Lost in Veg-as I struggle solve this plant problem mystery

Esteban has a good idea. I was going to post something similar, but don't want to step on toes at all. I suggested DWC because when you have a problem, it remains isolated to one bucket, one plant. The problem with recirc systems and aero is that these methods require good knowledge and maintenance. You'd like to think you can put a recirc system on and ignore it for a week, but that isn't realistic unless it's a self-adjusting system. Potting soil reduces the need for lots of maintenance. Hydro is great but you've got to do it right as there's not much room for error.

The fancier you get the more important your part becomes.

Honestly, i never thought of any of the above suggestions. I figured it was a given when you go hydro that your constantly monitoring your PH, PPM's Co2 and waste. If you haven't been doing this 2-3 times a day, I would highly suggest taking the above suggestions as well.

Getting a good pH/ppm meter is important for hydro, unless you just want to wing it and can accept the rate of error. Unfortunately, they're kind of expensive. Soil works, but takes longer.