help-first hydro setup

[allrollsin21]

Hi folks. I have not spent too much time in this here hydro forum, but i thought i would try to balance out my fire sign with some of that wondrous water.

So i read around for a few weeks and came to the conclusion that there is no ONE right way. Many opinions on the matter. Here is what i am trying to achieve.
1. User friendly system, not too much changes or cleanup.
2. Somewhat forgiving...first timer...i know soil is more forgiving but...
3. Accelerated growth hydro is known for
4. Something that is easily compatible running a vegetative area and Flower seperately.
5. EFFICIENT use of Nutes and Water
6. Not at all similar to brain surgery...

So i have been growin for bout a year and finally have a grip on soil. I am confident and am not sure i will make the switch. The reason is that i had a tough year with a bunch of serious setbacks...seeds...bunk strains.......(if you are ever in the plant Problems forum you probably remember me:() So it is a catch twenty two because i am in a tight position and need to have some success right out of the gate. More success(read yield) the better, hence hydro.
This is the system that seems to make the most sense for my skill level and courage level. Please i have a cup out and am collecting everyone's two cents. Just put it on the end of this:jointsmile:

I am looking to grow a medium amount of 2-3 foot plants. The space is going to be around a 12x12.
I want to construct two seperate, veg and flwr, top-feed bucket drain to waste. Run one large res. for each and have drip wrings in the buckets. I thought i would start using this system with soil and then slowly switch to coco when i am in a place where i can take more risk. I am comfortable with the soil(relatively), and think if i go this route i can have the infrastructure in place for the switch to soil. My Budget is around 2000 and I am attempting to fill the space below 3600W.
My hydro guy(whom really helped me out today) said i could do it with drains or not. If not he said what is left in the bottom of the bucket below the top bucket can sit there and will eventually evaporate as long as there is not too much. I like better the idea of installing drains so it can leave the system. It is just like an "ebb & Grow" except i would do a lot of the fabrication on my own.
I would be happy to paint a more specific question if that helps anyone assess my situation. THANKs FOR HELPING OUT.

[herbie the love bud]

A lot of people like top feed drip. Lot of people like ebb and flow. I personally like DWC. I think those 3 are all pretty beginner friendly. I think most of your money is gonna go to your lighting though and you arent going to have to much left over for equip.

[allrollsin21]

Right on Herbie...i actually have all the lighting already. I had a room set up for soil. Tore it down because i think its time for a move:wtf:

I was going to do a recirc DWC but i am afraid it will be too much water with the combined two rooms and the numbers i would like to go with. Thanks for your summary.

My only concern with the drip is how long to leave the timer on...but i was assured its pretty easy to dial in. Easy is as easy as easy is...:stoned:

[allrollsin21]

Please do not reply to the above questions. I have decided to do a simpler soil Ebb and Flow using Trays. i have a lot of growth potential still with a soil medium and feel i should explore further before pulling up the stakes. Also i already have trays and am no longer looking to pour what small amount of monies i have into this hobby. Thanks anyway and sorry for the waste of bandwidth.

[herbie the love bud]

Well it was a good thought, and of course best of luck to you. Remember, you can always go from soil to soil-less.

[allrollsin21]

Thanks Herbie. Good idea with the soiless!