greenthumb333
Member
my first shot at this---PC case, CFLs, best practices as adopted from TheBlisters, v12xjs, ER and others. Thanks for your help all. I'm not out to win awards here---part experiment, part economix! GT
1st PC grow
- Thread starter greenthumb333
- Start date
greenthumb333
Member
Now, I will say this is a hack of a job on my part---largely since my life is busy/complex right now. And, the seeds I started didn't take 10 days to crack open! I thought I'd have more time to get the case done/online like I wanted it but my timeline got accelerated by the seeds.
Seeds:
yes, bag seed from a buddy---believe it's an indica strain but of course no real clue. I took 8 of them, and tried to "soak" them (read that was a good idea on here somewhere). Well they all floated and in theory that was a bad sign. Anyway, took those 8 after about 6 hours soak, put them in a wet paper towel and put that in a screw-on-top tupperware container. I then put that on top of my modem (slightly warm) and figured I had a few days to get my stuff together on the case. Next day though 7 of the 8 had cracked and were showing a root! yikes!
Case:
not ideal---too small really and I have to cut/remove somehow the bays for mounting drives. I am not a welder and don't have access to that kind of gear. My plan B is at this point to work on acquiring a better case to move to vs. hacking this one further. The case is 8"x 8" x 20"---pretty tight but for now I think it'll work till more growth is happening.
Lights:
currently using (2) 26W 6500 CFLs---mounted about 4" away from the tops. I will likely go to more powerful ones when I re-work the case. I plan on doing a 12/12 perpetual, but for now am 18/6 until they get a bit bigger, and ready to LST (v12---what do you think??).
Medium:
I took the 7 cracked seeds and put them in a "Jiffy pot peat starter" tray thing---you add water to the little peat starter circles and they expand. I dug out a little space and dropped the 7 babies into them. All of them came up---so I choose 2 (crossing fingers) to continue with.
Watch them be 2 males!! I took the best looking 2 established in their little peat pots and put them into rectangular, plastic containers using some Ortho? brand "Organic Soil". I wanted something without nutes in it and this stuff sounded healthier and was only $1 more than the regular "potting soil".
Case---more:
forgot--I took a page from TheBlisters and constructed a space behind the grow space to park the power strip. I have that feeding the lights power strip (lights are pointing down) and (2) 12v adapters tied to (2) 80mm fans for exhaust. I have no intake fans at this time---figured negative pressure would take care of input. The 2 bulbs keep the space warm, but not really hot.
Again, this is a hack I did in about 2 hours of labor and it still needs work. Probably $60 in material outside of recycled. I need to find a better case though---that is the big to-do now. The 2 plants look pretty healthy, though tiny.
9/9 wet seeds (
9/10 cracked (7)
9/11 peat pots
9/12 mounted lights, initial case placement
9/14 current "final" case config, 2 plants active. 18/6 under (2) 26W 6500 CFLs.
I'm going to try to make this case work for the next couple of weeks while I find/build out a better case. Not sure when I'll go to 12/12, but would love to take a clone and start the perpetual once these get closer to flowering.
Total noob to all this! I've got a couple sh*tty photos of the babies. Couldn't find my good camera. I'll try to keep this updated, but like I said my schedule is a bit nuts right now. Any/all feedback welcome!!
I started this thread/question over in the Rollitup PC Gang---good folks!---and found the journal section finally!--thanks again.
Also---this will be sporadically updated---my schedule is nuts right now, so catch as catch can. I'll def. be back with questions as this goes along.
Thanks, GT
Seeds:
yes, bag seed from a buddy---believe it's an indica strain but of course no real clue. I took 8 of them, and tried to "soak" them (read that was a good idea on here somewhere). Well they all floated and in theory that was a bad sign. Anyway, took those 8 after about 6 hours soak, put them in a wet paper towel and put that in a screw-on-top tupperware container. I then put that on top of my modem (slightly warm) and figured I had a few days to get my stuff together on the case. Next day though 7 of the 8 had cracked and were showing a root! yikes!
Case:
not ideal---too small really and I have to cut/remove somehow the bays for mounting drives. I am not a welder and don't have access to that kind of gear. My plan B is at this point to work on acquiring a better case to move to vs. hacking this one further. The case is 8"x 8" x 20"---pretty tight but for now I think it'll work till more growth is happening.
