Hi Philip,
Actually, there is a tremendous resource out there that you should download:
http://www.backyardaquaponics.... (Warning: Big PDF file!)
It's a book length document loaded with pictures and everything you need. Check it out!
As for money, it's really the tote ($50?) and a few PVC fittings ($20 perhaps) along with a little pond pump ($20?) So pretty cheap, comparatively.
The tote's growbed is about 4 feet by 4 feet, so 16 square feet. I'm currently growing several tomatoes, a pepper, a zucchini, swiss chard, several lettuces and onions, and others that I can't remember right now.
Check out the document above and let me know if you have any questions and I'll be glad to answer them.
