Ok I was like you, I wanted my first system to be hydroponics. I was looking at the Aerogarden VS. the Stealth Hydro System but didnt want to pay 200 dollars for a bunch of crap i didnt need. I ended up buying the Aerogarden instead because it was down the street at bed bath and beyond for 20 percent off. So I grew first in the AG having 3 fems out of seven plants. I transplanted them to a larger reservoir letting the roots sit spideweb like in the watery nutrients. Heres how that turned out-
http://www.rollitup.org/hydroponics-...ml#post1241779
The plants had great buds but not enough light to produce max yield. So now I have a 600w HPS and digital ballast for my homemade DWC Bubbleponics system and the AG is for seedlings and clones.
Heres all you need-
1.-Solid not transparent Reservoir, at least 2 -5 gallons for each plant,$6-10
2.-Air Pump for aquarium- Elite 7ninenine works fine- $12
3.-Air pump tubing-$5
4.-3-3.5 inch net pots -2$
5.-Hydroton clay balls- 10$
6.-Rockwool Cubes or small sponges or Aerogarden Sponge- 5$
7.-Lighting- CFL's like pictured below are 10$ at walmart, or get an HPS or MH setup which is hood, bulb, and ballast.Visit HighTech Garden Supply on Ebay First and Last They R the BEST!
Check your headshops for grow equipment they most likely have the air pumps, tubes, and pots and hydroton. Also Look up hydroponics in your area you will be surprised to find a hydroponic growing shop.
Take your reservoir and trace the net pot on the lid of the reservoir where each plant will have enough space spread apart. Cut out almost to the line u traced so the net can sit snug in the lid. You will want to drop in the hydroton then rockwool cubes. Situate the tubing so that it will reach all or most of the plants from the air pump. I found an Elite 7ninenine only works for 4 plants. The air pump bubbles up water oxygen and nutrients directly to the inner roots of your plants and really helps them stay healthy. If you want to create a drip system which you dont really need since the roots will be sitting in the water, then get a 25$ water pump and situate the tubing so it drips on each plants roots. One CFL like pictured wont fully veg one plant so at least two per plant are recommended.
Please let me know if you have any questions I am glad to help-
Please give me some Rep whoever i help ;0