LED Grow - Northern Lights Auto -

Hi There,

I'm about to embark on a project. I have:

• A grow tent (50cm x 1m x 1.5m tall)
• A carbon filter, fan
• A VIPARSPECTRA Reflector-Series 300W LED Grow Light Full Spectrum lamp.
• I'm growing in Canna Professional soil mixed with Miracle Gro Purpose enriched compost.
• Formulex liquid.
• Spray bottle/watering can/ thermometer.

I intend to germinate 5 seeds in a self-watering propogator and then transfer into several 5-10 litre pots, as many as I can fit in the tent. The seeds are Sensi Northern Lights Automatic - Feminised.

Years ago I grew many plants in a tent without a filter and had a decent result but this time I'm looking to learn more and get it right. Any advice or tips as I go will be great. Everything is delivered in the next two days so expect lots of pictures soon!

Looking forward to this. Wish me luck!

I am doing something similar for the first time in a small cupboard and so my biggest problem is whether to do two good size pots or five small pots i.e. what would be more productive. My point is, I think the most important thing is to just do it and learn from experience, too many people worry about such small things so just make sure you enjoy it and learn from it. Wishing you all the best!

Tell us a little more about your 'self-watering propagator'?

p.s. Your LED is really only 134w, and misleadingly named.
You might find it doesn't grow very big or massive buds, on its own.

The self watering propagator (pictured) is simply a tray with soil-filled wells, underneath which is an absorbent mat which wick down into a water chamber. There's a plastic roof on it to create a greenhouse.

I've got the seeds under the LEDS to keep them warm and help them germinate. I've heard mixed opinions on this. What's your take?

Gutted to hear from GreenLogician my light might not be sufficient for a decent grow. If I were to continue with LEDs, what specifically would I do to supplement it? I intend to grow 7/8 plants.

Thanks for your time!

Would this complete my lighting rig?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0186X1IB2

Warmth is good for germinating seeds, but light is bad. Make sure they are covered up by something.
I used a heat pad for a little bit, under my seedling tray. The tap roots grew up out of the soil!
They must be programmed to consider the source of heat as the Sun, and above them, directing their roots towards the colder side.

I've considered that if it gets cold enough for me to really need it again, I'll put the heat pad above the soil and let the heat radiate down.
Using your light as heat source sounds good, in this aspect.

For lots big solid bud, one big hps is best.
I flowered twice with my (similar) LED, but wasn't satisfied with bud density. Now I only use LED in my veg room.
(Do-it-yourself LEDs can surpass hps, but you basically need to be an amateur electrician.)

If you want to use this all the way to flower, what could you supplement with?
Anything! More light
Another LED panel, a big 250 CFL, heaps of small CFLs, heaps of small e27 socket LEDs, a small 250w hps - anything.

It also sounds like you are planning for small plants. 50cm x 1m, 7 to 8 plants, sounds very crowded!
I've got an 80cm x 80cm tent, and can only fit 4 flowering plants in there.

Thanks! I bought the "1000" W Led above which I'll add in once it gets going.

Want to avoid using too much electricity / generating heat signature.

I'm going for a sea of green and with autos they're only small. Thanks so much please keep giving me pointers as I'm interested in learning as much as possible.

Wow 10w LEDs! Interesting.
It wouldn't really draw 1000w... or that could be going a bit overboard in your small space.
But whatever it draws from the wall, ya, it sure looks like it would add a heap of light! For a nice purchase price.
Worth reading some reviews on it before purchasing!

Cool
I'll see how it goes with you and might buy one myself. They tend to exaggerate their wattage 2-3 fold, but even 300 true watts of LED light is a huge addition to your current 134

Day one veg. Half the seedlings showing green so transplanted into pots with terra pro.

The germinating seeds remain under cover in the germination box. Lights raised to 1m. Fan on. Temps 80f. Cultivating not only cannabis right now but also patience.

As always any guidance deeply appreciated.

Very nice, i hope everything goes as you wish.

They all look pretty cool.

I am also using led which is made by me and was super ultra easy believe me while i was thinking how Im gonna choose how Im gonna connect questions in my head kiling me. Then it is done even some models has an option let you not mess with solder.

im growing mostly sativa dom in its one and a half week but it only gets 11 hrs light because I have one auto amnesia in closet.

Do not make excessive training with autos.

Cool thanks. Was thinking of topping them but autos are on a limited countdown until
Flower so I'll just let them be.

My "1000W" (I realise not actually but nominally) arrives Friday to add to the lighting rig.

Day 2 veg. Other seedlings added to the tent. All doing well.

Healthy an uniformly sized, looking good

I just got a 300w led for my seedlings stage so im excited to see how yours does! I currently run 900w led in veg stage and 1800w in flower stage and yes i know cut that in half for true watts.

Anywho i have a grow journal that ive been adding to since June. You should check it out!

All going well but I've noticed two of my plants look like this.

I've not watered them for 3-4 days as the soil remains moist. No nutes yet of course either. Led lights 20 inches away and temps 80F. I have a fan blowing on them too.

Any ideas?

My 1000W Bossled arrived.

Plants look okay apart from three with mottled yellow leaves. See previous post and please chime in if you have any idea what that might be. Lights at 2 feet.

Thanks!

It almost looked like pre leaf burn from the LED light. I had the same problem at first with pineapple and strawberry but after a few days under the light and making a few adjustments to light distance it fixed itself.

If it's light burn you could just turn one off until you have bigger plants.
Although that's counter to your issue of wanting your soil to dry out faster.
You can lift your pots off the ground, in a way that allows airflow around the holes at the bottom, like putting them on a wire baking tray with legs.
You could even put another fan blowing around the bottom of the pots.

80 is pretty hot, have you got exhaust going on?
Those intake flaps look closed, which suggests a no