Well this is it guys
Final Yield: 40grams - well im sure a HPS (400w) would have got me more of a yield than my T5's. But it was my first grow and I don't believe Im even close to discovering my Multi Spectrum's full poential. But for me...that's plenty.
Still with AC and my T5 set-up during one of the hottest heat waves to ever step-foot in the great lakes region of Canada. My Bill for June and July was 300 bucks(In Can or US funds) So thats 150 bucks per month...and that includes my normal home usage. All in all the hydro bill went up on average for this whole grow about 24 bucks/ month...probably less.
Am I Happy with the T5's as a light source? Oh Hell yes brother. But thats because I can grow enough to smoke. I could double the amount of plants and who-knows? Maybe get even better with this technique and triple or quaduple this yield with topping...or try it with RW slabs. Maybe even a SCROG....who knows???So im happy with the versitility of my set up.
Man, I tell you...from my point of view...
This is a nice personal grow with insigifigant legal ramifications ...just enough to smoke (..and enough to get you laid....hehehe). But yet the benefit of a truely enjoyable hobby? There couldn't possibly be a hobby more fun than this. It's alot of work...but when you are smoking the fruits of your labour....it's the best shit you've ever smoked in your life. Plus the fact you no longer (have to) depend on NO ONE or NOTHING to get your weed from here on in. It's a liberating feeling to know you are smart enough to grow your own shit, and don't need THEIR shit anymore. Whether you use HID's/ T5's/ LED's....we all have that in common.
So...how was Belladonna as Smoke?(Belladonna Smoke Review) It honestly was what I hoped it would be...a nice Sativa High that wouldn't leave you with couch-lock. A smoke you could function on.....and still get shit done...but...still be high. Of course if you smoke a lot it can kick your ass in a couple of bowls too. But its a pretty good chatty-weed too...if you are the talkative type. That first bowl is something special to look forward to after work....puts you in a great mood!
The taste and texture: A very smooth smoke with a mild skunk taste. Very nice in a bong.
Appearence and high: Beautiful green and red hairs. On some buds it looks like it's a 50/50 mix. Just really nice to look at. You know...this might sound strange (and im a little high) but I'd say this would make a great Christmas time Weed. With the Red and Green, the smell of her buds, and the ease of social interaction....I'd say this would be a great weed around the holidays.
Need something to smoke at the work Christmas party that won't leave you "socially crippled?"
Going to smoke a joint with your uncle during the yearly Christmas visits?...but again don't want to be a drooling idiot in a couple of hours after a few walks outside??
Want smoke something on Christmas moring before your sister open the gift that "she won't believe you got her?"
Heck..even the name Belladonna is classy enough to pull-it-off too.
Well...what did you think of the ebb and flow? Hydroponics? Flood table?
It was a bit rough this first time around. The nute burn was happening at faily low numbers (TDS). This was especially true during flowering. But the convience of auto-feeding is sweet once you get the hang of it
If you are growing with T5's--here's my advice. Remember that all the nutes instructions you are reading are based on HID's...T5 grows need considerably less nutes.
Unless it was the strain that had low nutrients, the T5's just don't seem to have the radiation to have a need for the "juice" that are needed with HID's . But I would never use this set-up for a commercial grow.But I would never use an HID for a hobby grow neither, not that im afraid of a big yield...but WTF would I do with it all (probably give away to hawt chicks).
Anyways-I think hydroponics is versitile, easy to expand...and alot of fun too. But you have to be a bit nerdy to like it. There is lots of meters, and problem solving involved. Not when you want it to happen, so it can keep you on your toes.
Fun and fast Flood tables are kind of out of style these days. But i enjoy the simple concept.
Well it`s a wrap!
After I get a few more grows under my belt, try a few things I`ll start another GJ. Thanks to all that paticipated. A Special thanks to Ygrow for his high-level of input. If you have any questions feel free to submit a post on this thread...even if a longtime has passed.
Otherwise: Farewell in all of your endevors (but especially your grows)