Dyna-Gro vs Advanced Nutrients Connoisseur (AK47 Grow)

sparnicus said:

To be honest, I picked it up to avoid the PH issues associated with soil and have had trouble with it all along the way. I've changed out nutes three times assuming that was the problem. I have a good lamp, lots of circulation, and I check on 'em every single night. I've seen people use mediums such as powdered rockwool and pro-mix. I just can't seem to get it right, though it seems like it should be so simple. Maybe I should go back to dirt.

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Promix would be my suggestion. I don't have pH issues and in fact, I recycle my promix up to three times with no problems at all.

In regards to your unhealthy leaves, I'd point to your process (perlite hempy), not the plant food. Moving forward, this is what I'd do if those were my plants. I'd rip off the 'dish' on the bottoms of those posts or drill holes in the bottom of them and I'd run them like 'drain to waste'. Feed at close to 1 tsp/gallon grow and protekt and I'd imagine you'd need to water nearly every day.

Would you say the pro-mix would trump soil for simplicity? I think there's a little hydro shop in town I could check out.

Also, which pro-mix product specifically?

sparnicus said:

Would you say the pro-mix would trump soil for simplicity? I think there's a little hydro shop in town I could check out.

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I used to grow in 'soil' and I find promix to be a lot easier and a lot more consistent. I mix promix up with some vermiculite and I'm ready to go. I like Promix because it's a blank slate.

Also, which pro-mix product specifically?

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Promix BX.

You don't even use perlite with your Promix? I have use sunshine mix 4 and they seem to retain water too long without the perlite. I can't imagine vermiculite will help in that area? Since vermiculite holds moisture. Please clearify that for me.

I have used full perlite Hempy bucket. Yes, I agree with you the drain to waste system with drippers would be better for that type of medium. Hempy does work but yields small compared to my soil grow.

inhaleindica said:

You don't even use perlite with your Promix? I have use sunshine mix 4 and they seem to retain water too long without the perlite. I can't imagine vermiculite will help in that area? Since vermiculite holds moisture. Please clearify that for me.

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Promix already comes with a little perlite in there but when I used to add some, it would just slowly rise to the surface of the medium by the end of the grow which doesn't help with drainage or aeration.

For me, promix alone dries out unevenly, it 'pulls away' from the sides of my pots as it dries and it didn't seem to hold water all that well or prevent water from pouring out of the bottom of my pots when watering. Vermiculite evens out the texture of the medium, helps retain water a little better and fixes any and all complaints I had with 'only promix'. The addition of vermiculite is a carry-over from when I was trying to grow like BOG about 10 years ago.

I just called the shop in town and they say they have 1 bale of Pro-Mix HP left for $51. Is that on point? Seems pretty pricey. You said it was reusable?

sparnicus said:

I just called the shop in town and they say they have 1 bale of Pro-Mix HP left for $51. Is that on point? Seems pretty pricey. You said it was reusable?

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If you have a big garden center in your area, call them. They'll often times have it for <$40.

That place was like a friggin candy store. I can't believe it's been there only 4 minutes away and I've never been! I only have the 2 girls, so judging by how heavy it is, this thing should last me quite a while!

sparnicus said:

That place was like a friggin candy store. I can't believe it's been there only 4 minutes away and I've never been! I only have the 2 girls, so judging by how heavy it is, this thing should last me quite a while!

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Keep that bag closed when you're not using it. When promix dries out, it's dusty and hard to work with. I think you'll find it easier to use than 'perlite-only'.

homebrewer said:

Promix already comes with a little perlite in there but when I used to add some, it would just slowly rise to the surface of the medium by the end of the grow which doesn't help with drainage or aeration.

For me, promix alone dries out unevenly, it 'pulls away' from the sides of my pots as it dries and it didn't seem to hold water all that well or prevent water from pouring out of the bottom of my pots when watering. Vermiculite evens out the texture of the medium, helps retain water a little better and fixes any and all complaints I had with 'only promix'. The addition of vermiculite is a carry-over from when I was trying to grow like BOG about 10 years ago.

