diggindirt
Well-Known Member
So normally I've got no isssues with the whole start to finish, but this run has me scratching my head as I'm trying a couple things for the first time.
I've got 5 seedlings cracked Feb 10th in a paper towel then transfered to Rapid Rooters in a styrofoam float tray with a humidity dome and a heating mat underneath. Had a surplus of HPS bulbs with one grow each, so decided to use one of em for the duration being that one seed is an Auto, so I got 400w HPS about 24" from the babies. Temps have stayed 74-78 during the 20 on, and drop to around 60 during 4 off, but the heating mat stays on constant.
All 5 seedlings came out of the rooters on day 2 or 3, but haven't advanced from there. They're on day 11 now, and not a one has shown a tap root through the plug, nor have they passed the cotyledon stage (slight first leaves [single blade] showing but not nearly as far along as any past seedlings).
My first thought is that I'm keeping the rooters a bit too wet, as there's a slight bit of algae growth on the tops of the plugs. I was under the impression that you couldn't really over-wet them as the tray is meant to float, thus always keeping them as wet as they'll absorb? New to the plugs though so not sure. These things really all they're cracked up to be?
Only other thing I can think of is they're just not as vigorous under the HPS. First time I've tried to veg under anything other than cool blue spectrum (usually Flouros) so not sure?
Advice on either subject is appreciated.
I've got 5 seedlings cracked Feb 10th in a paper towel then transfered to Rapid Rooters in a styrofoam float tray with a humidity dome and a heating mat underneath. Had a surplus of HPS bulbs with one grow each, so decided to use one of em for the duration being that one seed is an Auto, so I got 400w HPS about 24" from the babies. Temps have stayed 74-78 during the 20 on, and drop to around 60 during 4 off, but the heating mat stays on constant.
All 5 seedlings came out of the rooters on day 2 or 3, but haven't advanced from there. They're on day 11 now, and not a one has shown a tap root through the plug, nor have they passed the cotyledon stage (slight first leaves [single blade] showing but not nearly as far along as any past seedlings).
My first thought is that I'm keeping the rooters a bit too wet, as there's a slight bit of algae growth on the tops of the plugs. I was under the impression that you couldn't really over-wet them as the tray is meant to float, thus always keeping them as wet as they'll absorb? New to the plugs though so not sure. These things really all they're cracked up to be?
Only other thing I can think of is they're just not as vigorous under the HPS. First time I've tried to veg under anything other than cool blue spectrum (usually Flouros) so not sure?
Advice on either subject is appreciated.