I am very LAZY! If this were a difficult hobby I doubt I would enjoy it. Just 1 plant is a great way to get into it. I only check my PH once a week.

I takes probably all of 30 seconds to check the water pH.
I only check mine once a week or whenever I'm adding water or nutrient.
Unless you've got stuff in your water that keeps it from stabilizing, its not really a problem.
Also, using a lot of water helps buffer any problems you may have. say using 5 gallons for one plant versus 6 ounces.
So again, don't sweat it. you'll enjoy it tremendously.

I have to agree with the others. I too am lazy. The only time I check ph is when I make the nutrient solution once a week (and I only test what I'm making). You do have to drain the system every few weeks to a month because salt apparently builds up in the system.

Overall I spend maybe 5 minutes a day (except when I mix nutrients in which case it is 30 minutes.)

I'm growing a bunch of stuff including watermelon (I have yet to get a fruit from the watermelon yet though).

One pepper plant should be little effort. My biggest issue is the cost of light and electricity.

Here is a link that might be useful: My hydroponic garden

You can spend from 5 min to all day in hydro garden: 5 mins is all that's required for even a pretty big hydro garden.

Hydro takes a lot less time than a dirt garden......

Will 6500k power compact lights from home depot be enough light for a chilli plant. I was thinking maybe 2 or 3 of these lights or do I have to use something stronger. Another question, how about nutrients. I see a lot of different brands does it matter what brand I use?