hydro noob quetion(s)

I wanna go hydro but I just can't understand it completely. My set up is 1x3 foot. I'll try to LST maybe scrog too. How often do pumps go out and I don't know how often to flush or turn a valve to drop the water. Can anyone cut and paste some good info or instructions . Id love to learn how to do this for my personal use smoke. Thanks for any feedback. I'll be using CFL's and i'd like to use t5's on the sides.
Thanks

What type of hydrponic grow are you considering? would you like to put it in a bin? How many plants? I have a great set up im currently using for some personal smoke. Check it out...
http://cgi.ebay.com/Hydroponic-PC-Grow-Case-Stealth-Herb-Plant-Hydro-Box-/330407517927?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4cedd29ee7

Thats my exact pc grow case from the same guy. Enjoy By the way his set up works wonders bringing an ounce per plant.