I applaud people who like to experiment, especially those who aren't concerned with what others will think or say. It takes guts, heart, spirit, determination and will to do so. How much of what we know now is because of those were afraid to try something else?
Peace
I have been thinking about pump pre-filters...
http://www.discountleisureproducts.co.uk/Pond_Foam_Block_Pre_Filters/
They don't hold a lot of water(lots of air and root space in EnF)
Relatively solid, to support plant
I'd think it pH/EC "neutral"
It might be antibacterial...
What you think?
I use Hydroton as well, in my DWC and its on my list to find an alternative. I'm actually leaning towards trying this http://www.aqua-gems.com/ next run.