Setting up a basic aquaponics farming system can be a fun and rewarding project. Here are simple and easy-to-follow instructions to get you started:

**Materials You'll Need:**

1. **Fish Tank**: A tank to house your fish.
2. **Grow Bed**: A container for your plants.
3. **Pump**: To circulate water.
4. **Tubing**: To connect the pump to the grow bed.
5. **Grow Media**: Clay pebbles or gravel for the grow bed.
6. **Fish**: Choose hardy fish like tilapia or goldfish.
7. **Aquarium Heater**: If needed to maintain water temperature.
8. **pH Kit**: To monitor and adjust water pH.
9. **Ammonia and Nitrite Test Kits**: To monitor water quality.
10. **Plants**: Herbs and leafy greens are good choices.
11. **LED Grow Light**: Optional but can be useful in low-light conditions.

**Step-by-Step Setup:**

1. **Choose a Location**: Find a suitable indoor or outdoor location with access to electricity and protection from extreme weather conditions.

2. **Set Up the Fish Tank**:
   - Place the fish tank in your chosen location.
   - Fill it with dechlorinated water.
   - Add the aquarium heater if needed to maintain the water temperature within the optimal range for your chosen fish species.
   - Introduce your fish and follow proper care guidelines.

3. **Set Up the Grow Bed**:
   - Place the grow bed above the fish tank, ensuring it's secure and level.
   - Add the grow media (clay pebbles or gravel) to the grow bed. It should be deep enough to support your plants.

4. **Connect the Pump**:
   - Attach the tubing to the water pump.
   - Submerge the pump in the fish tank and connect the other end of the tubing to the grow bed.
   - Ensure the tubing allows water to flow from the fish tank to the grow bed.

5. **Cycle the System**:
   - Turn on the pump to start circulating water from the fish tank to the grow bed.
   - Let the system run for a few days to allow beneficial bacteria to establish in the grow media.

6. **Monitor Water Quality**:
   - Regularly test the water for pH, ammonia, and nitrite levels.
   - Adjust the pH as needed using pH up or down solutions.
   - Perform partial water changes if ammonia or nitrite levels rise too high.

7. **Plant Your Crops**:
   - Once the system is stable (usually after a few weeks), plant your chosen crops in the grow bed.
   - Place the LED grow light above the plants if you have low light conditions.

8. **Maintain Your System**:
   - Feed your fish according to their dietary needs.
   - Monitor plant growth and trim as needed.
   - Check and clean the pump and tubing periodically to prevent clogs.

9. **Harvest and Enjoy**:
   - As your plants grow, harvest them for fresh produce.
   - Continue to care for your fish and maintain water quality.

10. **Troubleshooting**:
    - If you encounter issues, consult aquaponics resources or seek advice from experienced aquaponics enthusiasts.

Remember that aquaponics systems require patience and attention to detail, especially in the initial setup phase. Once established, they can provide a sustainable and efficient way to grow both fish and plants.