Hydro isn't too bad if all you're doing is a small planting. I got 2 GH Water Farm units for my personal setup, less than $70 each, everything included: air pump, air hose, hydroton, ferts.........assemble, add seeds and water, plug in and finish the rest of your setup. You can always save a bit too by getting the "bare bones", buy one double-outlet air pump and a bag of expanded clay.