Hows my seedling? (First plant)

[SnotNazi]

What do you two grow in??

bbyb420 & sno_capz

 

[SnotNazi]

Been eyeing that line up since I first started getting into this. It's a good line obviously, right?

 

[sno capz]

I do it after I have everything mixed. And yes I use diamond black

Bad move... You should really go do some more research on organic nutrients and their requirements.... And I'm not saying that to be a douche, just want to be helpful... Because you are using a water soluble organic nutrient you need to adjust both prior and following your mix. Trust me, you will thank me in the long run. Besides, General Organics lineup claims to be pH balanced if using the entire lineup as directed in their feeding charts.

 

[SnotNazi]

Bad move... You should really go do some more research on organic nutrients and their requirements.... And I'm not saying that to be a douche, just want to be helpful... Because you are using a water soluble organic nutrient you need to adjust both prior and following your mix. Trust me, you will thank me in the long run. Besides, General Organics lineup claims to be pH balanced if using the entire lineup as directed in their feeding charts.

I'm guessing this has something to due with the ability of the tea to only be absorbed into water of a certain PH??

 

[sno capz]

Been eyeing that line up since I first started getting into this. It's a good line obviously, right?

I used to use the Flora series when I used to grow in DWC... Now since I went to coco which is organic I decided to stick to the General Hydroponics organic line. It's my first grow with it and my girl loves it! But the entire line needs to be used from start to finish.

 

[bbyb420]

What do you two grow in??

bbyb420 & sno_capz

I grow in a mix of ocean forest and about 25% extra perlite for extra drainage. I also use smartpots.

Bad move... You should really go do some more research on organic nutrients and their requirements.... And I'm not saying that to be a douche, just want to be helpful... Because you are using a water soluble organic nutrient you need to adjust both prior and following your mix. Trust me, you will thank me in the long run. Besides, General Organics lineup claims to be pH balanced if using the entire lineup as directed in their feeding charts.

Believe me dude I don't think you're a douche I'm always keenly listening to any advice at all. That's the only way to become better.

 

[sno capz]

What do you two grow in??

bbyb420 & sno_capz

I germinate then put my little germs in rockwool...

Once my seedling is ready for more than just rockwool I plant them in 5 gallon smart pots with a 50% hydroton/50% Mother Earth Coco

Nutrient lineup is General Organics full line as I mentioned..

I also feed with a locally brewed worm tea... This helps break down the organics nutrients so the plant can take full advantage of what they offer.

Lights are as follows..

Seedlings/clones - T5 HO
Veg - 400w MH
Flower - 400w Super HPS

Air cooling...
20" floor box fan drawing warm air away from plants
12" Vornado fan pushing air towards the lights to reduce downward heat progression
8000BTU Air Conditioner

Temp: constant 80f
Humidity: 30-35%
Water Temps(when feeding): 67-68f
pH: 5.8

 

[SnotNazi]

Thinking of Pro Mix HP for my next grow with a little bit of perlite mixed in for added measure.

 

[SnotNazi]

I germinate then put my little germs in rockwool...

Once my seedling is ready for more than just rockwool I plant them in 5 gallon smart pots with a 50% hydroton/50% Mother Earth Coco

Nutrient lineup is General Organics full line as I mentioned..

I also feed with a locally brewed worm tea... This helps break down the organics nutrients so the plant can take full advantage of what they offer.

Lights are as follows..

Seedlings/clones - T5 HO
Veg - 400w MH
Flower - 400w Super HPS

Air cooling...
20" floor box fan drawing warm air away from plants
12" Vornado fan pushing air towards the lights to reduce downward heat progression
8000BTU Air Conditioner

Temp: constant 80f
Humidity: 30-35%
Water Temps(when feeding): 67-68f
pH: 5.8

Again I have to ask, are the extra pricey bulbs worth it? Are there obvious achievements in growth?

 

[SnotNazi]

I grow in a mix of ocean forest and about 25% extra perlite for extra drainage. I also use smartpots.



Believe me dude I don't think you're a douche I'm always keenly listening to any advice at all. That's the only way to become better.

I'm definitely getting smart pots or air pots for my next grow. I opted out of these thinking they wouldn't be beneficial. Seeing all my problems from lack of drainage has forced me to think otherwise lol.

 

[sno capz]

I grow in a mix of ocean forest and about 25% extra perlite for extra drainage. I also use smartpots. Believe me dude I don't think you're a douche I'm always keenly listening to any advice at all. That's the only way to become better.

A huge suggestion... Get yourself the Diamond Black, BioWeed, and BioMarine...

Diamond Black is a Humic Acid which you can think of as a bus that delivers all nutrients to different parts of the plant..... Very important.

BioWeed is extracted sea kelp... rich in the elements land plants need to flourish, such as proteins, minerals, growth hormones, vitamins and enzymes. The growth hormones in kelp, such as cytokinin, aid the plant in processes like cell division and enlargement and the development of chloroplasts. Plants treated with sea kelp tend to grow stronger root systems, resulting in more abundant produce and richer foliage. Sea kelp also stimulate soil bacteria, which improves soil fertility through humus formation and aeration. In addition, plants treated with sea kelp develop a stronger resistance to disease and insect infestations, as their immune systems are supported by the additional vitamins and minerals that kelp contributes to the soil.

