haha this is what i mean by unconventional, im using a brand of cactus soil, i think miracle gro? i know generally you dont want to use miracle gro but its high in nitrogen phosphorous and potash so it seemed pretty good. i only have 3 regular Fluorescent bulbs on it at 1300 lumens each. and im using regular tap water thats filtered. as far as ph goes i havent even bothered messing with that. but nuts? thats new to me. where do nuts come in?