do i need to use perlite?
You can if you want your coco mix to dry out faster. A coco and perlite mix is good for multifeeds (feeding up to 6 times per day). Also keep in mind that adding in anything to coco will lower or increase the cation exchange and capacity. Perlite will lower it. Peat moss will usually increase it. The cation exchange capacity is how much the media can hold in terms of nutrients. Adding in anything to the coco, in this case perlite, will also lower the buffering capabilities of a pure coco "mix."
should i be using different nutrients?
Ive heard mixed ideas about people saying to stick to "coco specific" nutrients but others say it doesnt matter. The important thing to always do is to ALWAYS supplement an extra bit of calcium and magnesium. I was using canna a+b but have since switched to a "one in all" powder nutrient called MegaCrop( they advertise on here too) if youre interested in saving money and trying new nutrients. So im experimenting with the "coco specific nutrients" myth.
I would say that canna coco is the best. Ive heard tupur is good but like I said I dont like perlite mixes personally. Its precharged with nutrients and trichoderma. If you want to save on money buy the bricks and soak them and break it up. Those bricks have alot of salt in them so flush them too, once in the pot. Then precharge the coco with a light nute feed. I would avoid getting coco that comes in bark form. Make sure the coco you buy can be squished and return to shape like a sponge. Im sure theres other brands that are good but ive never tried most.
how much different is it from soil?
You can feed more which means more faster growth. Coco is considered a hydroponic medium. It gives more yield too. It also requires alot of work/watering. A drip system can help with that though. You need to always ph and test the EC of your feed ALWAYS. Ive seen cases where people had their grows dialed in so good that they dont use any ph testers or check the feed strength. If you decide to go with coco let me know if you run into troubles. Good luck!
