The hand watering method.
This is the lowest cost, lowest maintenance system. You can fill 50 cent grow bags with a soilless mix (like equal parts vermiculite/perlite/coconut coir) and you are all set to grow.
With this method, it is important to make the medium slow draining. This is accomplished by using the vermiculite and coconut coir, both of which retain water. The goal is to have the bags retain the nutrient solution (and stay moist) for about the same amount of time as a soil mix would.
All of this is very easy to accomplish. Simply water every day or two using whatever feeding plan you like.
This homemade hydroponics system is also very easy. To duplicate the reservoir method homemade, all you need is a cheap plastic storage tote, a regular fish aquarium air pump, and a couple of air stones.
An effort should be made to keep light out of the nutrient solution. Square containers fit together nicely to make the most of your space, and also to block light. Or, holes could be cut in the lid of the storage tote to accomodate several plant containers, and also to block light.