Definitely a way i could test it, i was just gonna wing it and once the plants grow they will tax that water usage a bit more, just in comparison i know the potting mix can’t be watered like how i could with coco so just gonna watch and wait and adjust.
As for perlite im on the opposite side of that spectrum now a days just as its energy intensive considering its mined then has to be heated at high temps to pop and fluff it like popcorn. Then hangs around in the environment wherever its tossed till its eventually brakes down into small enough pieces to blend in, though give a heavy watering or rain and it just floats to the top.
Don’t get me wrong though i still understand its use and benefits i just have that back of mind knowing that its something that i should probably work at limiting its use to avoiding completely it if i can, though for the mean time i’ll use it as is.