Hi
Hydroponic is expensive and difficult to use it in right way to get good results.
I think only experts should use hydro.
A very good quality mostly or 100% peat-based universal substrate in a big plant container with good solid and liquid organic nutrients are the best things for most people, I think, outdoor or indoor !
When I say good quality substrate : a bag of well known compagnies that you buy in a nursery, never at your food store ! For example here in Belgium : 7-8€ for 70 liters of a very good product.
No matter if the substrate is black or not : many excellent peat substrates are dark or light brown.
I studied agronomy and I'm horticulturist...