what to fix first?

[pip313]

I yeild decent off of the strains white widow, galaxy god bud, white rhino, true blueberry, blue satallite, grape krush. But I don't get the big yeilds and fat buds that the others on here get. I use dwc 5 gallon buckets 12 plants under a 1000w and 6 under a 600w, flora brand nutrients, silica blast, cal-mag, and try to keep the lights as close as possible to the plants.

Here are what I think my issues are, first I don't have a pH or ppm meter I bought both new and both died within a week, after the receipt got lost. Second, I think I am growing my plants too big and they stretch too much however I am scared of growing shorter plants I switch at 1 foot. Third I don't have co2 is this the biggest reason I don't have very fat buds? I have alot of good strains it would be hard to believe that none make large buds especially because I seen my rhino produce a 36 gram nug by the guy who sold me the clone and it is definitely the same plant.

 

[jm420]

ph is a must ,cant go wrong with the drops.it also helps to have an ec meter.IMO those are your biggest problems.As for co2 unless you have a sealed room it wont benefit you to much.

 

[pip313]

So ec and ppm? ok thanks also my room is basically sealed due to the smell but I have 6in vents the room is 6x7x10 if I added co2 is a 30% increase in yeild too much to expect? I don't have much money for investment right now but I have patients to take care of and yeild matters.

 

[Fred el Gato]

Hey pip,
I also don't have the meters and my rooms not perfect, yet it seems to rock. Using just tap water(bubbled) and promix ultimate and fox farm nute line. Checked the ph of the water once with drops(ph8), I also know that the promix is a ph7. Using FF I know the ph will drop down to around the 4's(depending on what combos). Hand water on a feed/feed/water schedule(usually every other day).
I know where you're coming from about the stretch, mine go in at 2' and damn near hit the ceiling at 7'. I like using LST or SC in veg and early flower trying to keep them low.
It don't have to cost you alot, I can relate to a budget(on a strict one at the moment myself). No meters or CO2 works for me, sending you karma for a much better outcome on your next round. Grow on,Fred