it should work. i might try some soil this summer. i still have 5 gal buckets mixed and ready for plants. i was going to try soil when i first started, but the speed of hydro seemed easier in the long run with a SOG grow. biggest problem i think will be the plant adjusting to the higher ph. hydro usually run between 5.5 and 5.9. soil is around 7 i believe. may have to flower an extra week but it should be ok. are you thinking about an outdoor grow on the side? thats probably what i'll be up too.. haha