Yes, the t-5's work the same for either soil or hydro. I do not use them for flowering. Yes, I have 'tried soil', the first 5 plants I grew were in soil, I prefer hydro. I have a bad back, the hydro system I use is easier for me. Each plant goes into its own bucket once the clones set roots, the buckets are just 2 gallon, so they are easier for me to move around. VV