AeroGarden 3SL set up and How You Can Use Your Own Seeds

I wanted a small hydro system that I could start my own seeds in. I've bought larger Aero gardens in the past - both broke after about a year. I was debating whether or not to get another one and then while shopping at Walmart I found this smaller unit on clearance for $40 (online it retails for $70). I like the small footprint and thought in the it's cheaper than buying a grow light, lamp base etc. I decided to remove the bulb since my kitchen window gets pretty good light. If the seedlings get leggy - I'll put it back in (unfortunately the on switch for the light and pump work together) I want to conserve the bulb if I can because it says you need to replace every 6-months. I decided to buy it and put my lettuce seedlings in there to see if they would grow better than the conventional way (which created leggy seedlings). I also picked up an extra light for $7 (also on clearance). I'm using Adrianna seeds (which is a favorite hydroponic lettuce - fast 48 days and compact) and I will do a comparison on no-pump/light hydro-growing vs Aero Garden and will do a follow up video. Why do I want to grow lettuce indoors? I'm tired of the aphids, snails, bolting lettuce issues I have in the garden! I have visions of my needing lettuce for a salad and being able to pick it off my lettuce houseplants. I even put them in decorative baskets so that my husband wouldn't think it looked "too junky" and I could place them in other rooms in the house that get good sunlight (like my bedroom). ;) I have plans for this AeroGarden to also grow the Hatch chili seeds that I never got much of a plant from this year ~ I'm always thinking about the next year.