A couple Questions For the PRO'S

Im startin out small only gonna be having 2 plants at all times . Running a 400 watt HPS , good seeds , soil with permiculite , perilite , peat moss . Starting with 2 - 6inch pots , then switching 2 foot pots , Lined the walls with white reflective Mylar, have 2 fans rotating. For fertilizer i am going to be using 20 - 20 -20 for vegging , and 10-52-10 flowering. Plan on just using tap water that has been sitting for 24 hours.Lights will Run 24 hours till plant reaches 2 feet , then introce 12-12 to force into flowering.

Just a couple questions i have :

1>Would melted snow be a good source of water for the plant?
2>When should i start flowering , the strain i chose is known to be a Shorter plant (top44)?
3>Can Viniger and Baking soda be used to adjust the pH levels in ur water , Baking soda for increasing and Viniger for decreasing?
4>I read in a forum that 8 ounces of human urine to 1 gallon of water is a good nutrients mix for the plant , any truth to this ?
5>What is the usual bud ammount 1 plant produces under good conditions.
6> How much heat does a 400 watt ballast produce , and is there any risk of fire?

Also any or Tips For a First Time grow would be greatly appreciated.


Thanks alot
JAY

Hi

1) Yes snow will be ok, just make sure it's not yellow snow...actually.. see answer 4.
2) Flowering noramlly after 6-8 weeks
3) Vinegar & Baking soda can be used yes but they are not very stable try using
a ph down liquid from a aquarium centre or hydro store.
4) Urine yes is a good fert, but u can run into all sorts of probs if the urine has
a infection etc. I read you can filter it through hay & use the pee that way. I'd personally stick to organic ferts like guano, blood/bone meal etc. urine will also stink somewhat more than other ferts so i'd steer clear of it unnless you know 100% what you're doing.
5) 1 plant can produce from a few grammes to a few ounces depending on strain. But if grown well in right conds anything from 1-3 oz.
6) My 400w ballast produces some heat but surprisingly not that much. The lamp itself produces a hell of a lot more heat though, make sure your grow room has good ventilation as the heat from the lamp + ballast will build up & it can get very hot with little or no ventilation.

I'm sure there will be folk out there to correct me on the above though!

Thanks for the tips , i was also woudnering if i was to use just the 20-20-20 for veg , and 10-52-10 fertiler and all the nutrients from the soil would this due ?