Journal is moving so fast these days, GDB! All caught up again, and looking forward to your coco journey. It’s been a while since I grew in coco, but like PMil, I just hydrated/rinsed it, that was that. I think you’re right and yours is all good to use it straight out of the bag. One of the things I liked best about coco was how fast the plants would respond to adjustments in their nutes, etc. Even if you do see any issue pop up with the buffer stuff, I’m confident you’ll be able to fix it quickly.
I used 3 gal bags too and that worked well for me, I’m
on board with all your COPs.
I think 5 gals gave me humidity concerns, but it’s been a while. The ol noodle’s not as reliable as it used to be.
I’m glad you found the nutes you were interested in at half the price. It’s too bad your local shop is having troubles, but yikes, that’s quite the price difference.
I feel like I wrote a lot so, sorry if that was rambling. I think my bedtime oil has kicked in and I’m zooted.
(my first zooted!)
that's a badass light!! 
