Northern Lights auto grow

I've been kind of looking at those Platinum LED's but then I read where we are on the cusp of some new technology as far as LED grow lights go so I'm going to hold out for another month or so before I buy. I've used a BlackStar 270 Chrome for a couple years now and it works good but its getting old and I want something a little more powerful. I consistently pull between 80-110 grams trimmed and cured from the BlackStar but I know I can do better with newer technology and a little more power.
 
I've got a 100 watt blackstar led ufo overhead that puts out about 68 watts, a 32 watt kessil H150 led, 2 T5's and a 20 watt uv bulb. About 168 watts total.
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Okey dokey. You're putting out about 20 more watts than I am then. I need to up that a bit in that 3X3 tent. It just doesn't give me the coverage I need around the edges. That's why I almost pulled the trigger on either two Platinum P300's or one P450 but then I read that damn article about big changes coming to LED grow light technology so decided to do one more run under the BlackStar until I can figure out the best bang for my buck.

I got an email a few days back from Grow Northern. Kind of seems from what I could make out on the vague email that they're going to be incorporating some new technology into their new lights that are due to be released any day now. I'm gonna keep my eye on that website for a while and see what's up.
 
Damn Prime, that must smell nice too.

Yeah I'm running with these CFLs. Still seems super bright in there though. Anyway, it's an auto, first grow, so I'm in no rush to perfection.

I wonder if it'll still be as dank since it's an auto (spliced with ruderalalis- so, faster growing, flowers with age, not light, but little less THC)
 
Progress warms my heart. Next leaves coming in on my baby.
Other baby has first true leaves coming. Kind of skipped cotyledons because it couldn't get rid of its seed shell. Had to be removed by gentle hand.

Cfl running 24hr. I have a fan blowing in air and I put a little cup of water in there so the air isn't so dry
 
Forgot to attach pics
o_O
 

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Looks like this now. Is this typical? Last time it looks more stereotypical. Of course I know they come in all shapes. And this is auto.
The other one looked more regular but was tiny and had problems out of the seedIMG_20141226_185724157.jpgIMG_20141226_185648805.jpg
 

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Why is it doing this? Too hot? Too close to light?

Soil was dry, so I watered it but could that cause it?

Leaves look healthy, just all are pointing up. This seemed to happen overnight
 

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I read that sometimes they do that and it's natural. The sign off a happy plant. I was a little worried about heat stress too as some of the leaves were closing from the sides. I put a fan to cool it more and it's progressing fine.
 
Bottom leaves (not cotelydon) started yellowing 2 days ago. Likely nitrogen deficiency as I had not used any nutrients since planting. Now about 3 weeks old. Gave some nitrogen based nutes this morning.

Keeping them on 24hr schedule for light. Not sure if it will matter much since it's an auto.
 

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I've been sort of unorthodox in my grow technique:
Soil: nature's care (an organic miracle gro soil)
4 CFLs 100w each, in a sort of stealth box
No pH tester, no humidity testing, no temp testing.

Now 3 weeks old, it looks lush with the exception of the first true leaves which died.

I have had concerns with this soil. It seems fine for seedlings and so far my plant is doing ok but I worry that soil dries out too fast. Which is weird because it's supposed to retain water well.

After the first true leaves died (they almost looked like a cross between round cotelydon and regular serrated), I am gonna get fox farm happy frog, pH tester and humidity checker.

Overall, I'm pleased though. The leaves are smallish (<2in) but for the strain and the light source, I feel like I'm doing alright. Hopefully I will get NEAR an ounce per plant :???:.
 

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Happy plants. The older one is almost 5wks old.

I replanted her in fox farms ocean forest. 3gal pot. She was having issues with nutrients.

Low but noticeable deep scent when walking by the set up.
 

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Happy Friday everyone!

Growth is smooth. Leaves around 2in long.

And its a girl! You can see the white pistil on the right side of the stem, below the upper leaves
 

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It's been my experience in the past that autos are very finicky plants. They are very sensitive to soils and nutes. I also found Fox Farm Ocean Forest to be too "hot" for them. If you decide to use nutes I suggest waiting 3 weeks or so before using them. They have everything they need in the soil temporarily. And make sure to start off at quarter strength nutes if you go that route...

Sent from my SM-N900V using Rollitup mobile app
 
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