Detailed First Time Grow with Aerogarden step by step

I am very new to gardening and have 0 growing experience. The Aerogarden got my attention bc it seems very easy to use. I have been researching growing techniques for about a week on the internet and YouTube. I think I have a pretty good grasp on how to grow a good harvest. But I'm also smart enough to know that there are plenty of experienced growers who can help me along with my grow and id love to benefit from their experience and knowledge. I am currently waiting on my Aerogarden to arrive. It should be here by Tuesday and I will be posting every step of the process even me opening the box lol I purchased the Aerogarden Extra Elite. I have already purchased the other components I researched that would be needed

-Aquarium Air Pump (14.99 Petco)
-Air Stone (4.99 Petco)
-8 inch Clear Air Tubing (3.99 Petco)
-Pond Test Kit (16.99 Petco)
-Dehumidifier (39.98 Home Depot )
-Round Back Uplights (11.97 Home Depot)
-EcoSmart27-Watt (100W) Full Spectrum Craft CFL Light Bulb (8.97 Home Depot)
-Fox Farm Tiger Bloom 32 Oz ( 18.95 Hydroponics Store)

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  -Fox Farm Big Bloom 32 Oz (16.95 Hydroponics Store)
  -Fox Farm Grow Big 32 Oz (18.95 Hydroponics Store)
  - 25 ft Mylar Reflective Film (36.75 Hydroponics Store)
  -Measuring Cup (3.99 Hydroponics Store)
  -Thermometer (9.24 Walmart)
  -Small Desk Fan (5.00 Craigslist)
  -Room Fan (10.00 Craigslist)
  -Deer Park Bottled Water (5.00 7/11)
  
  -I listed the items and prices and where I purchased them to help others who would like to know where to purchase these items this by no means a Bible on where and how to shop...I know I over paid on certain items but my biggest concern is quality. And I also don't plan on having the greatest harvest ever but I wanted to get the highest end items for the budget I have.
  
  -My 1st grow will be with some Grand Daddy Purple Clones. My Grow Room is basically my closet. I converted 1 of my dresser drawers into a small grow box and lined it with the Mylar bc I wanted more control over the temperature and lighting. The temperature stays consistently around 75 but when I turn the lights on it goes up to 81 I'm worried when I put the Aerogarden in the box the temp will be too high
  
  -I'm using Bottled Spring Water for the entire grow bc I don't trust our tap water....
  I even boiled the bottled water to purify it even more lol (I know that's a but much but *shrug*) I believe the only items I am missing are PH Rising Formula and PH Decreasing Formula and I also want a Digital PH Meter because I don't like the strips but the one at the hydroponics store was too pricey. I will also be posting pics of everything bc I'm more of a picture person.
  
  Any and all useful advice would be greatly appreciated

I currently grow in an aero classic and aero 100. I modified both to use regular base cfl's (aero bulbs get expensive and you can't chanfe the k range). If you want I can send you a link that shows you have to a fairly simple fix to adapt to regular cfl's. The only other adaptation I would do is to tape aluminum foil from the hood - this will increase the amount of light (also raises the temp a lil but you said you have a fan}. Also go a lil lighter on the recommended amount of nutes, and then adjust accordingly(I also have a link for nutes if you want). All in all it's a great set up especially for the dwarf auto strains. One last thing you may want to to get a light timer and plug into that ( over riding the aero timer). THat is explained in the booklet when you receive the aero if bought new. If not I also have a link for that. Most of all don't over think the growing process, it's a weed and will tolerate less than perfect conditions. Just observe and learn!

I heard that aluminum foil does more harm than good I have Mylar instead...I was thinking of going a little lighter on the nutes because I've seen seen alot of grows that were over fed..whats wrong with the aerogarden's timer? and what grow setting should I put it on?

The aerogarden is good for cloning and growing basil but nothing good for a serious grow.I was gifted one and ended up ripping the lights off and thrashing the rest of the unit.Not trying to flame you but I speak from experience.They are nothing but an overpriced bubble bucket that you can make for ten bucks. The aero timer doesn't have a 12/12 setting so you will have to get a timer .

dragnit said:

The aerogarden is good for cloning and growing basil but nothing good for a serious grow.I was gifted one and ended up ripping the lights off and thrashing the rest of the unit.Not trying to flame you but I speak from experience.They are nothing but an overpriced bubble bucket that you can make for ten bucks. The aero timer doesn't have a 12/12 setting so you will have to get a timer .

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I hear you but I've seen many successful grows and if it doesn't work I ain't tripping it's worth the shot and I'm willing to take the chance

Good luck and sure you will get a few grams.Most mj strains stretch two to three times their height in flower.Lots you can do to keep them fairly short.Green mojo for ya .

haha my boy had one and it worked at first at least until his momma made him cut those lil bitches down hahaha .

check out my grow u guys jus started a journal.