Lights:
currently using (2) 26W 6500 CFLs---mounted about 4" away from the tops. I will likely go to more powerful ones when I re-work the case. I plan on doing a 12/12 perpetual, but for now am 18/6 until they get a bit bigger, and ready to LST (v12---what do you think??).
Medium:
I took the 7 cracked seeds and put them in a "Jiffy pot peat starter" tray thing---you add water to the little peat starter circles and they expand. I dug out a little space and dropped the 7 babies into them. All of them came up---so I choose 2 (crossing fingers) to continue with.
Watch them be 2 males!! I took the best looking 2 established in their little peat pots and put them into rectangular, plastic containers using some Ortho? brand "Organic Soil". I wanted something without nutes in it and this stuff sounded healthier and was only $1 more than the regular "potting soil".
Case---more:
forgot--I took a page from TheBlisters and constructed a space behind the grow space to park the power strip. I have that feeding the lights power strip (lights are pointing down) and (2) 12v adapters tied to (2) 80mm fans for exhaust. I have no intake fans at this time---figured negative pressure would take care of input. The 2 bulbs keep the space warm, but not really hot.
Again, this is a hack I did in about 2 hours of labor and it still needs work. Probably $60 in material outside of recycled. I need to find a better case though---that is the big to-do now. The 2 plants look pretty healthy, though tiny.
9/9 wet seeds (
9/10 cracked (7)
9/11 peat pots
9/12 mounted lights, initial case placement
9/14 current "final" case config, 2 plants active. 18/6 under (2) 26W 6500 CFLs.
I'm going to try to make this case work for the next couple of weeks while I find/build out a better case. Not sure when I'll go to 12/12, but would love to take a clone and start the perpetual once these get closer to flowering.
Total noob to all this! I've got a couple sh*tty photos of the babies. Couldn't find my good camera. I'll try to keep this updated, but like I said my schedule is a bit nuts right now. Any/all feedback welcome!!
I started this thread/question over in the Rollitup PC Gang---good folks!---and found the journal section finally!--thanks again.
Also---this will be sporadically updated---my schedule is nuts right now, so catch as catch can. I'll def. be back with questions as this goes along.
Thanks, GT
greenthumb333
Member
forgot to update this!---been posting over in the PC Rollitup group. to wit!
Hi all, back in the saddle. I've fed the 10/15/10 liquid nutes for about a week now and a pretty substantial difference. I think I'm still soft on the CFLs and space, but I can see the future, if you know what I mean!
I took these tonight---pre-prune and post-prune. I tried to take off leaves that were over the stem and where these other pieces are taking off---think I'll be alright. I tried to go easy, but assume direct light exposure is critical. Seems like bonsai trees really! I need to get some finer scissors I think.
I've fed the nute solution every time I'm watering, but I'm watering from the bottom now vs. all in the top. The 2 containers are sitting in a larger container and I'm just filling that up about 1/2 way, then wait 2-3 days to do it again. Plants seem to also be thicker stem'd and a very dark green foliage. I do need a better camera though---can't get good closeups but will be adding to the gallery tonight.
Hi all, back in the saddle. I've fed the 10/15/10 liquid nutes for about a week now and a pretty substantial difference. I think I'm still soft on the CFLs and space, but I can see the future, if you know what I mean!
I took these tonight---pre-prune and post-prune. I tried to take off leaves that were over the stem and where these other pieces are taking off---think I'll be alright. I tried to go easy, but assume direct light exposure is critical. Seems like bonsai trees really! I need to get some finer scissors I think.
I've fed the nute solution every time I'm watering, but I'm watering from the bottom now vs. all in the top. The 2 containers are sitting in a larger container and I'm just filling that up about 1/2 way, then wait 2-3 days to do it again. Plants seem to also be thicker stem'd and a very dark green foliage. I do need a better camera though---can't get good closeups but will be adding to the gallery tonight.
greenthumb333
Member
I'm planning on swapping out the 6500s for 2700s here shortly and going 12/12, but with this recent growth I'm hoping to wait a bit longer to let the plants get more stem sites. feedback on that? still not sure I can tell female from male---I have not seen balls so far, and what appear to be the fine hairs at the joints, so ?---need a better camera!!
