Newbie needs advice

Here is what I have changed today. I have 3 Lithonia Lighting T-8 fixtures with GE Ecolux with Starcoat (whatever that is) 32w fluorescent bulbs measured at 3500 degrees kelvin. 2 CFL bulbs (13w) one in the ceiling fixture and one hanging with 6 more to place in 2 more hanging fixtures that I will buy next week and 2 aqualamps (fish tank hood lights) with a 17w 2 foot T-8 bulb in each that are also hanging (pic) and a 13w OTT-Lite standing lamp in front of the pic. It will be another month or so before I can purchase a dual light setup from H.T.G. Supply. Does this any better than what I had before or should I give up and wait until I can afford the better fixture?

If I calculate this right that totals 10985 lumens. Does anyone have any other suggestions given my very limited budget?
Thanks everyone.

Your still at a point where you can get away with what you have, you will definetely want to go with the 400 you mentioned...it will do wonders for those stretched out plants. How old are they now? Trying to figure out if they are still "seedlings" or if they are in veggetive growth. You will know when they are in "veg" when plants show vigorous foliar (leaf) growth. At this point...depending on the soil type and its nutrients...you can start with a diluted fertilizer program. Keep with it, your set up is VERY basic....almost Maguiver'ish (LOL)...but it is a start. Starting is a very big step...I consider it the most important step. No one would even be growing indoors if someone in the late 70's hadn't started with a VERY BASIC set up. So trudge on soldier...you have an army behind you!

I began the grow on Dec 15th so they are 45 days old. I really appreciate the Maguiver comment as my father used to say "Give me some fishing line a paper clip some duct tape a hammer and a circus midget and I can fix just about anything" so I guess I learned from him. Kind of embarrassing though now that I think about it. LOL That was the best laugh I have had in quite some time!!!!!!

On the evening of the 31st when I put in the new lights a friend gave me a mylar body blanket out of a first aid kit and I placed it on the interior walls and now the plants are producing LOTS of leaves at the top of each plant. I will load I picture of the tops when my daughter brings my camera back tomorrow evening. Right now I'm gonna finish this smoke then make my wife up and get into some porn on our bootleg dish. Isn't this a great time to be alive? Smokin bud and watching free porn on satellite!!!!

HAHAHAH you said it man! sounds great dude your coming along. u can hook up another 5 cfl's in there for like 30-40 bucks. even just a few more will help. just get some corded sockets, y splitters. 2 each of those and 4 cfls and ur set. u could get a 4 pack of the 26 watters and have another 100 watts in there! that would be only like 20 bucks.

Here are a few pics of what they look like as of an hour ago. Do you think they look any better? Would I be better off removing a few plants to allow the others to absorb more light? Forgive my ignorance if that was a stupid question. Also I have included a pic of one that looks a little light in color and slightly droopy. I have no way for checking for any soil balances so I am afraid a photo it the best input I can give. I also have a white substance developing on top of the soil that looks like what was on my hydro set up that I hae abandoned for now. I live on a farm and I have well water which goes through a whole house filter then through an ultra violet filter and finally through a salt water softener. The water I give my plant is not passed the softener though.

probly some mold or salt buildup. also your plants looks overwatered/

The top of soil is dry to the touch when I water them which seems to be about every 2 or 3 days. SHould I water them less?
Thanks Billybob for the quick reply

i dunno they jsut look droopy to me. which is usually overwatering in most cases. not to sure.

The edges of the leaves are beginning to change color from green to yellow. I'm not sure what to do.

I just ordered my new lamp this morning this is what I purchased.

HTGSupply Ultimate 400w HPS & MH Grow Light
4 Sided Horizontal Reflector
HTG Supply 400w HPS Bulb
GrowBright 400 watt MH Conversion Bulb
No Spare HPS Bulb
No Spare MH Conversion Bulb
No Sunrise Hi-Low Reflector Hangers
Dual Outlet Mechanical Timer - Heavy Duty




Was this a good purchase? Please give me your opinions..
Thanks


1

looks like a good investment...I haven't seen one in action, but it sounds pretty sweet. I can tell you one thing...it is a much better set up than what you have right now...in other words...your plants will show you some love in return...

ok, it sounds like you have hit vegg growth, from your previous posts. You will want to start to give your plants a 1/4 to 1/2 strength vegging nutrient solution. Find an organic one ( I cant stress that enough)! Cannabis should be kept as close to natural and organic as possible. Chemicals should be a last ditch effort to save a crop. When it comes to how frequently you should water...pick the buckets up one by one...if they feel heavy...you don't need to water yet...if they feel light...water them. I have experienced good results using 1/4 to half the amount of water to the volume of the bucket to water. Example: A one gallon bucket, I would either use a quart or half gallon of water for each bucket. I recently had 2 gal buckets...and I watered them with a half gal of water every 2 0r 3 days...depending on the weight of the buckets. This also depends on how big the plants are and how fast they are drinking. Still the "hefting" method (lifting buckets) is tried and true. I only use this much water to avoid over-watering, which brings on diseases and attracts pests like fungus gnats. It's a pretty simple method...but it works!

wait a sec, what kind of soil are you using and how long does it say it feeds your plants? If it is past or right around the time the initial nutrients are there...THEN start with the diluted nute regimen. After a couple waterings with the dilute nutes...start using the nutes as the directions on them tell you....sorry about that...

by the sounds of it are you doing a greenhouse growing more or less? if so that could make them grow fast

your plants ganna like a HID setup u got. they will blow up after a few days under it/

You realy need to droop the light because its to high up from your plants and your baby plants should be raised up closer to the light

Thanke everyone, I appreciate the comments and help. I will re-do the room when I place the bulb in there and take a new pic.

BTW statik I just replanted with Miracle Grow 2 weeks ago. It's the kind that has up to 3 months of feed already in it as well as small water retaining pellets.
Have'nt received the light yet but I am completely stoked about it and can't wait to fire that puppy up.

I am not a fan of Miracle Grow, I prefer Fox Farm Ocean and Forest if using a store bought soil. I can tell you that your plants will need more than just what's in the soil...especially when you throw them into flower. You will want to do some research on organic liquid nutrients. I cannot stress the organics enough. If your already putting smoke into your lungs...you don't want it to be full of man made chemicals. Plus organics are safer for the whole planet, and your smoke will have a lot more of it's own flavor. Instead of having that acid like burn on the tongue and throat. Keep posting, pics are always helpful with a detailed explanation of whats going on.