Hydroguard is beneficials that are designed for soil/coco environments where the fungi can for a network. That can't happen in a liquid environment and so it just breeds bacteria and other pathogens. On the label it shows uses for soil and coco with a vague reference to it being compatible with ALL growing methods. Don't believe it. By in large, the consensus for DWC is stay away from organics and beneficials because it causes instability, biofilm and pathogen bloom. Constant disinfection with a hypochlorous acid, like UC Roots or Clear Rez keeps the solution from growing bacteria. Well, and rez temps 65 - 68
Reading through this thread is a classic example of DWC root rot. They look great for a few weeks and bam - roots die and then so does the plant. There are thousands of pics of everyone's DWC grows in these first few weeks, leading people to believe that DWC is super easy and durable. It's a very delicate balance of water, O2, nutrients and pathogens that constantly want to swing out of range. Sure, some people never have issues, but a whole lot of them do.
Maintaining a constant disinfectant level, IMO, is the most assured way to prevent root rot. Once you have it, it's often too late or too cost prohibitive to rehab them. Prevention... Use the stuff BEFORE it's a problem.
