In my opinion, the key to a good hydro grow is good quality fert. One that has pretty much everything plants need.
Rapid Rooters all the way. If using a seed, it's possible to start the seed in the rooter. Just stick it in and keep the rooter wet. This can be hard to do if you're gone most of the day, but try it, or just germinate in wet paper towel or such.
Good hydro grows done right don't require CO2, so forget it. I commented on a thread where the grower says he's in day 19 of flower and plants are 4 feet tall. They will keep growing until they die naturally. So you might top them when they start to get tall, like 18 inches to 2 feet.
I think Tiny is right about pH at 5.8-6.2, but don't be surprised if it walks away from you every day. 6.8 can be common. Try to control it more with fert rather than pH down. Just use the meter, 500ppm when they're small and up to 1000 or more when big. This plant actually grows well in wide pH swings, but it's probably better to shoot for what Tiny said. Just don't sweat it too much.