I'm interested in experimenting with Hydroponics, however I don't wanna start a huge system yet. I'd like some input on a small water culture system that I'd like to start.

Basically, I would use a 5 gallon bucket as both the growing container and the reservoir. It would not recirculate water, but would use an air stone. I would change out the water and nutrients every few days. I'd use rockwool as a growing medium and keep a close eye on the ph.

Would this work? Or is it absolutely necessary to utilize a recirculating system?

Nope, it isn't necessary to use a recirculating system.

It will work. I'd think it'd be best if you attach discharge valve(s) @ the bottom of the 5 gallon bucket, so it's easier to drain/fill.

Hey, thanks alot. I've got another little project now :-)

I don't like putting holes in the bottom of containers, because they can leak. Instead I use a small submersible pump to pump out liquids.

Turtle is right no need to recirculate, unless you're growing trees.

ok, so now that I have a small system setup, do I want the water level (which is being bubbled by an airstone) to be touching the rockwool, or be just below it? I've seen it both ways in plans on the internet. I currently have it about an inch below the rockwool, which is spraying the rockwool.

I don't use rockwool.

Be very careful about too much moisture. They tend to get waterlogged and kill plants because they hold so much. The plants need to breathe. How do the plants look?

You can do a recirculating system with the holes at the top of the container. I've seen pictures of this done and they're called bio-buckets.