Make this yourself for under $200

I had trouble finding instructions for the small system I wanted to make, and had to pull information from various sources. Here are the results of my research and experimentation over two months.

Step 1: Shelving/Support

The first thing you need is a sturdy, level surface and strong shelving with three levels. I used a shelf I had in my basement. I put it near a window in case I need to ventilate it at some point. Also be sure ample electricity is close by.

Step 2: Principles

There are several key things to consider.

1) depth of water for the roots of intended plants
2) distance between plants and lights
3) roots don't like light, so choose opaque tubs
4) limit debris in water from medium
5) strength of light needed for type of plants grown. 45 watts per fixture should work for the lettuce I'm growing.
6) the water needs to be well oxygenated
7) the top of the syphon needs to flare out to facilitate an even flow
8) the last elbow at the bottom of the drain is used to regulate flow

Step 3: Materials

Shelving
1 fish tank, about 20 gallons
1 water pump, about 150-300 gph
1 water heater, optional
Two light fixtures (third optional)
3 inch mesh pots
rock wool plugs
5 ft of tubing
Clips and clamps
1 mylar emergency blanket
2 concrete mixing tubs or similar
2, 3/4 inch bulkheads (found online)
2, 3/4-1.5 inch double slip reducers
Length of 3 inch PVC pipe
2, 3 inch PVC pipe caps
Length of 3/4 inch PVC electrical conduit
4, 3/4 inch PVC elbows
Water
Fish

Step 4: Bell Syphon

This is the only complicated part. Making the syphon helps with aeration as well as regulating flow, and maintaining water levels.

First, install the bulkhead in a corner of the tub, avoiding raised areas that won't seal well. The rubber gasket goes to the bottom. Cut several lengths of 3/4 inch conduit:
2, 2 inch segments
2, 6 inch segments
2, 15 inch segments
Put the 15 inch segment below the bulkhead, and the 2 inch segment on top. Put the reducer coupling on the 2 inch piece. The height of the water is dependent on the length of the 2 inch piece, so it is variable. Also, the 15 inch piece is variable depending on the height of your plants.
Put the elbow beneath the 15 inch piece and the 6 inch piece on that. Then put on the last elbow.
Finally, you need to cut the 3 inch PVC to one inch above the height of the syphon. Make some sort of holes on the bottom of the tube, and cap the top, drilling one hole for air. I used my dado kit to cut crenellations like a castle tower.
That's it!

Step 5: Finishing

Put everything together and test connections. Expect to take it apart completely at least once. Get it running and let it run for a day before adding fish. Then wait three days to plant the seeds so the nutrients can build up.
Give the fish somewhere to hide, and add a heater if the temperature goes below 70 F.