i did that so the roots could drop out but didntwork so well my first run i didnt use them tho still went good i mean i had all diff sizes of plants 10 inches to 2.5 ft and had to take 30 down aweek early... still got 1.25 lbs tho even after severe heat stress and warm res nute burn etc and coming down early. but im pretty sure ive got everything ironed out this tiime.you dont need to use those coco liners...if you do tho cut the bottom out.