Hydro grow Medium

Has anyone ever tryed useing anything besides hydroton in a hydro system? Would Perlite be usable? Im thinkin of alternatives so i dont have to order hydroton and rockwool.

im using perlite in my next system. Since I am using net pots, I am getting Big and Chunky perlite (its a big size) so it wont fall through the net pot's

Perlite doesnt hold water very well though. Would that matter?

what kind of system are you using? i run 100% perlite for mothers hand watered and they need 2-3 waterings a week! plite does hold water pretty well, for any kind of automated feeding system that feeds daily i do not think perlite is the answer. i believe with all the stuff i have tried hydroton is ideal for any hydroponics, proven results time and time again for years