Hi Rob,
For the #14's I'd be on 4x, 4x or 5x for #16's I only go to 6x for sub #18's
I never have an issue with 3 turn water knots, try that and I never tuck half bloods and they never fail. 5 turn untucked half blood works fine for me with 5 or 6x. For me, tucked bloods tend to break and so do 4 turn water knots when used for droppers.
Cheers
Ben