It sounds like you're already taking smart steps to address potential issues in your grow. Raising the light to reduce heat and light stress is a good move, especially if you noticed signs like leaf curling, tacoing, or bleaching at the tops. Cutting back on nutrients is also a reasonable precaution if you suspect nutrient burn, which often shows up as brown, crispy tips or very dark green leaves. Since you're working on a budget and don't have a pH meter, you're at a slight disadvantage when it comes to diagnosing potential nutrient lockout due to pH imbalance. Without proper pH control, even if you're feeding correctly, the plant might not be able to absorb nutrients efficiently, which can cause strange deficiencies or slow growth. If possible, picking up some inexpensive pH test strips or aquarium test drops could be a helpful addition to your setup. That said, it's also worth considering whether your nutrient reduction might have gone too far, especially if you're now seeing pale or yellowing leaves, which can indicate underfeeding. Environmentally, make sure you're maintaining good airflow and not overwatering, as both can lead to additional stress or root issues.