When I had that system I did not. I now have solar power though and that would be the plan for the future system. It depends on how the hardware is sourced (in my case I obtain almost everything secondhand or free) and if you have the advantage of grade to move water. Doesn't cost anything if it's going downhill. I think aquaponics is most ideal for people who need to conserve water/or eat a lot of fish. (You need some way to filter the fish water!) Or even people who run expensive filter units for hobbiest aquariums.