Okay, so what I did was get a modest little ebb and flow unit (18" x 31" micro garden by Botanica - nice because it includes planting materials, pots, tubes, pump and a lot of nutes) and also got the bigger 400 watt set-up with a switchable ballast even tho I hear it will blow out my MH sooner - I found a deal that seemed to have high quality parts including double timer, nice ballast, heavy duty cords, both MH and HPS grow bulbs, etc. Reading here, I realized improving the quality of my equipment was a good idea and I will want to expand a little in the future.
In the end I decided I didn't want to mess with drip system (I have enough of that in the garden outside) and although changing the nutrient solution will be a pain, I will use my wine-making siphon set-up (or one like it). I spent more than I wanted to (or had) and kind of regret getting the AeroGarden at all, but I have learned so much from all the help here that I haven't wasted more than a couple of weeks and do have five plants to show for it. (The AG is dynamite for culinary herbs - very intense flavored basil).
I need to get up and running because I am going to run out before outdoor harvest (considering it's winter). The problem with MMJ is it's more than a luxury (of course, one could say that anyway, eh). Just thanks so much to all - In a week or so I will be set up decently and can transplant my girls (hopefully they are) as well as start more, take them all through some veg and then put them to bloom. I hate the fact that i will probably have to harvest some too young, but I guess I am counting my buds before they are grown... Thanks again!
I will start a grow journal.
