Hydroponics...

[Phalanx]

...Yup, I know what you're probably thinking...and well, it's probably half right.
I'm considering putting together a small hydroponic growth area. PRIMARILY for growing things indoors that birds tend to attack, eg, tomatoes, passionfruits, and other small, sweet above-ground fruits/vegetables, and maybe grow some really nice, fat chillis.
And yes, of course weed is going to make an appearance at some point...but again, more of a space filler and personal supply thing there.
So, questions.
Has anyone here any experience with making a growth and/or drainage system of this type themselves?
Reccomendations on bulb wattage, ventilation, nutrients, soil/rocks...etc...?
Is the "foil lining" thing accurate?
What other fruit/veg could you see doing well?

Thanks. -B.

[AmericanManiac]

Yeah yeah thats what I tried telling my parents when they found my shit growing indoors, its peppers you guys ! :D No I really haven't messed with any of that stuff and seeing that you have 420 posts we all know your a stoner ! :D

[Phalanx]

I've got a lot more posts than 420, if you count the various incarnations.
I wouldn't go so far as to call myself a stoner...maybe at a point, but a point in the past...and yeah, not denying that I'd be growing some fine smokable up in this setup I'm planning on, but I maintain that the majority of the useage WOULD be for things to eat. I grow fresh produce as I like to cook with it...IMO, a hydroponic setup just growing weed only would be a stupid waste of an otherwise excellent resource for growing other things in combination, not to mention a little riskier...I mean, in the event that a person were caught growing that kind of thing, I think you'd be in a far better situation if you could prove that drug producing wasn't the only thing on your mind.
Hydro vegetables are the shit, the tomatoes are unlike any other, everything sweet, fresh, crisp and clean...there's no way I WOULDN'T be growing veg and herbs up in there.
Now, all I need is some technical advisory...