yes it works, it can be used without nutes for at least the frirst month. when i did it i only used nutes for flower and even then i used them very light,300-400 ppm. the shit holds water very well so you have to watch that you dont over water them but it will work if you know what your up against.if you start dumping lots of nutes in there they will burn and grow very slow.this little gem is all mg and a little ionic bloom and boost. there are lots of better mediums but it does work.good luck