Where the heck to start!? (Sorry)

Hey hydro guys! I am sure this isn't the most off the wall question, and I'm Sure you get it a lot and I apologize but I have a quick question so I can start my research without hours of just stumbling around.

In going into hydro (cost aside (ok not totally aside but around a couple grand)) what is the easiest, most newb friendly aspect to start into. I see drain to waste, ebb and flow and a few others but I have no idea which to start researching as I don't know anything about it.

What method of system is best for lets say 4 plants in a 2x2 or 3x3 tent, that is automatic (the less worries the better) and that a newb should look into!

I dont need my hand held but can someone shove me in the right direction?

I've heard autos aren't what you want to start growing with. Reason being if you fuck something up those have less of a chance to recover. I can't speak on all the different hydro systems out there cause I started out with RDWC and that's all I've done. I love it, it's easy to maintain and it works.

Hello, I just got started a few months ago myself and have been happy with ebb and flow. I was researching the various methods... DWC seems the simplest, but more prone to root problems if you don't have your system dialed in, DTW seemed too manual, drip systems in buckets was a strong competitor but a pump in each buckets seems like a bit much, and running hoses everywhere seemed too failure prone. So that's how I ended up here, using 2x2 trays.

I think the main drawbacks are depth of tray being limited compared to say a 5 gallon bucket, and although bigger trays may be easier, they are also less flexible in that all the plants in that tray are being fed the same thing.

I can shove you towards Hempy. Google hempy method and start there. I always suggest hempy for people getting into hydro for the first time. It's simple to grow and maintain healthy hydroponic plants for a new grower. The speed will lag roughly 2 weeks behind a similar active hydroponics grow in veg, but the simplicity makes it worth the extra time.

For true hydro, and best way to learn, is 5gal bucket dwc. Many ways to do it but it can be made to be the easiest way to grow hydro, including not using media.

I learned to grow with dwc, but had a lot of problems so switched to flood tables and have been rockin em since. they're pretty simple and easy. I'm getting ready to give drain to waste coco a try just to change it up and try something different. I kept some mothers in hempy's for a while and it worked ok for that but I tried flowering in hempys once and didn't do to well.

If your just learning to grow try DWC or hempys. They're probably the cheapest ways to start and you'll learn all about how to care for them without having to invest much $ on equipment. If your an experienced dirt grower looking to make the switch then it depends on how "hands on" you want to be. For something that doesn't need constant care I'd suggest ebb&flow or drain to waste. If you want to be in your garden tending them most every day then try DWC. (although no matter what style you choose you should be in there every day until you get it dialed)

DWC is probably the easiest hydro method to get started: I began experimenting with DWC in a single tub 4 plant res. I just put 4 netpot holes in a Walmart tote & filled it with water then added some airstones ez. However DWC can become a total nightmare if proper ph is not held in check. Root rot will be a constant issue but can be mitigated with hygrozyme(bennies), h2o2, and frequent res changes. A recirculating DWC may be a better option but theses systems do use a ton of water. Ebb & flow systems are ez to maintain but you'll need to build a table or drop a nut at the hydro store.
I converted to aeroponic sprayer tubes & aerocloner to avoid these issues and glad I did- it's even less maintenance than I expected but I think some single bucket or tote DWC exp to start you out will help guide you to the best method for your sitch- DWC is a great primer into hydro

Hi Johnx,
I think you should select a method that will let you grow a good plant...but also will allow you to learn.

True, a Hempy is easy, but with a more active system, you can learn how to use a ppm and ph meter and follow nute strengths and actually learn how to do hydroponics.

Waterfarms were what I cut my hydro teeth on. There are enough variables to allow you to learn...but forgiving enough to allow a noob hydro guy to make some good harvests.
JD

PS-I've never done DWC but it's fairly common to see a thread where a DWC plant dies overnight, or gets root rot. You don't see that with Waterfarms because the system is so heavily aerated.

My vote would be for a really basic DIY DWC 3.5 gallon or 5gallon bucket setup if you want to get your hands dirty (or wet) learning hydroponics. Save some money and enthusiasm for later after you've found out what you like and don't like about hydroponics in general - and then get creative building your own custom or hybrid system after a grow or two. In my mind, DWC exists somewhere in between more traditional growing methods that are close to regular soil growing, like with drain-to-waste/coco/inert solid grow mediums... and the more exotic hydroponic systems like aeroponics or NFT. Just think DWC gives a good all-around learning experience that would allow you to branch off in either direction.