Greetings @EugeneDebs420,
Since you are moving back into hydro and your options are open, I wonder if you might want to take a hard look at Octopots, and the DIY version MicroOctos?
There are loads of success stories with these, I’m a recent convert myself. Lower cost (for the micro version), less work, no pumps etc. and big healthy plants.
No agenda here, and Respect for your experience, just thought you might want to consider this option if you haven’t already.
Here’s a good intro:
Regards,
-Grouchy