Is there anything duct tape can't fix? Looking good so far man, keep it up.
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5Lbs/1Kw Challenge-The Quest for 80 Zips with Galactic Grape
- Thread starter aerokrafter
- Start date
-R. Fortune
You can see the ancient reflector I use in the pic above. I'm actively searching for the slimmest reflector I can find. Any suggestions?
I'm a true believer in light movers. There is no other way to get as flat a canopy. A lot of folks left them behind to air cool their lights, but I just don't want to give up the control of the "dish" or "pillow" of the canopy, just by changing the end stop time. Its the best way I've found to get the most even 5'x5' by 3' cube of useful light.
Thank you for your questions.
-AK
You can see the ancient reflector I use in the pic above. I'm actively searching for the slimmest reflector I can find. Any suggestions?
I'm a true believer in light movers. There is no other way to get as flat a canopy. A lot of folks left them behind to air cool their lights, but I just don't want to give up the control of the "dish" or "pillow" of the canopy, just by changing the end stop time. Its the best way I've found to get the most even 5'x5' by 3' cube of useful light.
Thank you for your questions.
-AK
AK
I would look at the GAVITA HortiStar 1000 DE. It would require a new ballast and lamp.
The reflector insert itself is replaceable. They recommend replacing the insert every year. This does not require air cooling. You should be able to run this on your light mover; it is lightweight.
I can get the reflector itself for $100 to $112. This set up requires a high frequency electronic ballast and a double ended Phillips lamp.
This setup should provide you a substantial increase of usable light for your girls.
Just a thought.
R.Fortune
I would look at the GAVITA HortiStar 1000 DE. It would require a new ballast and lamp.
The reflector insert itself is replaceable. They recommend replacing the insert every year. This does not require air cooling. You should be able to run this on your light mover; it is lightweight.
I can get the reflector itself for $100 to $112. This set up requires a high frequency electronic ballast and a double ended Phillips lamp.
This setup should provide you a substantial increase of usable light for your girls.
Just a thought.
R.Fortune
I love the chair, I have one real small elementary school chair for each table so I can sit and watch the weeds grow and of course plan the turns in the road
-R.Fortune
That setup is sweet. I'm thinking of converting all lights to those in the future. But I think the new bulb would break the spirit of this challenge. So I will need something I can screw this bulb into. Great suggestion tho - any others come to mind?
-abellguy
I completely agree. The chair is a critical garden component to many. Specially for an old fart like me. But really, taking time to just sit and look closely at your plants is essential. That early nute def clue or slightly munched leaf can make all the difference!
Thanx Guys!
-AK
That setup is sweet. I'm thinking of converting all lights to those in the future. But I think the new bulb would break the spirit of this challenge. So I will need something I can screw this bulb into. Great suggestion tho - any others come to mind?
-abellguy
I completely agree. The chair is a critical garden component to many. Specially for an old fart like me. But really, taking time to just sit and look closely at your plants is essential. That early nute def clue or slightly munched leaf can make all the difference!
Thanx Guys!
-AK
Day 12 Bloom Update
Trellis Day!
Before:
After:
Tracking Plant:
The trellis has been installed almost a week early. I’ve continued to pinch and the stalks have about 4 welts on em now. I've spread the canopy out six inches in all directions. The plants look a little unsettled from the tie in. Every bud base has its space in the light and the overall canopy is in excellent shape. Looks like we are ready to light these cannons.
Where do we go from here.
I figure I have 11 days of serious stretch left to deal with. At least 2’, and possibly as much as 3 and a half foot of stretch is left.
The high end puts me in the most jeopardy. I would have to do the spiral trellis - where the entire canopy top spins around the center - a major PITA. It also ends up with floppy bud bases because of the extensive manipulation. Holding all the heads up vertically becomes problematic.
The low end would be ideal - keeping all the stalks straight and strong. This is my goal and I’m pinching this plant for all it will take to try and get there.
If it ends up in the middle, I’ll opt for a 2 row interweave - where each 2 rows of tops lean into each other. The canopy top will look like all of the people under the steeple. Go ahead - do it - you know you want to! If stretch continues to be a problem, we will just dosi-do the tops - curl your fingertips back in the church to see what I mean.
As always, your questions and comments are welcome.
-AK
Trellis Day!
Before:
After:
Tracking Plant:
The trellis has been installed almost a week early. I’ve continued to pinch and the stalks have about 4 welts on em now. I've spread the canopy out six inches in all directions. The plants look a little unsettled from the tie in. Every bud base has its space in the light and the overall canopy is in excellent shape. Looks like we are ready to light these cannons.
Where do we go from here.
I figure I have 11 days of serious stretch left to deal with. At least 2’, and possibly as much as 3 and a half foot of stretch is left.
The high end puts me in the most jeopardy. I would have to do the spiral trellis - where the entire canopy top spins around the center - a major PITA. It also ends up with floppy bud bases because of the extensive manipulation. Holding all the heads up vertically becomes problematic.
The low end would be ideal - keeping all the stalks straight and strong. This is my goal and I’m pinching this plant for all it will take to try and get there.
If it ends up in the middle, I’ll opt for a 2 row interweave - where each 2 rows of tops lean into each other. The canopy top will look like all of the people under the steeple. Go ahead - do it - you know you want to! If stretch continues to be a problem, we will just dosi-do the tops - curl your fingertips back in the church to see what I mean.
As always, your questions and comments are welcome.
