Citric acid can be used to lower pH but as you’ve found out it’s not stable. Phosphoric acid (H3PO4) is a more useful acid found in most pH down products as it also becomes plant food as it breaks down.

Carbon in the air in the form of CO2 when mixed with water, creates carbonic acid. It’s a natural weak acid that helps dissolve limestone for example, releasing minerals. Using an air pump/stone in a high CO2 grow room environment will pump carbon in to your reservoir.

If you find a winning pheno, keep it. If you S1 (self) a clone, there is no guarantee any of the seeds it produces will be like the clone and you’ll probably never find a similar pheno again if you only make a few seeds.