I
Illegal Smile
Guest
Feeder tubes are removed as soon as the plant has established itself well into the res water. It's about the start and not the finish. By establishing a stronger, thicker plant you increase it's ability to process nutes the entire grow.
I think we are all in favor of stronger, thicker plants. But I have yet to see a sound explanation of how the feeder tubes (which are essentially a drip from beneath) accomplish anything beyond what any of the many DWC variations accomplish. Drip, high bubble action, feeder tubes, flood and drain - all accomplish exactly the same thing if done correctly. None of them can fairly be called inferior at that one simple task - keeping the cube and descending roots at just right wetness until roots are in the water. Likewise, none of them can be called superior either. I make my choice on simplicity and ease of use only.