seedling issue

[tech1234]

Here's the story: This is my first year running these trays (not first year growing) I usually use solo's like most but the trays seemed like a better choice for numbers. I am regretting that decision now. The extremely small volume of soil has been difficult to not over or under water. (I have resorted to a syringe)

They have prob seen moments of over and under. mostly on the over side.

my issues: slow growth rate, stretching (prob from the floros they were under), getting more lime green by the day, leaves curling down. the one in the pic is browning (root shots are the same plant)

Seeds were popped in soil 14 days ago.

I started with the MH 3 feet above there first day in the bigger tent, and them down 6" everyday until the height it is at now. stretch continued until this height was reached.

soil- FF light warrior
water-distilled
no nutes
600 watt MH 24hour
temp/rh in pics (stable)
samll osc fan

My guesses:
over watered (they havent had any water for 3 days, keep getting worst)
light bleach... don't really think so
some kind of lock out???
soil/fungal issue???

 

[tech1234]

2 more pics

 

[Scrappy-doo]

I'd raise the light. Seems awful close for seedlings with a 600.

 

[Cmobile9]

Incredible root porn for such small seedlings! I would foliar spray some type of silica product now to increase stronger cell growth.
I also stopped using fox farm for seedlings, I cannot express how many seeds I burned. I use either coco fiber or old rinsed soil from past grows that's got minimal nutrients leftover.
But your soil may be a little hot, seedlings don't need much special attention. Light, media, and water. If you're running 24hrs water a little bit everyday. I won't soak my media your inviting pest, keep it on the dryer side for now. Until maybe the third or fourth node. Or you could soak it and depends on your environment water every two days or so.
Just my opinion. . Good luck

 

[aridbud]

Light too close to tray and right0o, tray not enough soil to have roots take hold. Better to gently spoon out seedlings in trays and gently transplant to Solo cups or styro coffee cups (holes in bottom).

That much light can burn as well as root soil choice. Like Cmobile9 said, FF has too much peat and burns them. Better to go with Fertiloam or Black Gold, adding perlite. We quit using FF, or like products. Stay away from Miracle Grow soils....too much bark/pine needles.

If nothing else, get mushroom compost, sand/perlite.

 

[Ph-patrol]

Raise your light and reduce from 600 watts to 300 if you can.locate fan to blow over seedlings on lowest setting.
I agree with soil being to hot.I think FoxFarm Light Warrior is the right soil for seedlings.Next time around
I got away from fox farm personally.
Water with reason.

Good Luck Tech and glad to see a new grower

 

[Ph-patrol]

I like room my temps at 72 degrees too.I go from 24 hours to 6/18 about a week or so after sprout.

 

[tech1234]

Just to clarify - I'm using Fox Farms light warrior. which is a seedling starting media and most think its not hot enough ( and I have not added anything)... I used it last season in solos and it worked well.

 

[tech1234]

I'm raising the light right now. from 12" above the canopy to 18". sound about right?

 

[RustyShcklfrd]

I'm raising the light right now. from 12" above the canopy to 18". sound about right?

You can double that when there that size

 

[Ph-patrol]

Rusty is right 3ft for that light

 

[tech1234]

i was getting major stretching at 3 feet???

 

[corky1968]

Transplant them into single pots and most of you problems will vanish.

Also plant them deeper, extra soil along the stem will help them a lot.

 

[maimunji]

Yes what others said mines do this too one feet under 200 w cfl. With 600w mh at the top of the tent .

 

[aridbud]

Just to clarify - I'm using Fox Farms light warrior. which is a seedling starting media and most think its not hot enough ( and I have not added anything)... I used it last season in solos and it worked well.

That's because medium mass was increased using Solo cups. In small rooting areas it's more concentrated, not allowing roots to spread.


What Corky says: Also plant them deeper, extra soil along the stem will help them a lot.
__________________

 

[Ratzilla]

I also use FF light warrior for seedlings with just a pinch of jump start (3-4-3) on the bottom of 16oz.cups with no problems.
I am not a fan of 24 hour lighting.
I am of the opinion that plants need a dark period also.
In looking at your pics I also think that the seedlings need more root space.
I wait until the cotyledons (seed leaves) begin to fade before feeding.
Ratz

 

[tech1234]

up potting now. I will check back with an update. Thanks guys!

 

[Ph-patrol]

Just to clarify - I'm using Fox Farms light warrior. which is a seedling starting media and most think its not hot enough ( and I have not added anything)... I used it last season in solos and it worked well.

So sorry Tech.I did a re read on your initial post.It seems you are doing every thing correct.I understand about the streach too.
It's just that 600 watts is a lot of light and heat.I have a baluster that goes 50%,75%100% of 600 watts.
May be a 125 watt cfl bulb for your next run.

Nice job
PH

 

[tech1234]

Thanks for the input guys!

I got them all up potted. How many days until I should see a turn around in their health?

 

[tech1234]

So sorry Tech.I did a re read on your initial post.It seems you are doing every thing correct.I understand about the streach too.
It's just that 600 watts is a lot of light and heat.I have a baluster that goes 50%,75%100% of 600 watts.
May be a 125 watt cfl bulb for your next run.

Nice job
PH

Thanks for all your input! The concept I am having a hard time grasping is... Why can't they handle a 600 MH (as long as air temps, and radiant heat are in check) If they can handle the sun. I guess a light meter would help me but since I'm an outdoor guy its not really money I want to spend.

Also I ran T5s last season with out issue but this season I wanted to have more compact growth so I got this MH set up. doesn't seem to be panning out. time will tell