I'm using DM and for the last 2 grows I never changed out the res. I just top loaded to get the ppm back where they needed to be. Now that I am not traveling I will spend more time dialing it in. and will maybe change the res out once. I start with RO water and add required food than stand back, Ph is super stable at 5.5 to 5.6 and I just add food as required to keep the PPM where they need to be. The system is just as easy to run as when I grew in dirt, I only watered when dirt farming. Takes a bit to get the system down but after that you will never go back.
Take the time to read some of the older threads about people who failed, that will be a good primer on what not to do. From personal experience by a relatively new convert, I'm on my 4 grow. Use a root protection product, I use Zone, it is one of the more popular ones and Daniel (the pres of UC) told me to use it. Less is more, forget all your previous mixing ways and go with a base system and start slow on the food. I run my veg around 300 350ppm and flower from 500 to 850ppm and have great results. You may need to add a mineral supplement like Maji-Cal or
Cal-Mag. DO not eye ball your measurements no short cuts. Keep us informed and do your home work.
Remember if you need help contact UC direct or on here they have a Q & A at the top of the page and of course us guys.
Get a good tri-meter and calibrate every 2 weeks!!!!
Use a chiller and keep the temps around
63/66 the lower number is better than the higher.
