Okay first the bubbler. Yup, it runs always. The goal of any grow system is to effectively deliver water, food, and OXYGEN to the roots. The bubbler is the last bit of that.

Next, you will need some way to test your water for pH and EC. A liquid pH indicator kit is fine if you want to save $$$, but you still want an EC meter. The Truncheon is one that works well and is a good value.

There are some grow logs on here that go through DWC grows, including the problems you will have, very well. Look for threads started by weedhound and xcrispi, for example. Treetops and The Image Reaper also have DWC info posted, as do many other members. There's a thread stickied in 'basic' called 'grow styles submit yours' that you can read through to find DWC style grows. Also, look for a thread by latewood about running the GH nutes in hydro. That has good discussion.