It might be worth a try for those who have limited space, and a window with good sun exposure.
Driftdiver, how expensive is hydroponics? How much electricity is needed, or is the window enough exposure? Are there battery operated grow lights?
I grow some cantaloupes etc vertically, but I use the outdoors, dirt, and fences or cattle panels.
A greenhouse with hydroponics and a fish tank could go a long ways toward providing a workable ecosystem - maybe.
The equivalent of a 400 sq ft garden costs about $500 for everything except seeds. This set up requires about 20 sq ft of space. There is a small electrical pump which could run off solar but you can also run them manually, without a pump.
You do need sunlight and a stock of the plant food.