There is no one-size-fits-all solution in hydroponics, much as in life. Your best hydroponic system will depend on a number of factors, namely 1) how much space do you have available? 2) What kind of natural or artificial lighting is available? 3) What kind of budget do you have to work with? 4) How much time are you able to devote to this hobby or business? 5) What kinds of crops will you be growing? and 6) What kinds of future expansion can be anticipated?
In general, it's easiest and less expensive to start with a passive hydroponics system. Highly specialized systems supporting a large variety of plants with different needs or with unique demands (structural supports for vining plants or unusual temperature or light requirements for others) perhaps should be deferred until another day. Deep water culture is more forgiving with regards to power outages and does not depend on growth media. This is an excellent system to use in conjunction with water-loving plants.
