hydroton is fine, i love it, and i have seen great gardens with it. It can support very tall heavy plants like tomatoes with normal amounts of support. roots aren't that weak, and algea can be cleaned away, and all with normal maintanence. block any light to roots, ect.

uh they look ok to me, a perfect plant is a rare thing

don't water during dark, except maybe 15 mins before light, and i would water for a 15 min duration.. don't water an hour or more before dark