I have been researching hydroponics for a couple weeks but I'm not sure which system I should start with. Deep Water Culture looks to be pretty easy with just a tote, stones, and air pump (basically) but I look at Aeroponics which I could make with a few more parts. Either way I want to eventually experiment with both systems to see how I can get them to work. I've heard something about the sprayers on an aero system clogging but yet I haven't heard much bad about DWC. What do you think is a good starter system (and on the cheaper side)?
If you want to begin with hydroponic, i'd definately say DWC. Yes the jets/sprayers clog up on an aeroponic due to salt built-up (but can be easily cleaned).
the DWC will cost less, and will be easier to run ( IMHO). bubble buckets are pretty hard to mess up. If I were you I would start with DWC... then after a couple of hydro grows..modify 1-2 of my buckets to be aero, just to see which I like/produces more. lol a 5-10 site aero-cloner is a pretty easy upgrade to a DWC bucket. just need to replace the lid and net pots when adding the H2O pump and fittings. GL P.S. all hydro emmiters clog, aero and drip. another bonus to the DWC