This is so cool! I wish there were more people here sharing this sort of content. It's the only thing I really miss about reddit. You should keep us updated.
I grow plants outdoors and indoors hydroponically and I have a few small citrus shrubs/trees (they're technically shrubs, I think, even though no one calls them that), but it had never even occurred to me to try growing citrus hydroponically. I also struggle to keep on top of checking moisture levels, but I tend towards over-watering if I'm not careful. Then under-watering.... I've been starting to use wicks to help me keep moisture more consistent.
I also didn't know that about the clay pebbles. Are there other common plants you know of which just struggle with those?
What are you doing for nutrients?