First Grow: Need Help on Set-Up

I would like to start a small indoor grow operation, using a DWC/Drip System (not sure on the exact term), 600W HPS/MH Light, and a grow tent. The hydroponic system I'm trying to build resembles the http://halohydro.com/Halo_4_plant_instruction.html system. However, I was told this system is overpriced and the system needs improvements. Here's the needed material I believe are necessary to construct this system with the needed modifications.

Supplies

5 – 5 Gallon Black Buckets ($6.00 ea.)
4 – Lids With 6“ Netted Pots ($4.00 ea.)
1 – Solid Lid for Reservoir ($2.50)
1 – 250 GPH Submersible Pump ($18.00)
1 – 573 GPH Air Pump ($23.00)
1 – Drip Manifold ($9.00)
1 – Air Line Manifold ($7.00)
5 – 6” Air Stone Diffuser ($1.17 ea.)
6 – ½ in. Grommet ($0.75 ea.)
4 – ½ in. Barbed Elbow Joint ($0.35 ea.)
2 – ½ in. Double Barbed Tee ($0.35 ea.)
1 – 25' Roll Black ½ in. Tubing ($11.00)
1 – 20' Roll Vinyl ¼ in. Air Tubing ($5.00)
1 – 10 Pack Drip Stake ($4.00)
1 – 10L Bag Hydrostone ($10.45)
1 – 3” 8 Pack Rockwool Cubes ($6.00)

This would allow each bucket to have its own air stone, and the drip rings have been replaced by the stakes. The light system I've decided to use is the http://www.amazon.com/iPower-GLSETX600DHMAC6-600-Watt-Digital-Dimmable/dp/B005GYRZV2/ref=pd_rhf_cr_p_t_1_T3BR (iPower 600-Watt Light Digital Dimmable System - Air Cooled Hood Set), which is $208.00. For the tent I was thinking the Secret Jardin Darkroom II Pro DR90 36"x36"x72" which I could buy for $175.98 and appeared to be the best reviewed. I would also purchase the necessary ventilation for this set up when I have a bit more prospective.

Does the above DIY hydroponic system and remaining grow set up look good? Price is the biggest consideration in my grow setup, so any advice on reducing cost in any way with my proposed operation would be greatly appreciated. Also, any other recommendation regarding my setup are readily welcomed and desired. I have contacted my only local grower supply for assistance on this matter, but due to my skin and eye condition I am unable to go over an converse with them in person at the moment. They of course informed me they would not provide any advise unless I was able to come to the store. My apologies for the above jumbled mess, I have been pipe dreaming of this for quite a few years now, and it's time to get to work.

Sounds like a good plan, you can easily make your own system. There are a couple things you will have to do some additional research on....One being the 600 watt light will be very hot and you will need to exhaust the hot air out and bring cool fresh air in. So an inline fan 6".Personally I would go a little bigger than what you need 400 cfm and get a speed adjuster. But if money is the concern then maybe just a smaller 6" with no speed control. Also depending on where this tent is a carbon filter may be required to help control smell...Finally an important factor when doing DWC is res temps. DWC is a great set up, I have been looking into giving it a go next run. My only issue being my closet temps run 78-83 with lights on....for DWC optimal res temps are between 68-72. Since it is coming up on summer and I am not running my AC all the time I would have to do the frozen water bottle trick which sounds like a lot of work. Or spend additional money for a chiller to cool the water. Something to think about before you jump into DWC. Although I do see some successful grows with much higher res temps? My hydro shop didn't recommend it for my current setup....I am in a 4'x2'x8' closet with a 400 watt HPS.

first timer

put the hydro on the side and work with dirt .........dirt acts as a little buffer untill u get your feet wet with info on nurtients feedings and all that good stuff........if u try hydro for first time i am sorry to say but something will mess up and u will well waste alot of money for a lesson u could of learned on soil

Thank you for the advice!

I've decided to knock it down to a two site DWC bucket system with a 400w HPS/MH light. I didn't want such a large operation to begin with. I'm pretty confident in my ability to run a hydro system though. I've worked in a greenhouse and tree nursery, so I have some knowledge already of horticulture. I am worried though of the enviormwnt for my grow operation. Making an indoor cabinet grow seems to add quite a few challenges in clinate control.

I agree soil is a good way to start. I remember my first run at hydro with an ebb and flow. I had a lot of issues but learned fast. I'm sure you can pull it off. I would recommend getting the tools such as Ec/ppm meters. Make sure your setup allows for easy res changes. Sure you have read and seen YouTube videos and aware of maintenance for that system. If not then check it out. Environment is most important if you can control that the rest falls in line. How big of cabinet? Do a search on super closet it will give you a lot of good ideas on setting up a stealth cabinet in the kind of system you are looking for. Those things are expensive you can build something similar or better I am sure! Keep us posted on what your thinking for your indoor cabinet. Good luck!