I'm going to follow this thread whole-heartedly because I am a new grower myself. I just ordered some sugar blossom from joey weed and I will be using hydro myself. I plan on germinating 5 seeds in grow plugs and then transplant them into my rig. From my understanding MH is better to veg in and HPS for flower. I will be getting a digital ballast that will accept both 400W bulbs for this task. As for the hydro rig I going to build this:

Grow Marijuana FAQ, Cannabis cultivation - marijuana growing tips & photos

I just ordered the tubs from a restaurant supply store. Everything should be in within a week or so and I will go from there.

I'd like to see a picture of your hydro rig.

Thanks and good luck!!