Don't rule out the DWC yet...especially not because of the airpump.

I have a DWC going right now and it's exploding!!!

The airpump i'm using is this: Top Fin® XP Air Pumps - Air Pumps & Accessories - PetSmart

it's the dual outlet xp-125. I have 4 plants in my 14 gallon tub...it's a little tight for space and i'll soon be moving to individual 5 gallon buckets...but the pump is doing great. i'm running 4 5inch air stones off of it. Each plant/netpot has an airstone hanging 2 inches below it so it is just blasting the roots with lil bubbles. the roots are massive and the plants are THRIVING. and this is only my third grow.

super easy. super low maintanance. no pump timer...i love it. DWC all the way!!!

thanks for listening.
Skeet