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That does make sense to me. What ratio do you put in your vermiculite? 1 part vermiculite to 3 parts Pro-mix?

Alright HB. All locked and loaded. If this works out I'll have to send you some scotch or something. Or do you brew that as well?

inhaleindica said:

That does make sense to me. What ratio do you put in your vermiculite? 1 part vermiculite to 3 parts Pro-mix?

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Vermiculite comes in 3 different 'sizes' so if I'm using the 'course' stuff, I might use a little more than if I was using the 'fine' stuff. 30-50% is a ballpark figure. Maybe start with 30% and see how you like that texture.

I am going to try that with my strawberry diesels that I am picking up in a few weeks. Thanks!

Homebrew are you planning on running any more experiments with another journal anytime soon? If so, what do you have brewing? (pun definitely intended)

KingIV20 said:

Homebrew are you planning on running any more experiments with another journal anytime soon? If so, what do you have brewing? (pun definitely intended)

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Actually I do have a journal planned to begin in the next week. There is a breeder who has caught my eye named Classic and he works under the label 'Classic Seeds'. From what I understand, he's an older guy who has been collecting some of the best strains from around the world for the last 30 years and then working them and crossing them as he sees fit. I really like his values, I like his prices, and he's been working with some outstanding strains.

Starting in the next week or so, I'll be journaling the (Thai x Columbian Gold) x Romulan x C99 cross that I have. I've already started the grow, I'm just waiting for my new computer to arrive as this one is on the fritz.

homebrewer said:

Actually I do have a journal planned to begin in the next week. There is a breeder who has caught my eye named Classic and he works under the label 'Classic Seeds'. From what I understand, he's an older guy who has been collecting some of the best strains from around the world for the last 30 years and then working them and crossing them as he sees fit. I really like his values, I like his prices, and he's been working with some outstanding strains.

Starting in the next week or so, I'll be journaling the (Thai x Columbian Gold) x Romulan x C99 cross that I have. I've already started the grow, I'm just waiting for my new computer to arrive as this one is on the fritz.

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Outstanding! That's quite the genetic cross, if I do say so myself. I look forward to watching them bloom.
That's a great find (referring to Classic) as that's the type of person I'd want to work with and get genetics from.

Homebrewer,
If you don't mind me asking- what were some of the characteristics of Serious' Ak47 that you noticed/liked the most? ..And how far does the sativa-pheno lean towards the sativa side, in your opinion (percent wise)? Thanks in advance & +Rep for any reply.

KingIV20 said:

Outstanding! That's quite the genetic cross, if I do say so myself. I look forward to watching them bloom.
That's a great find (referring to Classic) as that's the type of person I'd want to work with and get genetics from.

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You can check out his other offerings at seed depot or seedboutique. I think SD has a better selection at the moment (https://www.seeddepot.nl/cannabis-seeds/classic-seeds.html).

|B3RNY| said:

Homebrewer,
If you don't mind me asking- what were some of the characteristics of Serious' Ak47 that you noticed/liked the most? ..And how far does the sativa-pheno lean towards the sativa side, in your opinion (percent wise)? Thanks in advance & +Rep for any reply.

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I'm big on aroma and this AK47 has a very nice aroma (mango/citrus/ginger/bread). As a plant, it likes to branch and fills in pretty heavily with calyxy flowers that are easy to trim. As far as the buzz goes, mine is probably a 65/35 sativa-indica split as one hit keeps you up but a few more and she'll drag you down with a kind of stoney, intense, happy buzz. Not nearly as motivating and clear as kali mist but you could get things done around the house blasted on Ak47, though with it's stoney component, you might find yourself spacing out and getting distracted easily. Where Kali would have you scrubbing the kitchen floors and running errands while being thankful at your many blessings in life, my dumpster strain would have you on the couch watching tv. Those three strains pretty much cover all the bases for me.

Medicinally Ak would be good for pain, sleep, stress, headaches, etc.

I'm getting a runoff PH of around 6-6.5. Is that the range I want to be in?

sparnicus said:

I'm getting a runoff PH of around 6-6.5. Is that the range I want to be in?

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I'd be very happy with that range. I'd also take a TDS measurement.