so am i dead on here or noones going to offer advice?

I do outdoor hydroponics but I will pass on what I can.
An EC tester would be a good idea also. I use the liquid drops to check PH.
Southern Ag makes a really good hydro fert. You have to add their calcium nitrate to it. I spend the winter in Myrtle Beach so I get the fertilizer from a Southern Ag dealer there. Good luck with your system!

Ty. That's convenient lol. I live about 30 min from myrtle Beach. Between there and florence.

OK, good ! There is a small community outside Myrtle Beach called Wampee. In Wampee there is a store called Vereens Turf products.
They carry Southern Ag and were kind enough to order the hydro
fertilizer for me. It is 5-11-26 Special Hydroponic with minor elements.

There is a formula on the bag that tells you how much calcium nitrate, epsom salts, etc. to add. It costs around $35.00 for a 25 # bag.

That will go a looong way in a small system but it beats the cost
of liquids in a hydro store. I think there is a hydro store in Conway
where you can find other goodies.

Dave