First time growing in soil in 6 years. And I didn't know shit 6 years ago when I tried so I barely count it. Using smart pots, and start scrogging 21 days before they go into flower. I can say with no problem the canopy was full as hell, it just never got dense or large. You might be onto something with the water, as that was the only thing I was unsure about. Each 20 gallon got 1 gallon of water every day one hour after lights came on. Is that a problem? The soil was never dry, but was never overly damp at any time.
I really don't like
scheduled waterings, I've had problems with that in the past, I like to have a good inch or two layer of mulch on the surface of the soil (I actually use live redwood moss from the forest) I've found that cannabis loses the majority of it's water through soil transpiration, especially if you have a good fan or two in the room, so a mulch on the topsoil not only keeps the soil consistent, it also allows the roots to get as close to the surface as they can, and more roots is ALWAYS better.
Jam your finger in the soil (ok gently) and that's how I see if I need to water.
Also, contrary to what a lot of organic growers are saying, I do like to allow the soil to dry out a lil before watering, not to the point of the soil tension repelling the water or anything, but relatively dry. I get a better rootball from this method, many organic growers are watering too damn much, in my opinion.