DWC is my recommendation for where new folks should start.
I'd suggest considering forgoing the tent if your space permits. Tents definitely serve a purpose (climate control, light reflection, light blocking for light sensitive plants (e.g.: photoperiods)) but do come with additional challenges, and are an additional investment that can be unnecessary and discouraging to first timers.
Ditching the tent will obviate the AC Infinity too; for now, of course, we're just trying to get you going 🤙
My recommended DWC starter set:
Black 5 gallon buckets from the hardware store (not orange, white, or blue.. everything must be 100% opaque)
Net pot lids. Get the lids and don't bother with drilling holes or balancing net cups.. thank me later.
Expanded clay pellets, e.g.: hydroton. This is mostly for structural stability of the plant.
One or more air pumps. This will be the only moving part in your system and you'll use it 24/7. Don't cheap out, but don't overdo it as these are notoriously noisy.
Air diffusers. Don't bother with little air stones. For a 5g bucket, grab a 4" Diffuser Disc đź‘Ś
Air tubing (can be clear, but opaque is better)
Check valves (optional, but recommended)
Lights! A Spider Farmer 4000 is plenty to get started, stick with that.
Nutes of choice: keep it simple IMO, get your basic 3 partner and stay away from the additional amendments for your first grow.
pH and EC pens: the $15 ones or even test strips will do the trick for your first grow, it sounds like you've got expendable income so this is where I'd recommend splurging.
Everything here is fully reusable (grow after grow) and almost all is reusable for most other methods (RDWC/NFT/Ebb & Flow).
I've been growing for years with all sorts of techniques, and I regularly go back to this DWC setup; works fantastic and is ~foolproof đź‘Ť
You can also use rockwool in addition to the hydroton, it makes germination less finicky.
So after reading all the replies I’m not doubting my own setup, but figured I’d add my experience. I have a k40 with this pump VIVOSUN Air Pump 950 GPH 32W... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XDKRYC6?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
It makes a huge differences in my cuts, but is really loud. I mounted it from its rubber feet upside down and that helped a lot with the sound. I just use this as a hobby machine so likely won’t upgrade but now I’m thinking I want a larger pump. Just add it to the list I guess.
Hey all, I hope this doesn’t count as spam, but i’m looking to sell my trusty OmTech K40. it’s a solid laser cutter. i will provide original amazon links to everything included: Orion Motor Tech 12"x 8" 40W CO2... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01EJDH1BO?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
I have the original usb dongle that allows you to use their proprietary software, but I’ve always used and recommended the open source software called “k40 whisperer”.
i have removed the original bed and upgraded it with a 12”x9” homecomb bed: 300X200 Honeycomb. Fit K40 machine https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EFFOF0W?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
i have run additional tubing for air assist and will include an air compressor: VIVOSUN Air Pump 950 GPH 32W... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XDKRYC6?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
i also have an additional laser head with an air assist connect, but i was too scared to ever install it. but you can have that too: 18mm Laser Head w/ Air Assisted.... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0094WLPYK?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
The machine works great. The only caveat at all is that i let the water cooling hoses sit in there water too long and they got gross and slimy, so i cut like a foot off the tube. you just need to keep your water bucket pretty close to the unit.
As you can see i’ve got over $650 invested in this setup, but i live in a small home and i just don’t use it enough to justify the space. i’d like to get $400 for it and i’m willing to meet up in the San Antonio / Austin area. I’d be willing to drive about an hour away to help get this into the hands of someone who will appreciate it.