even if your ph is right in the lake or brita you are still going to have to check and adjust it due to the nutes you add to it. tap water is the best water to use if you dont have hard water. also if you are in a dwc then foxfarm should be ok but if you run pumps and hoses keep in mind foxfarm bigbloom has a bunch of sediment that can clog em. foxfarm is great in soil but i would shy away from it and use a more known brand for hydro growing like advanced nutrients(expensive) or General hydroponics