Well, I could suggest a couple of things.

if you are starting with just a few plants I would suggest that you either

a. build a simple ebb and flow table, - very easy, very easy to maintain - http://boards.cannabis.com/showthread.php?t=93511

b. build a series of buckets that are all connected in a line, then pump water out of the last bucket back into your res and that will inturn fill up the first bucket and so on, making a circulating system, only 1 low flow water pumpis needed, and only 1 good 6 inch airstone in your res. very cheap and easily expandable.