Finally, my first grow!

[twistedtree]

Hmmm, I was using it because my tap water had a pH of like, 8.0 at least. Using the distilled so far has brought the pH down quite a bit. They seem to like it anyway. I won't be using it for long, though. Too expensive in the long run. I'm going to buy some pH Up and pH Down eventually. Probably next payday. That way I can just use my tap water. I'm also going to get a real pH meter, too. Funny, I've read lots of books about growing, but I guess nothing prepares you like actually doing it, huh?

 

[Core]

yea nothing prepares you for it....so i'm just trying 2 help out here :wink:
ph of 8,0 is't bad....its the amount of PPm's that is in yourt water that counts.....the less you have the better the water....
and my man...you realy need ph up and down...few drops and ph will be in check...these will also be bufferd .....i say buy them and change water ....otherwise your problems wont stop at the first set of leaves

 

[twistedtree]

Hmmmm, so maybe I'll get a meter that can read ppm, also? So if the ppm is too high, what can I do to fix it? You know, I think I will buy some pH up/down. I do have some extra cash lying around. Better put it to good use, huh?

 

[Mr GreenJeans]

Hiya TT
I see Core has your back. pH and TDS meters are very helpful. In many locations tap water is ok to use for plants unless it is VERY hard, like 3-400 PPM TDS. Then add ferts to bring the ppm to where you want, and check pH and adjust. Really makes it easy, removes all guesswork. Don't worry, there's still plenty of guessing that needs to be done at least for me...

They're looking better - don't procrastinate too long on the meters and pH up and down. And yes, nothing like experience. Took me a while to get the hang of it....

 

[twistedtree]

Hey Mr GJ yeah, between you, core, and packn I'm sure to harvest some sweet nuggets! Well, I just ordered a pH control kit from General Hydroponics. Literally, like five minutes ago Consists of pH up and down 8oz. bottles. Should be more than enough. Also, I've been checking prices on this Hanna Combo TDS/pH meter and the cheapest I've found so far is $119.00 so I'm gonna have to procrastinate just a little while longer for that one.

 

[Guest]

on your way to growing some fine bud my friend...peace

 

[twistedtree]

Why, thank you, brainthor! I certainly hope this grow turns out well. Had a few bumps in the road so far, but nobody's perfect. Things are getting easier as I'm learning more and more.

 

[Guest]

as long as the mind is open my friend every bump in the road is a blessing..i know i have really made some mistakes in my growing days...i will stop babbling now...peace

 

[twistedtree]

Babble as much as you want, bud. I've been thinking of implementing a Rubbermaid veg cab Red Greenery style. Actually, I might just go ahead and seperate veg and flower chambers. Not for this grow, but for the next. No new pics, but they're still growing!

 

[AlterEcho]

You will enjoy the Hanna meter...they make a fine product. Don't forget the correct calibration solution and cleaner.

Are these to be moved outside?

-=AE=-

 

[twistedtree]

Hey, AE. Yeah, I've decided that I'm just going to get a TDS/PPM meter for now, since I have about 1000 pH test strips that have been doing the job pretty well so far, plus it's cheaper! I won't forget the calibration and cleaner. I wish the meter came with more than a one use packet of calibration solution. And yes, these babies are to be moved outside. It doesn't even get cold at night down here till after Halloween, so I'm going to put them outside somewhere around the end of the month so they can flower with that big ass HID in the sky. I'll have some pics for you guys in a few days.

 

[twistedtree]

Okay, so I just got my pH up/down today. Perfect timing, as the cups are getting pretty light. I'm going to water them tomorrow with some Iguana Juice and the beneficials. I think somebody said what pH I should be shootin' for earlier, but just in case, what should the pH be?

 

[InNvBoarder]

6.0-6.5 is what im told is best?? Im not 100% though cause I never check PH and I have great plants!

 

[Core]

limilt for soil is between 6.2 and 6.8.....and 6.3-6.5 is being optimal !!

 

[packn2puff]

Sounds like you're getting the hang of it..
I target 6.3 in potting soil(sphagnum peat moss)..and usually use Fulvic Acid as a pH Down & Potassium Silicate (AN Barricade) as a pH Up..
I mix all my nutes..measure..let it stabilize..usually just a few hours(some go longer or much longer) then I adjust with more fulvic acid or potassium silicate till I'm at 6.3..
Fulvic acid is good for the plant and a little more wont hurt at all..The potass sil..just a finger dip in the bottle can move pH half up a half point in 4 gals..
and is also beneficial..
Food for thought..

 

[twistedtree]

Hey everyone! Man, you guys must've been reading my mind, because that's exactly what I was thinking My nute solution ended up being about 6.4. I also put them in a new box. It's an 18 gallon rubbermaid painted with 2 coats of black and then 2 coats of flat white on the inside for reflectivity. I also added two more CFL's. It's waaaaaayy brighter in there! I think I've also run into yet another problem As you guys know, I was planning on putting them outside towards the end of this month to flower. It doesn't get cold around here till after Halloween. Anyway, I was reading this other thread in the outdoor forum, and it raised a good question Are my plants gonna be able to finish? How tall should they be when I put them outside? I have about 70-80 days of flowering time to play with, so if it would be wiser to wait until they got taller, I'll wait. They're not that tall now. Only three weeks old (counting since they popped the soil) and they're about 5 inches tall. I was thinking of leaving the lights on 24/0. Maybe this would help the situation?

 

[InNvBoarder]

24/0 is ok your plants will be fine. ( especially with the cfl's)

 

[twistedtree]

Sweet. They should be alright, then? I read somewhere on here that if the plants aren't big enough when they start to flower, they will automatically veg for an extra 1-3 weeks to make up for it. I just wanna make sure I've got enough time to harvest ripe buds.

 

[Mr GreenJeans]

Hiya tt
Man, looking good in here - you have the tools now.

Definitely it helps to veg a plant until the leaf positions start to alternate from side to side of the stem rather than matched pairs. Then they should sexually mature on schedule when placed in 12/12 lighting. Veg height will influence yield but shouldn't affect flower time in a mature plant.

Nice job on the upgrade - sounds supah

 

[twistedtree]

Veg height will influence yield but shouldn't affect flower time in a mature plant.

Hey Mr GJ To be honest, I'll be happy with any yield. This first grow was mainly for experience. After this grow is under my belt, I'll concentrate more on yield. Considering how much I've already learned, this grow is already a success. That's good that it shouldn't affect flower time. By the time they go outside, they'll be a month old from the time they popped through the soil. That should be good, no?