with that budget i would grow with soil. hydro may seem easy but there is a lot of equipment you need than just the hydro tank and tray or pots. when i made the switch i had to buy a water chiller, ec meter, dehumidifier, a few backup pumps. just those things alone i listed cost around $500 usd. if you really want hydro try and look for used stuff. after its been used its very cheap. i go to craigslist.com for used equiptment but dont know how popular it is out there.