Thank you, Erica. I looked up some hydroponic micro systems online and I saw quite a few complaints about the pump like you mentioned, although the reviews were good overall.
https://www.amazon.com/AeroGarden-901070-1200-Harvest-Classic-Black/dp/B01IK7PLZI?ref_=fsclp_pl_dp_1#customerReviews. As far as my goals... I think I want to start with herbs and leafy greens, and I've tried a potted plant before but I am still working on my green thumb... My nephew was actually one of my main motivating factors for trying to live more sustainably and make some of my own food. (He's seen a drastic change in his health because he has fresh veggies in his backyard all the time) And he just informed me of another hydroponic system he thinks is cool. But they don't have any reviews... I think it's a startup. It didn't say anything about needing fertilizer or nutrients but it looks easy enough. However, I want to get someone's opinion before I do anything because I'm still a newbie.
https://growlocal.eco/ This is the link my nephew sent me a few minutes ago. Let me know what you think