I AM using hydroton without having given it an acid bath. The guys at the hydro strore said hydroton was the best media, and didn't say anything about soaking it... I have less and less confidence in their advice every time I ask for it. They also said that no fungicide (like Botanicare Hydroguard) was necessary because of the constant aeration of DWC. Is that correct? Right now my mix is:
1/4 strength Pure Blend Pro Grow
1/4 strength Maxicrop
full strength Hygrozyme
full strength Liquid Karma
pH down as necessary to reach 5.5

Does this sound reasonable?

So 1" of hydroton in the bottom then fill with coco coir? Do I need to condition the coir as well? Just a rinse, or a soak, or a treatment?

Thanks for the advice, and sorry if I ask too many questions!


I bet a lot of people worked their asses off to get this site back running, and although they'll probably not hear it, I appreciate their hard work!

I was wondering where everyone was hanging out. I googled some of your names, but I couldn't find anything for you or sal or dogz, so I just hung out waiting for this site to resurrect itself.