I think this whole thread has been enlightening, I too after only one time using clay peb product, don't care for it either. It may have had alot to do with the type of nutes I used, also the first time. I should have known better than to use crystaline nutes on the stuff. I had always used rockwool with hydrofarm crystal. I may have better luck not leaving salt crust on it on the next run since i'm switching to the GH-3 part but still not sure if I want to risk it again. I'm gonna look into this "bud blanket"..never heard of it since I had never swayed from the wool. Is that the same as cocconut mat? I'm steady trying to decide on a better combo to my drip system so I can start my next run.