5 gallon hempys

Just started first set of hempys 1 in 2 gallon bucket, 2 in 5 gallon buckets and 2 in 20 gal tote. Just wondering the rough timeline for root to reach bottom of res? Temps are 70-80f with humidity 40-50% under 2 bulb 54w t5s. Once they are a little stronger I will move them into 4x4 tent under 4 qb96 v2s engines. Using GH Flora nutes. Water feed water. pH should be 5.5-6.5 correct? 100% perlite watering twice a day and spray with kelp after watering. Does perlite effect pH during watering? Had a few times of having 6.5 pH then water with 6.0 after my pH increases instead of down. Wasn't sure if I should water with lower pH water bc neutral 7.0 perlite will fight pH balance. Thanks guys

Always feed with 10-20% runoff. Perlite is inert, wont affect pH. Watering twice a day is unnecessary. 5 gal is too big for 1 plant under those lights. 2gal is about perfect. the 20 gal can be good if you have clones and load it up with 8 or so.

I put a 1 week old sprout in my 3gal Hempys. I find it’s about 7-12days before it hits the rez. That only based on the plant growth taking off.

I soak the whole bucket the first watering. Then only pour in the center to try and get the roots to go down instead of out.

Don’t over water. Or the roots take longer to go down to the res. I water very little until they get to the res.

Once they are up and established. I water at lights on ever morning with 10-15% run off. All on a automated system