Pale/Light Green Tops

[ECUG]

Ive read the "complete guide to sick plants...". Ive used the seach and advanced search, and I have not had much luck finding my concern.

The facts:
3 1/2 gallon organic soil grow.
EJ fertilizer(grow, bloom, and micro) with a teaspoon of black strap every 3rd watering.
Water/Nute pH 6.3 -6.5
Run Off pH 6.5
Temp @ canopy 72-76
Temp @ root zone 68-72
240 watts of mixed cfl 24/7 @ 4"-7" away scrog
Strains: Unknown strong sativa leaning hybrid, Rez's WD
Distilled water
Age of plants almost 3 months.

The situation:
No digital camera sorry. I am still vegging. The plants old growth is a very lush dark green. The new shoots off the main branches are coming in very pale, not quite yellow, but not even close to as green as the old growth. I slowly worked my way to full recomened nutes as described by EJ. I havent seen any sign of nute burn, and am thinking that it could just be a lack of something, but I dont know what, perhaps sulfur? The problem seems a bit more evident in the sativa, the WD is a lot more indica and slightly greener. Anyway I hope someone can help. Thanks for taking the time to read this.

 

[Dr.Snow]

Not that I'm answering your question but I thought I should let you know that most distilled water has no oxygen content. I found a diffence in my plants grow rates when I added oxygen to distilled water with an airstone before watering. You could also use spring water (has more o2) but you risk having the same stuff in the water that tap water has if the source is unclear.

As far as the discoloration is concerned, if the new growth is showing the def then it has to a lack of one of the following: iron, zinc, manganese, copper, boron, chlorine, calcium, or sulfur. I would check to see if any of these are lacking in your nutes, sulfur seems to be something a lot of people forget about so this could be your problem. Some pictures would defienently help. BTW, 3 months seems a long time to veg, especially with the weak penetration of flouros. I hope you have a better light to flower with, even though you're scrogging, the buds will still be far from their weight and size potential without better lighting. Good luck, hope everything turns out well.

 

[Brother_Monk]

Distilled water has no heavy metals or micro nutrients like calcium and magnesium. Like many organic ferts these days, they have to be suplimented with additives. The black strap has some, but not enough to be beneficial at the schedule you are using. I wouldn't recomend using it more often either because the carbohydrates can cause nasties to grow in your soil. So many growers could benefit by using the water that comes right out of their tap. As long as it's Ph is no higher than 7.5-8.0 and ppm aren't higher than 400. Every time I come across someone having deficiencies(almost every time), the culprit usually has something to do with RO or distilled water. Of course the only drawback I can see, is you have to let the tap water stand out over night, uncovered to let the chlorine evaporate.

Try cal/mag or just water with your tap water if it's not hard or too high of Ph.

edit: forgot to say...some strains do tend to exhibit yellowish new growth shoots as they are growing. As long as the growth turns green, you shouldn't worry. It's when the new growth stays yellowish when you should attend to it.

Peace
BM

 

[ECUG]

Dr. Snow - I was thinking perhaps it was a sulfur issue. As far as oxygen in the water, I bubble my nutes for at least a day before application so I dont think that is it. 3 months probably is a long time, especially for those of us who are fortunate enough to have hid power. That is currently not an option for me, and these are hopeful mothers, so they will be in veg. for a very very long time.

Brother_monk - I actually have heard that tap water contains fluoride. As it turns out, my local water treatment plant does add small amounts of fluoride, and from what I understand that is not healthy to smoke(anyone correct me if I am wrong). I did however use some tap water my last watering (which was a nute mix watering), so I dunno about the tap water solution. Also as far as some plants exhibiting this trait, is it common because both my plants are not in any way shape or form related AT ALL?

Another possibility I wanted some opinions on was fungus gnats. I was reading my bible trying to find an answer, and found a section stating that fungus gnats larva eat roots, and can cause tops to pale. But I dont have any other symptoms. Anyway thanks for coming by, and keep the suggestions coming, I gotta lick this.

 

[Guest]

If fungus gnats you should see a bunch flying around. The end-all solution is applying nematodes to the soil. Any good hydro store should have them and if not you can track them down on the net someplace.

 

[ECUG]

I have seen some gnats, but I am talking like one or two at the most. I am fully willing (and hoping) that it is gnats, as it is fairly simple to correct, but I dont want to jump the gun and add un-needed chemicals. If anyone has had experience with these pests, I would be very thankful for some input as to the symptoms. I am going to try to borrow a digital camera, soon, but in the meantime if anyone has any thoughts, I am all ears.

 

[Guest]

in my opinion benny nemos are always cool. use em a coupla times durin your grow as a prevenative and the results are usually good. as in you maybe won't see many bugs. always a good day. i still like mosquito dunks for gnats tho. they work good for me.

 

[Guest]

preventative......doh.......

 

[ECUG]

Anyone have any experience with this at all?