Still a hack, still need stronger lights and a larger/better done case, but I'm amazed at the outcome of shockingly little input so far! Thanks all! GT
Still a hack, still need stronger lights and a larger/better done case, but I'm amazed at the outcome of shockingly little input so far! Thanks all! GT
greenthumb333
Member
Thanks DW---the new pics are in the album now---I gotta get a better camera. Looking for any confirmation on the sex?---I've seen no 'balls' yet, just the little hairs, so I'm crossing my fingers!
dopewear
Well-Known Member
well from what i can see there are no balls and the hairs arent really visible. so id say give it another week. even if you have a male its to early for him to do any damage so just wait and see. also rap the bottom of your pots with something to block the light because the light kills or damages your roots from what ive heard. and what light spectrum are you using that still looks like 6500k (daylight) when if your looking for sex you should be in 12/12 and using a 5400k bulb (warm orange) keep me posted
greenthumb333
Member
Thanks much DW!---I had read too about the exposed roots but wasn't sure what to do. I'll do that---likely just duct tape them up. I actually noticed today that one of the roots had actually sprouted a couple tiny leaves! Didn't seem to be kilingl them, but definitely don't want the plant spending energy doing that!
and yeah, those are 6500k CFLs. Today I went and put in a couple 40W 2700K's in---also left 1 of the 6500Ks in there too. v12xjs had recommended keeping some 'daylight'/6500k in there when you go to 12/12 to keep the foliage healthy/happy.
Also noticed that though they haven't started budding by any means, they are quite pungent---very strong chlorophyl-type smell---not like cut grass, but you get my drift. Going to have to hack the carbon filter here directly. I'll try to post in a few more days after the 12/12 & 2700K goes for a bit. Thanks again!
and yeah, those are 6500k CFLs. Today I went and put in a couple 40W 2700K's in---also left 1 of the 6500Ks in there too. v12xjs had recommended keeping some 'daylight'/6500k in there when you go to 12/12 to keep the foliage healthy/happy.
Also noticed that though they haven't started budding by any means, they are quite pungent---very strong chlorophyl-type smell---not like cut grass, but you get my drift. Going to have to hack the carbon filter here directly. I'll try to post in a few more days after the 12/12 & 2700K goes for a bit. Thanks again!
greenthumb333
Member
Cool---will do! and thanks!
also---the nutes I'm using are 10/15/10. If I'm going to the flowering mode do I need to reduce the 1st 10 or is it OK to continue with that same mix? The plants seem to be loving it.
GT
also---the nutes I'm using are 10/15/10. If I'm going to the flowering mode do I need to reduce the 1st 10 or is it OK to continue with that same mix? The plants seem to be loving it.
GT
Tha Dope man187
Active Member
hey i just noticed u said ur using 2 26w cfls and i wanted to know how is that working out for u? i was thinking of harvesting 1-3 plants under 3 26w cfls with 1750 off each but there going to be majorly lstd and only grown 2 feet max vertivaly do u think this will work? check out the grow journal in my signature im starting the grow in a few days need to make one stop to walmart and a friend to get seeds but i got no money right now soo it might be a few days until i get paid
v12xjs
Well-Known Member
Hey GT
The plants seem to be telling you they like the food so stick with it. The high P level should suit flowering as well so prolly no need to change.
The FoxFarms feeding schedule makes interesting reading as they suggest a blast of N during flowering. I don't use FF but upped my N to assist with some bleaching probs in my rig and the plants responded really well, so the high N in your food could end up working well for you.
Only one way to find out for sure
The plants seem to be telling you they like the food so stick with it. The high P level should suit flowering as well so prolly no need to change.
The FoxFarms feeding schedule makes interesting reading as they suggest a blast of N during flowering. I don't use FF but upped my N to assist with some bleaching probs in my rig and the plants responded really well, so the high N in your food could end up working well for you.
Only one way to find out for sure
greenthumb333
Member
@ Dopeman---I just went to 12/12 w/ (2) 40w 2700k bulbs and (1) 26w 6500k in the case about 6 days ago now. So far, they seem to be loving it. I've also been relatively aggressive on the LST and pruning to keep the stem/new sites exposed. I still can't confirm sex (bagseed experiment), but crossing my fingers. I'm hoping to start another batch from seed---mimicking v12xjs on the perpetual. I'll use the 6500k to ramp up the new and rotate them in to the 2700k as they progress. wash/rinse/repeat.
