Anyone growing in straight hydroton balls?

[NYCorchidman]

I saw a large bag of small grade (pea size or slightly larger) hydroton balls at a local garden shop. It was cheap and I thought I could use that for some of my plants. don't even have to pay for shipping.

So I'm thinking of using straight hydroton balls for cattleyas and maybe phals also.
This is not going to be s/h, just regular watering.

How much water does hydroton hold? or will I have to be watering everyday?

Anyone with experience please give some advice.

Thanks in advance!