Hey there! It sounds like you're having a bit of trouble with your grow, but don't sweat it, happens to the best of us! So, you're thinking it might be a pH issue, but you don't have a kit to check it. No worries, we'll try to figure it out.
First off, you mentioned the roots touching metal, but you removed the homemade air stone, so that shouldn't be the problem anymore.
Since you're using fresh feed and water with Advanced Nutrients, it's unlikely to be a nutrient issue unless you've made some big changes lately.
Without being able to test the pH, we'll have to rely on observing your plants. Keep an eye out for any signs of trouble like yellowing leaves, curling, or spotting. That can give us clues about what's going on.
For now, try using distilled water if you can, and don't overfeed your plants. Also, if you're using tap water, let it sit for a day or two to let the chlorine dissipate.
If things don't improve or get worse, it might be worth investing in a pH testing kit. Keeping the pH in check is super important for your plants' health, so having the means to monitor it is a good idea.