learn, aquaponics is a great way to garden, or to ADD to your current garden. It is the best solution for those in small spaces, with terrible soil, or water restrictions ~ and it is something everyone can learn.
Can I do this if I have never kept fish?
Absolutely. Everything in life is a learned skill, including looking after fish. There are many lessons within this course that help you to understand fish care basics so you get a good foundation.
Is Aquaponics Smelly?
One of the most common questions! Aquaponics doesn't smell 'fishy', that is a saltwater smell. Aquaponics is freshwater. A healthy aquaponics system, smells healthy. Ideally what you will be smelling is the herbs and veggies that you have growing.
Is training for the 'Fish Window' included in the course?
This is a more advanced training using a heat gun, and it is not included in the Simple Courtyard Aquaponics Course. The training is available as a 'One Time Offer' in the next step.
Before You Enrol
The photos throughout this page show my own completed courtyard aquaponics systems.
To personalise my systems, I've added features such as a fish viewing window and decorative timber and Colorbond cladding around the drums.
These custom features are not included as part of the Simple Courtyard Aquaponics course.
The course teaches you how to build the complete working aquaponics system itself.
If you'd like to add a fish viewing window later, the Aquaponics Fish Viewing Window Workshop is available as an optional extra during checkout.
Once your system is up and running, you can personalise its appearance in whatever way best suits your own home and style.
Ready to Build Your First Aquaponics System?
You do not need to spend months comparing designs or wondering whether you have chosen the right components.
The plan is already here.
You can follow each stage at your own pace, build a compact aquaponics system for your courtyard or small backyard, and learn how to care for it with confidence.
I would love to help you turn an ordinary outdoor space into a productive place to grow fresh food.
I don't want to overwhelm you with complicated designs.
I simply want to help you build your first successful backyard aquaponics system with confidence.
Copyright 2026 | Easy Backyard Aquaponics | All Rights Reserved Email: [email protected] Queensland, Australia