dunno, if i use good soil (darkbrown or black, fluffy soil with good drainage and rich of nutrients and of the right ph)
i get big healthy plants and big buds, no muss no fuss and need only transplant and sparingly fert (if that(usually i just add some fishtank water every other week, maybe add some 20 20 20 if the plant has been in the same container long time, but just sparingly))
the best soil here is around 20-30$ for 50 liters, plus ive reused it a couple of times with similar results.
now, ive never messed with hydro, i get enough spillage with just watering plants lol.
so i cant comment on that, just say that, if you have problems with soil, then its the quality of your soil thats at fault or too much ferting or something wrong with your water (too high ph or something)
get the best soil and be particular about it and you should have no problems and a good harvest.