Hello.
I am new to hydroponics but have experience with traditional farming. I would like to experiment with dutch bucket system(backyard operation) with perlite as te growing medium. In an attempt to reduce water use I would like to reuse water but not necessarily nutrients. From what I have gathered, reusing nutrients is a complicated process involving testing, sterilizing, and adjusting nutrients everytime they pass through the system. My quesion...Is it possible to apply and recirculate water, but when I need to fertilize instead dispose of excess fertilizer and go back to my recirculating water?

This maybe a dumb question but I'm new. Also if recirculating fertilizer is easier than I think then please let me know. My goal is to grow with minimal water if you guys can help me out.
thank you