I used to grow DWC years ago. Loved growing in water but with the heat in Texas it's just a big pain in the ass so I went back to soil and organics. I love growing organically. I don't have to worry about PH and all that other stuff. I let mother nature do her thing. I mix my souls using organic soil, peat moss, my own compost and plain ole Perlite with no ferts in it. I build my own boxes that set above the ground and away from bugs.
I grow Rosemary, Basil, dill, and lavender around the edges of my boxes as a bug repellent for my veggies. Plus my Wife uses the herbs cooking.