Flushed the system w/ pH'd spring water then filled res w/ tap water. I let the tap water sit for a day to let the shit settle thus reducing my ppm's. I'm on a well so sometimes it's a bit gritty.

So should I be flushing with plain water every res change? I do so to keep the sprayers and tubes clean but is it really necessary? It's just such a bitch to do. The res is big and cumbersome in the small closet, maybe not the best fit for the space. I'm contemplating a different system next time. Maybe a few buckets? We'll see.

With the screen in place now I can't pull the res out, preventing access to the male hose attachment for draining, so I just sucked it all out with a shop vac and proceded to get it everywhere. I also accidentally sucked one of the leaves with the vac. Couldn't help but laugh! No damage done. The ladies need a good suckin' from time to time. peace