I have a 24" tall case, and my lights are mounted vertically (pointing down), so I'm only working with maybe 18"? (actually haven't checked!)---I'm hoping to keep the foliage all low relative to the container and as they flower let the tops emerge from that. ALL THEORY of course---this is such a hack, but just amazing to me. MJ is an amazing plant...
I have a 24" tall case, and my lights are mounted vertically (pointing down), so I'm only working with maybe 18"? (actually haven't checked!)---I'm hoping to keep the foliage all low relative to the container and as they flower let the tops emerge from that. ALL THEORY of course---this is such a hack, but just amazing to me. MJ is an amazing plant...
greenthumb333
Member
@ DM---read your journal---looks like you have a ton of space relatively speaking! You should have room to produce quite a bit---just comparing your setup to v12xjs, or theblisters----both have had excellent output with pretty small spaces.
I am no expert--though a couple things----I went with square/rectangular bottom containers. I've read in a few places where they help produce more roots vs. round. Also, another comment re/ the lights---yeah, get them as close as possible to the plants---1"-2" away. I don't know anything about the dirt question. I used a 'organic' soil from a home center place. Lights are all sylvania CFLs---same home center place. Also got my nutes there too---10/15/10 solution. Just put 10-15 drops in about 8oz. water and feed. Plain tap water. I know---sacrilege! ;], but this is a hack/experiment for me. I never really intended to go forward with my case but I've made alot of improvements to it so I'm going to try to see it through. Best education by doing! GT
I am no expert--though a couple things----I went with square/rectangular bottom containers. I've read in a few places where they help produce more roots vs. round. Also, another comment re/ the lights---yeah, get them as close as possible to the plants---1"-2" away. I don't know anything about the dirt question. I used a 'organic' soil from a home center place. Lights are all sylvania CFLs---same home center place. Also got my nutes there too---10/15/10 solution. Just put 10-15 drops in about 8oz. water and feed. Plain tap water. I know---sacrilege! ;], but this is a hack/experiment for me. I never really intended to go forward with my case but I've made alot of improvements to it so I'm going to try to see it through. Best education by doing! GT
Tha Dope man187
Active Member
you should show a picture update i really wanna see those plants !
Tha Dope Man
Tha Dope Man
greenthumb333
Member
good timing!---still not a fan of this camera, but ask and ye shall receive!
Took these tonight, still seem to be thriving. I'm alternating nutes vs. plain water every other day. I need stuff simple! I took a couple pre-prune then a few post-prune and re-done with the LST (twist-tie style).
I also needed to hack a filter so I took the front plastic mount piece for the pc case (front fan mount, mount for mobo cables etc) and dremel'd it to just be thick enough to hold a 1/8th" piece of carbon filter. Took a pic of that too. I believe I'm going to have to upscale the fans. It's not too hot---80s at plant height, but with add'l resistance I'm going to need more fan draw. I have no input fans, only 2 output---1 from the light chamber and 1 from the cable section. It's not reeking or anything, but they smell very "green"...deep chlorophyll smell.
Took these tonight, still seem to be thriving. I'm alternating nutes vs. plain water every other day. I need stuff simple! I took a couple pre-prune then a few post-prune and re-done with the LST (twist-tie style).
I also needed to hack a filter so I took the front plastic mount piece for the pc case (front fan mount, mount for mobo cables etc) and dremel'd it to just be thick enough to hold a 1/8th" piece of carbon filter. Took a pic of that too. I believe I'm going to have to upscale the fans. It's not too hot---80s at plant height, but with add'l resistance I'm going to need more fan draw. I have no input fans, only 2 output---1 from the light chamber and 1 from the cable section. It's not reeking or anything, but they smell very "green"...deep chlorophyll smell.
greenthumb333
Member
Forgot the pics!! I'm also going to put these up on the album. Thanks all for your interest/input. GT
Attachments
greenthumb333
Member
Forgot too!---I had another 1" spacer in my "height adjustment system" and had taken it out a couple of days ago. I thought maybe they were going to be too close to the bulbs, but I think the 1"-2" gap is important to maintain. They were about 3-4" and I think the closer the better from what I can tell just anecdotally--so I put the 1" back in and the plants are ~1.5" under the bulbs and lst'd down pretty close to parallel (no bud sites yet that I can see). My junk camera can't do closeups, but I still don't see any tell-tale balls or hairs yet. Thanks again, GT.