Sweet Deep Grapefruit - Showing Defficiency or Stress

[ScrogDog]

Scrog,
They kinda look hungry... Why the dry hyrdoton. Is the fox farm under that?

Ga.

I use the hydroton on top of the soil. I do this for a few reasons. First, I just like the way it looks in picture. It really sets off the plants. Second, it keeps the soil from being disturbed by watering, and third, it discourages insects. A number of the nasties require access to damp surface soil for their reproductive cycle. The clay dries out very quickly leaving nowhere for the insects to bread. Finally, it keeps the soil moist longer under the glare of the lights. Mostly though it's because I had a bag that was never going to get used otherwise!