Check the faqs on the correct pH for hydro. Neutral is not ideal.
I'm not sure if all nutrients do this but mine lowers the pH to the correct level then tends to hold it fairly stable. The more nutrients the lower and more stable pH stays. I also use tap water but run in to problems using nutrient concentrations below 1/2.
If it worked for your friend then find out what nutrients he was using, how much he was applying and how often.
It's a bit of a balancing act to grow a healthy plant without pH adjustment or a pH tester. But it can be done. I can go for at least a week without any maintenance of my setup. (Other than raising the light!)
Use things like vinegar and lemon juice at your own risk. I found I was better off staying away from them.
elcheapo Reviewed by elcheapo on . DWC clones dont start growing! :( Hello! This is my first DWC setup ever, and two weeks ago I managed to root two clones from bagseed. The reservoir is a 34 lts. one and does not use any medium, the plants's stem stay fixed to the lid by a couple sponge rings. The clones got rooted using the pseudo-aeroponic method, with another bubbler. Now the question is, how much time would I have to wait until the plants start to grow? The root mass has developed a lot and is suspended in the air, being misted by the bubbles at 24/0 Rating: 5