It sounds to me that the Aquarium PH was your problem and not enough time has passed for the rebound recovery, Back in the day I too tried that stuff and had the same crap happen (leaves at the bottom jacked) because of that PH. And to prove that PH is hella wack, try dropping a gallon of tap to 5.8 with it then test the PPM. A normal PH down won't raise the number but a few single digits but that crap shoots the number up. Also since it's not soil make sure to baby step the nutes and don't even think of ever going full strength.
My record from 2 plants under 2 Blackstar 240's is 8oz 9.3 grams and that was with a maximum of 550 PPM of flora 3 part. My worst grow was 4oz 6.3 grams - 2 plants, 70 days from seed, but that was in a 55 degree closet with zero air circulation but was the most crystilized sticky bud I have every laid eyes on. PH doesn't need to be exact and nutes need to stay low and be raised up in small portions. Also like I said, if your vegging with them you need to be up high and lower as they get bigger. The spectrum's need to blend all over the plant.