UP-DATE "Can Roots Be Cut"...?, WELL!

I'm growing 1 plant in an AG 200D-lux, Veg'd 34 days w/AG lites & 2)26w cfl's
Been in flower stage, 17 days (51 days ), w/ 1) 400hps & AG lights.
1st wk of flowering, Iwas flushing, I noticed roots were mangled together like a
big ball of yarn, no where to go..?, & a brown spot on them, I thought about it
w/the help of u RIU growers, few days later I went ahead & cut out the brown spot
& alittle on sides,( that was Sat. night ), so far no signs of any real failure.
I have some leaves dying @ bottom because of lack of light...? Bushy
Ck out Pics 16" H, 26"+W, Stalk 4 1/4" round!!, dozens of bud sprouts everywhere

NOTE- After cutting roots I added 1/4 tsp B-1 red (technaflora)

Tstone: if you're already flowering I wouldn't risk it. Even with B-1 there's a lot of potential for shock when you prine the roots that late in the plants cycle as this. If necessary I usually trim a third of mine back about a week before I induce flowering. What you can do is remove the plastic spars that go across the width of your reservoir. According to Aerogarden's customer service, "They're just for assembly and shipping." Without the spars in place you can disassemble the reservoir for service much easier. I followed their advice and I've had no problem so far.

The dark spots may well be the beginning of an algae bloom. What does your reservoir smell like? If it smells like stagnant water I'd change it and give it a good scrubbing before you refill it with fresh nutes.

What I would suggest is using a root tonic, something like Hygrozyme. I'm sure there are a lot of competitive products on the market. That's just what I use as a root tonic and as a preventative measure. You might want to check in with your hydroponics store and see what they have to offer.