Wow man I have never seen such a conflict of information and methods (that all work fine for those using them by the way...) be shoveled down someone's throat with force as if there's any other way...
To the OP... bro i have no idea how u handled that... obviously u needed the help but don't be afraid to tell people who get involved last minute and push their way on you to fuck off when you were being helped already... usually it's best to stick with one persons advice once you've proven they are competent as well as researching what they're saying....
I been in your shoes so I know the help was worth it but I can't even believe how u got pulled in every possible sensible direction, method, and non-sensible direction ever thought of...
I think airwalker was doing just fine helping u out and pics of his setup and results prove his methods work just fine and most importantly are simple and cheap....
I'm literally confused now... I came into the dwc section because I wanted to start running my mothers in individual dwc buckets seeing I already have the snap on bucket lid/net pots on hand and I came across this thread... dude much respect for dealing with that like a pro and not giving up... this hobby/game/whatever is certainly not for quitters and you definitely proved your salt.... now just take a breath (even though this shit is a few weeks dead) do some research, make some plans and decisions and stick with them until you master it... if after u figure this out to a consistent end product and then decide to move on to bigger n better things, go for it but when u ask for help; shut those out that don't post pics of their shit showing u what they're doing works if u get my drift...
My only advice, simplicity is key... find a similar grow that is showing proven results (as airwalker did) n follow it to the letter until you have the know how to adapt and see things coming... 2nd piece of advice, your always gonna have issues if you can't run consistent water/nute temps... if u can't afford a real deal chiller as I couldn't, but you are technically capable of doing shit which it seems u are, take a look at a diy dehumidifier chiller... very simple to make and use on top of cheap.... and 3rdly ph and ec/tds meters/pens are an absolute must have for hydro... if u can't get them right away maybe hold off starting again until you have the necessary things to avoid wasting your nutes, electricity, mental health... seriously... nothing wrong with making a plan and executing it over time... most people who attempt to grow usually make it as far as u did and give up... regroup, research, plan and start over if that's what it takes...
And I agree with whoever said u should run the GH 3 part, or check out blue planet nutrients 3 part which is what I run which is actually cheaper and I've seen it provide better results, I'll get shit for that but I'm sticking to my story on that... actually I run their 3 part high yield kit which comes with several other products... however I don't use all of them as a few are organic based and I'm also a 29% h202 user (1.7ml per gal every 3-5 days and at res changes, I try to work it out so I add it once during the week and at res changes) As far as the blue planet line I only use the synthetic based products in the line for simplicities sake ATM... "complexity is the enemy of reliability".... my favorite quote ever that I have no idea where it came from but it's truth...
Either way don't give up... you'll get it... just get yourself setup right and have another go if you haven't already....