Rock.Steady,
You will be glad you got out of the dirt. You can keep you ph at a reg. level and know exactly ec-ppm, I like using large res. 20gal to 50gal. The Ph does'nt flux. as much.

I also like using the 2" basket with a rapid rooter plug. You can have massive root structure's and and don't have to mess with vem. and lova rock's.
With hydro- ( I like Aeroponic's, The root system's get nothing but nut's,water,oxygen), you can get more plant's closer, and maintenance the plant's.

But anyway Wel-come to hydro!!!. Later