B'pads...Like your idea, but scrog might be a little tedious for a new grower.

On another note...i must disagree with this statement;
Once you have added the total volume of the res about 2-3 times, do a res change and start it fresh.

You wouldn't have any nutes/ppm left...you shouldn't ever top-off more than 100% of volume before nute changeout.

anyway welcome to cdot...see ya around.

lw