mommyhen42 -
We used 2' X 3' containers from Lowes. They are a polytank type material. They cost $12.00. It took 5 bags of pea gravel to fill them. Yes they are very muddy. We hooked a hose to the drain and washed the gravel in the containers, but drained the water to the sewer. We were in the basement. The side will bow badly if not on real solid base. We used 2" X 10" boards several inches wider and longer than the tub. We bought pea gravel from Lowes but discovered it was for landscaping and it has such small gravel it was almost like sand and would go through the drain into the fish tank. So we went to Home Depot and got the real stuff. We have 3 beds working now with 3 more to come as soon as babies grow big enough not to get sucked into the pump. No more filters!
No more fish poop! We are waiting for Spring when we can go outside to the big stuff. We are growing lots in our mini-aquaponics and testing what we want to grow outside and what will grow best. Good luck