BioMarine is cold processed squid...
supports healthy plant growth and stimulates microbiology in the root zone. This allows plants to better absorb nutrients and is beneficial during all periods of plant growth. It is great for use with any growing medium and is highly recommended for cuttings and transplants due to the root growth boosting ability.

 

[bbyb420]

I'm definitely getting smart pots or air pots for my next grow. I opted out of these thinking they wouldn't be beneficial. Seeing all my problems from lack of drainage has forced me to think otherwise lol.

Smart pots are very nice. I didn't think there would be a noticeable difference but since I started transplanting my seedlings into them they've been growing faster than before.

Again I have to ask, are the extra pricey bulbs worth it? Are there obvious achievements in growth?

Honestly I would use nothing other than a HPS for flowering but when I veg i use 4 bulb 2 foot long T5's. It really depends on how big you want to get the plant. Metal Halide is great for a nice even canopy but the energy cost can be kinda pricey as it is a very powerful light. When using T5s or CFL you always have to train to keep an even canopy. I ended up with about 16 tops on my 5 foot tall plant just using my T5's and training (although it is a bit uneven).

So, for veg I use 2x 4 bulb 2 ft T5s and some supplemental CFL lighting for any shaded areas, then when they get to be around 3-4 feet tall I put them in my 600 watt hps flowering tent. HPS helps give you those dense, big buds that you just cant get with CFL.

So, if I was you i'd def invest in a HPS lighting system but be aware they get HOT. I have to have an air conditioner in my small tent because without it itll easily get to be ~105 degrees in there.

 

[sno capz]

Again I have to ask, are the extra pricey bulbs worth it? Are there obvious achievements in growth?

You can most definitely grow with a partial end result... Mediocre yield, decent quality...

My MH bulb(alone) was only $40.00. Actually $37.95 before tax lol.

If you have a local hydro shop, they sometimes carry second hand equipment... Or check out a site like Craigslist... People on Craigslist sell 400-600w light setups for like $100-$150 including everything. Ballasted, good and bulb.

You will definitely get the most out of your effort using an HID light like a MH for veg and an HPS for flower... Some people use LED lights as supplemental lighting and some use LED as their main light system.... My problem with LED lighting is that it's ridiculously expensive for a single light setup

 

[sno capz]

I'm definitely getting smart pots or air pots for my next grow. I opted out of these thinking they wouldn't be beneficial. Seeing all my problems from lack of drainage has forced me to think otherwise lol.

Smart pots do 4 things that will make your life easier...

Will allow your root system to never become root bound and stop the growth of the plant because the roots can no longer grow.

The allow the medium to breathe and allow excess water to running out efficiently.

Depending on how large you are planning to grow your plant they are as simple as place in a bigger container and back fill with your medium.

And they only cost $5.00 per 5 gallon smart pot... So if you are keeping your grow small it will save you money

 

[sno capz]

I have definitely seen great success with the T5's... I was even considering picking up a Virtual sun T5 Very High Output... I want to see the difference between the HO and the VHO... might even run it all the way through flower. Just out of curiosity to see why the VHO costs so much more when it's still just fluorescent lighting

 

[SnotNazi]

Smart pots are very nice. I didn't think there would be a noticeable difference but since I started transplanting my seedlings into them they've been growing faster than before.



Honestly I would use nothing other than a HPS for flowering but when I veg i use 4 bulb 2 foot long T5's. It really depends on how big you want to get the plant. Metal Halide is great for a nice even canopy but the energy cost can be kinda pricey as it is a very powerful light. When using T5s or CFL you always have to train to keep an even canopy. I ended up with about 16 tops on my 5 foot tall plant just using my T5's and training (although it is a bit uneven).

So, for veg I use 2x 4 bulb 2 ft T5s and some supplemental CFL lighting for any shaded areas, then when they get to be around 3-4 feet tall I put them in my 600 watt hps flowering tent. HPS helps give you those dense, big buds that you just cant get with CFL.

So, if I was you i'd def invest in a HPS lighting system but be aware they get HOT. I have to have an air conditioner in my small tent because without it itll easily get to be ~105 degrees in there.

Ya that's one thing that worries me with my current setup, don't think I would be able to do anything with the heat.

 

[sno capz]

Ya that's one thing that worries me with my current setup, don't think I would be able to do anything with the heat.

Then if that's the case I would consider a T5 High Output length and bulb amount will vary on how many plants at once you want to grow...

But still consider the heat factor and find a way to make a High Pressure Sodium setup work. You will be happy you went through the trouble.

 

[sno capz]

How many plants do you think you'll Max out at with one grow?

 

[sno capz]

The best way to cool a grow area when using HPS or MH lighting would be to get a double ended reflective hood... This way ducting for ventilation can be connected on both sides.

One side should have ventilation ducting connecting to an outside fresh air source with a damper and an inline centrifugal fan in the middle.

On the opposite side you would run ducting from the light to another fresh air source outside with another damper, inline centrifugal fan and sometimes a carbon filter(for odor control) in the middle.

This process will draw air into the light setup on one end to cool it and hot air that is trapped in the hood from the bulb is drawn outside rather than back into the grow space.

 

[Blazer foo]

When would I start feeding my plant, and when the ph stuff do I use tap water?