Originally Posted by tokecrazy

Hey Meigs,The hydroton holds some moisture,but I dont think it wicks like perlite.Homedepot has perlite in large bags{2or 4 Cubic foot Bags} for around $10.00 bucks.But you will have perlite forever with a bag like that.Besure what ever brand perlite you buy it dosent have nutr added in it.Some of the perlite that's sold in stores ,like MG,schultz,and a couple more have nutr added to them.If it says on the bag it will feed up to 3-months it has nutr in it.How are you testing the PH of your water&nutr.I use GH-3 part flora series.It cheaper and I can mix it to what cycle the plants are in.It's easy to use and you can measure it with a teaspoon.Yes cut the bottle dose down to 1/4 to start and build up as they grow.The hemp buckets I see and know poeple that use them say to put 1-part vermiculite,2-parts perlite mix in the container.I do know that perlite will wick water.I know what you mean on a budget.I'am fighting to keep work till the first of the year here.best luck on your search for perlite.Peace