Jacob:
I really wish there was an easier way, but from what you ask, I’d suggest you RTFB and refer to the following resources. For hydro, Cervantes is probably the best place to start, but don't short change the others because they all have something to say.
1. Read: SeeMoreBud’s,
“MARIJUANA BUDS FOR LESS- GROW 8 OZ. OF BUDS FOR LESS THAN $100.” It’s a must for beginning dirt gardeners especially those using CFL’s.
2. You might also want to read: Mc McCarthy’s,
“GROWING MARIJUANA.” It’s another good text for dirt gardeners.
3. Read: Jorge Cervantes’s,
“MARIJUANA HORTICULTURE THE INDOOR/ OUTDOOR MEDICAL GROWER’S BIBLE.” It’s great for both dirt and hydro.
4. Read: Ed Rosenthal’s,
“MARIJUANA GROWER’S HANDBOOK.” It’s very complete.
5.
“THE CANNABIS GROW BIBLE- SECOND EDITION,” written by Greg Green, is easily a match, if not better than the ones listed above.
6. You should also subscribe to,
“HIGH TIMES,” magazine. Each issue is full of useful information and excellent photography.
7. You might also want to subscribe to
www.gardenandgreenhouse.net. It’s free and they offer a monthly news letter that always has a lot of good information, especially for newbies.
8. A lot of local hydroponics stores offer free weekend gardening classes. Admittedly they offer these classes as a means of boosting sales but they also present some good information and they’re frequently taught by experienced gardeners.
All these resources are very well written, well illustrated and packed with information that will answer most of your questions before you know to ask them. Doing your homework
before you start to grow by consulting these resources will save you and your plants a lot of stress. These forums are great but often they’re the blind leading the blind and when you do get it from a knowledgeable source they frequently can’t get the information you need to you in a timely fashion. I sincerely hope this helps.