Agree, don't give up on them. You can fix 'em. I'd not advise defoliating anything until they are healthy and perky again. Defoliation is a technique for healthy plants only - don't further weaken them right now.
You look like you are on a great track and have taken the right steps. Zone would be good now, and help get them fully up to speed again. Exercise patience, and they'll snap back for you. You are doing the right things, asking the right questions and getting a great education for the future from the school of hard-knocks (whether you wanted it is another story!).
Consider this - perhaps lower the water level just a little. The roots grew abundantly for you and are filling the bottom of the netpot, and the splashing water may be getting trapped and stagnant in the netpots somewhat. What if you lowered the water level a half inch to an inch? They don't need much, and they'll find reach down for it as needed. I had a similar root situation to yours once in DWC, and lowering the nutrient level slightly seemed to help some. Food for thought!
Great job so far, despite and because of the issues and how you've addressed them. You'll get this beaten.
You look like you are on a great track and have taken the right steps. Zone would be good now, and help get them fully up to speed again. Exercise patience, and they'll snap back for you. You are doing the right things, asking the right questions and getting a great education for the future from the school of hard-knocks (whether you wanted it is another story!).
Consider this - perhaps lower the water level just a little. The roots grew abundantly for you and are filling the bottom of the netpot, and the splashing water may be getting trapped and stagnant in the netpots somewhat. What if you lowered the water level a half inch to an inch? They don't need much, and they'll find reach down for it as needed. I had a similar root situation to yours once in DWC, and lowering the nutrient level slightly seemed to help some. Food for thought!
Great job so far, despite and because of the issues and how you've addressed them. You'll get this beaten.