-AK
I too think your goal is pretty far fetched considering your grow perimeters, but I love your attitude and desire to share knowledge K+. You are obviously a very skilled grower working with a very special plant. Max that bitch out, and lets see what you can do. I'll be over here watchin on my bucket. Good luck.
No it's not. This guy has a his system on lock. I would be surprised if he is under 5 lbs.
Looking good AK!
R.Fortune
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Thank you all for the encouragement and kind words.
It's a ridiculous goal. Thats what makes this fun. Just what will this crazy guy do to his plants next?
I'm in till the end. If I crash and burn so be it. Poking sacred cows is dangerous business, but the best way to learn.
I'll do my best to keep the speculation interesting. The next two weeks will tell the story if 5lb is remotely possible. Right now I'm betting on the plants and working them as hard as possible.
It will be entertaining - no matter the outcome.
Best of Luck to All!
-AK
It's a ridiculous goal. Thats what makes this fun. Just what will this crazy guy do to his plants next?
I'm in till the end. If I crash and burn so be it. Poking sacred cows is dangerous business, but the best way to learn.
I'll do my best to keep the speculation interesting. The next two weeks will tell the story if 5lb is remotely possible. Right now I'm betting on the plants and working them as hard as possible.
It will be entertaining - no matter the outcome.
Best of Luck to All!
-AK
abellguy
Member
You've got your two heads on each looking good and of course that areo setup is just supercharging those girls. They look very healthy and happy 
Just wan't to keep up on all parameters of the grow, have you changed your reflector out yet? Also am I correct in that you are moving your light on the mover 24 inches to get your 5' X 6' canopy? You have an excellent attitude which is very refreshing and quite a change from what you normally see here in the forums. Keep up the good work 
Just wan't to keep up on all parameters of the grow, have you changed your reflector out yet? Also am I correct in that you are moving your light on the mover 24 inches to get your 5' X 6' canopy? You have an excellent attitude which is very refreshing and quite a change from what you normally see here in the forums. Keep up the good work
-abellguy
I haven't changed the reflector yet - I'm keeping the light as low as I dare. I figure I will need a new one by the end of stretch. The mover is set for about 28" of travel with a healthy stop. I will document when I change it for sure.
I started this thread for very selfish reasons. I delurked when I realised that if I wanted to read better threads here, I better write one myself. My dream for the 5lb challenge in the future is to see some of the best growers in the world busting their ass and showing us how they did it. Think of what we all could learn. Think of how this could improve this site.
You might say I'm a dreamer, but . . .
-AK
I haven't changed the reflector yet - I'm keeping the light as low as I dare. I figure I will need a new one by the end of stretch. The mover is set for about 28" of travel with a healthy stop. I will document when I change it for sure.
I started this thread for very selfish reasons. I delurked when I realised that if I wanted to read better threads here, I better write one myself. My dream for the 5lb challenge in the future is to see some of the best growers in the world busting their ass and showing us how they did it. Think of what we all could learn. Think of how this could improve this site.
You might say I'm a dreamer, but . . .
-AK
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This is what I was going to ask you about. What time frame is a "healthy stop."
I suppose that I could make this work in a 4 x 6 space instead of 5 x 5, if needed.
Reflectors Update: Adjust A Wing was supposed to be really great; but I've heard that it's light spread really is not that good. I don't know, as I have no practical experience with this one. Maybe if you use the light spreader in conjunction with the medium AAW you might get an improved light spread.
I'm agonizing over a prune decision I have to make. I am almost certain I will need to remove 1 more bottom branch to reach the perfect prune. Every moment I hesitate, more energy is being invested by the plant into something I'm gonna chop off. There is no doubt that this very strong shoot would be productive if left alive. But there is no extra room in the canopy and keeping it could compromise the main buds. Cutting off production in a challenge about production doesn't sound too bright either.
I'm letting this stew for a day.
In the mean time.
-loyalty7
Thanx for the heads up on the reflector.
-R.Fortune
Lightrail Setup:
Since every layout, and potentially every plant could use different stops - I'll show you what I do for my situation.
I set the stop at a slow count of 10. Let em grow for a day or two and observe the canopy top.
Possible results:
- Canopy even. Looks good and leave it alone until you see one of the other results.
- Pillowed canopy. The edges are falling behind. Add another slow count of 3.
- Dished canopy. Reduce stop time to a slow 5 count.
Rinse and repeat throughout the grow until your canopy is as flat as you can keep it. I have plants with 0 stop and others that peak at 17. Right now GLG is at 13.
I'm glad you guys brought this up. I just sorta do these light adjustments without thinking about it too much and overlooked writing about it.
Still stewing
-AK
I'm letting this stew for a day.
In the mean time.
-loyalty7
Thanx for the heads up on the reflector.
-R.Fortune
Lightrail Setup:
Since every layout, and potentially every plant could use different stops - I'll show you what I do for my situation.
I set the stop at a slow count of 10. Let em grow for a day or two and observe the canopy top.
Possible results:
- Canopy even. Looks good and leave it alone until you see one of the other results.
- Pillowed canopy. The edges are falling behind. Add another slow count of 3.
- Dished canopy. Reduce stop time to a slow 5 count.
Rinse and repeat throughout the grow until your canopy is as flat as you can keep it. I have plants with 0 stop and others that peak at 17. Right now GLG is at 13.
I'm glad you guys brought this up. I just sorta do these light adjustments without thinking about it too much and overlooked writing about it.
Still stewing
-AK
Good luck trying to achieve your goal AK. Thanks for posting the info on how you set your light rail too. Peace
What about using mh vs hps bulbs for controlling stretch? Different color temps?
