barbless is not recommended for beginners because if u need to remove the tube from the barb, u generally can't put it back (assuming u can get it off w/o cutting it in the first place!) - The tubing loses it's elasticity and u will either need to use a clamp or replace that length of tubing. Messy and not worth the bother at this stage.
I chose 1/2" ID 3/4" OD due to thicker wall and hard to get kink at critical bends and compression fittings are easy to obtain.