Second Grow/First Time Starting From Seed

So this is my first grow from the ground up. I’ve run into some issues with slow growth. My seedlings are just growing slow. I’m 4 weeks into my grow and I still have lanky seedlings.

The taller plants were planted 10/3/18. The smaller plants 10/10/18
Watering:

They’ve been getting water twice a day in the perlite. They grew out of rock wool cubes. I’ve cut the bottoms out of each cup and usually water if the cubes are dry.

Lights:

I’ve been running off one light. Attached to the wall. I just added the second one an hour ago. I’m sure they might be weak or someone is going to say that. They’ve been getting 24 hrs light /day.

I have the heater trying to keep soil temp above 65 and a humidifier keeping it at 50%.

Watering solution: I made 6 gallons of water. Added 1.5 tsp’s of each flora bloom(recommended on the bottle itself)
And I used ph down to get it under 6.2 and it’s since gone up to 6.5. PPM meter read at 430~~ or so.

I greatly appreciate any and all criticism/help.

Thanks bros,

Tick

Do you have soil and perlite in your cups? I've never grown in all perlite, but whenever seeds are first sprouted they'll shoot up an inch or so, then it always seems to me that they just "stand there" doing no growing at all, but my belief is that during this time they are establishing their root system (foundation so to speak), so I think your fine myself.

Running off one insufficient light. You have nutes but a crap light? You're doing things in reverse order.

Yeah, not enough light. They are stretching to try and reach it. Add more light and you're good.

Opie1971 said:

Do you have soil and perlite in your cups? I've never grown in all perlite, but whenever seeds are first sprouted they'll shoot up an inch or so, then it always seems to me that they just "stand there" doing no growing at all, but my belief is that during this time they are establishing their root system (foundation so to speak), so I think your fine myself.

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Most of them are all perlite. Some of the bigger seedlings have half soil half perlite.

hotrodharley said:

Running off one insufficient light. You have nutes but a crap light? You're doing things in reverse order.

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Recommendation on a similar style light that will give more power?

Aside from more light. I was reading my nutrients with a little more fine detail. It says for continuous water systems or as supplement nutrients for soil. Does this mean I still need a base nutrient?

If I do. Can I get a good recommendation for perlite?

DesertPlants said:

Yeah, not enough light. They are stretching to try and reach it. Add more light and you're good.

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What kind of lights do you use in your grow? I don’t want to use something that might be dangerous if I’m not here. I’m away from my little “grow shack” for quite awhile.

TheTokingTick said:

What kind of lights do you use in your grow? I don’t want to use something that might be dangerous if I’m not here. I’m away from my little “grow shack” for quite awhile.

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Use a timer and don't buy fire hazard lights. Suggest a digital HID ballast. Some are dimmable. High Pressure Sodium or Metal Halide. Most kits come with both. Best bang for the buck.

I wasn't aware that this was your only light source. I just thought by the title, that you were more familiar with growing.
But yeah, these guys are telling you right.

Opie1971 said:

I was aware that this was your only light source. I just thought by the title, that you were more familiar with growing.
But yeah, these guys are telling you right.

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My brother in law gave me a plant that was already two months old. And I just used a painter light for it. Soooo. Yeah I guess I still have a lot to learn. That’s why I’m here with open ears.

-Tick

Specifically, what is the light you are currently using?

hotrodharley said:

Use a timer and don't buy fire hazard lights. Suggest a digital HID ballast. Some are dimmable. High Pressure Sodium or Metal Halide. Most kits come with both. Best bang for the buck.

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Could you possibly provide me with a good option from amazon? You know that prime shipping.

NanoGadget said:

Specifically, what is the light you are currently using?

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Some crapper

NanoGadget said:

Specifically, what is the light you are currently using?

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Well I found it around the house. If I had to take a stab, I’d say it’s a low wattage LED light bar.

-Tick

An adequate sorce of light is a necessity if you want to grow any plant. You are going to need to acquire something better or you just are not going to get anything to grow. Do you have any funds available to invest in a proper light?

NanoGadget said:

An adequate sorce of light is a necessity if you want to grow any plant. You are going to need to acquire something better or you just are not going to get anything to grow. Do you have any funds available to invest in a proper light?

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I have plenty of funds.

Does this work fine?

It won’t let me post a link...so I uploaded another picture. Or is this way too much for my space?

One of these will grow one plant nicely..
Rapid LED 75W CREE CXB3590 COB LED Grow Light Fixture (3000K) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BN4RVC3/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_kCY0BbV11JT7N

TheTokingTick said:

I have plenty of funds.

Does this work fine?

It won’t let me post a link...so I uploaded another picture. Or is this way too much for my space?

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Do you have active air exchange in your grow space? Inline fans exhausting air out and intakes for fesh air in? Hiw big is the space? A 400 hps/mh in a small, unventilated area is going to turn into an easy bake oven.

NanoGadget said:

Do you have active air exchange in your grow space? Inline fans exhausting air out and intakes for fesh air in? Hiw big is the space? A 400 hps/mh in a small, unventilated area is going to turn into an easy bake oven.

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No sir. Do not have those things. I intend to at some time. Make an actual grow tent, but until I find some space this is it. It’s very small space.

Smokeless Humidifier-
Heater
Shit light
Small fan.

Is all my set up is right now

I would NOT use HID if you are going to be away from your grow area for extended periods of time. They are a much bigger fire risk than LEDs. If funds are not an issue, I would get an HLG light if you want pre-built. Check out https://horticulturelightinggroup.com/. They also sell some on amazon.

I custom build my lights, which can be cheaper, but if you’re not familiar with building them, I would get a prebuilt.