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 Ulala
Registered: 12/29/08
Posts: 45
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 taking the plunge for first time grow 
#338363 - 12/30/09 11:11 PM (14 years, 3 months ago) |
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Hey everyone, I've been reading guides and journals and researching lights and soils for what has seemed like ages now, and think I'm ready to try my hand at a grow. I have an ~3x3 space in a cabinet I've set up in my closet. Everything is covered with mylar inside, and I'm just a couple of steps away from getting started. I'm hoping to have some things clarified here first though. 
Since I'm doing an indoor grow, I'd like to keep the smell to a minimum. Can a strain really be "neutral smelling?" (Blue Mystic for example) Is it neutral smelling enough that I wouldn't need a carbon filter on my out take? I'm guess I'm mostly worried about advertising vs. reality.
Are non-neutral smelling strains extremely odorous?
Is there a particular strain you would recommend for a first time grower? Some of my needs are plants that don't grow too tall, don't smell excessively, due to size and location of my grow space. I'd also like a strain that can clone well (if that matters). (Strains I'm considering are: White Widow, Northern Light, Full Moon, Blue Mystic, and AK-48) Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Finally, can someone help me understand how a carbon filter works? I've seen some DIY guides and a couple of youtube videos, but I still don't really understand the science behind it. It just seems like a quick mishmash of chicken wire, pantyhose, duct tape, and carbon and I'm just not getting it. I feel if I can understand it well, I'll be able to construct my own to match my needs better. Any DIY guides you can recommend (especially if there are pictures!) would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks for your help guys! I'm sorry if these have been asked many times before. I read as many FAQs, stickies, guides, and journals as I could before the excitement of starting my own grow got to me. I tried to do all I could until I had more specific questions. 
Cheers!
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My first grow, aeroponics from A-Z: Ulala's First Grow Comments welcome!
If you're robbing a bank and your pants fall down, I think it's okay to laugh and to let the hostages laugh too, because, come on, life is funny.
-Jack Handy
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Harry_Ba11sach
cannoisseur
Registered: 04/20/08
Posts: 11,753
Loc: Nepal 
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Re: taking the plunge for first time grow [Re: Ulala]
#338388 - 12/31/09 02:55 AM (14 years, 3 months ago) |
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Hey there! Welcome to the Growery! I don't know too much about strains to be honest so I'll let a pro jump in a help you on the smell thing, but the rest of that I think I can help with.
The way carbon filters work is just as simple as it seems. The basic design is to pull the air through the layer of carbon particles over as large a surface area as you can. The only real "trick" to how they work is the amazing filtering ability of activated charcoal. it's basically just a bunch of tiny particles of charcoal with tiny little pockmarks everywhere giving it a tremendous surface area to volume ratio. Basically small molecules such as N2, O2, CO2 etc all pass through, but larger molecules (such as the various terpenes and phenols that cause smell) get trapped in these little pockmarks.
As for a smaller strain, plants that are primarily Indica will grow shortest and stretch least. Most sativas are taller, lankier, and take longer to finish
Don't hesitate with any further questions you might have
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Hawksresurrection
Registered: 12/04/08
Posts: 13,464
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Re: taking the plunge for first time grow [Re: Harry_Ba11sach]
#338389 - 12/31/09 02:57 AM (14 years, 3 months ago) |
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Yeah strains that don't stink, no clue.
I just told someone else this but I may as well say it again. Ditch the Mylar, and paint your grow space with flat white paint. It's way more reflective and it reflects evenly unlike Mylar, which give you hot point of light.
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Dude she isn't as young as she use to be.
-niteowl
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Ulala
Registered: 12/29/08
Posts: 45
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Ah okay, I assume hot points can cause problems or burn your plants?
Thank you for the explanation of the carbon filter, Harry! The filter is next on my to do, and that breakdown helps muchly. Hopefully some of the DIYs will make a little more sense now! :p
I'll try to pick an Indica or mostly Indica strain. Still curious about the "neutral smelling" strain though!
Thanks again for the info guys! Any new info anyone can contribute, I'll take! I know I'll be checking back often, probably with some new questions.
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My first grow, aeroponics from A-Z: Ulala's First Grow Comments welcome!
If you're robbing a bank and your pants fall down, I think it's okay to laugh and to let the hostages laugh too, because, come on, life is funny.
-Jack Handy
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Hawksresurrection
Registered: 12/04/08
Posts: 13,464
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Re: taking the plunge for first time grow [Re: Ulala]
#338394 - 12/31/09 03:14 AM (14 years, 3 months ago) |
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Maybe not "burning" per se, but you will get a much more even coverage with FWP, therefore more efficient conversion of light by photosynthesis.
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Dude she isn't as young as she use to be.
-niteowl
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coda
Registered: 04/20/08
Posts: 4,736
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Hmmm, if you're into a neutral smelling strain try a northen lights or big bud variety. Obviously stay away from anything that has skunk in it's lineage. A couple I've grown out with minimal smell were chronic and heavy duty fruity. They had some odor to them, but it wasn't overpowering and I was able to grow them without a carbon filter.
Unfortunately I can't say the same for my current grow, if I leave my exhaust fan off during the dark hours the room I grow in becomes overpowered lol. I can also recommend the Ona odor blockers. I can't speak for them removing odors Per se, but I keep a can of it by the entrance to my house and it works really well. A little strong at points, but it covers up any residual smell which may float into the living area.
Quick pic of how a carbon filter fits in your grow room (one way at least).
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MFDoom666: sobriety kills my buzz every time.
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Ulala
Registered: 12/29/08
Posts: 45
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Re: taking the plunge for first time grow [Re: coda]
#338482 - 01/01/10 12:42 PM (14 years, 3 months ago) |
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Alright, good deal. I think I'd like to try to assemble a carbon filter anyway, I'm just not super DIY-savy, but that's part of why I want to take on this project, so I can learn! And then if I fail miserably at the filter, I'll have some other options at least. 
How does intake/outtake work? What I mean is how do I make sure enough fresh air is going in, and how do I make sure that air only exits through my filter?
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My first grow, aeroponics from A-Z: Ulala's First Grow Comments welcome!
If you're robbing a bank and your pants fall down, I think it's okay to laugh and to let the hostages laugh too, because, come on, life is funny.
-Jack Handy
Edited by Ulala (01/01/10 12:52 PM)
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coda
Registered: 04/20/08
Posts: 4,736
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Re: taking the plunge for first time grow [Re: Ulala]
#338486 - 01/01/10 12:57 PM (14 years, 3 months ago) |
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The air doesn't exit through the filter, you pull the air through the filter and push it out of the grow room. See how the fan sits on top of my filter in that pic? It draws the air from the room through the filter, through the exhaust of the filter, through the fan which pushes the air over my light, and finally out of the grow room. I guess the easiest way to ensure you'll pull enough air through the filter is to find a fan that can pull more then double the cubic feet of your grow area.
So, for example, if you had a 30 CF room, you would want a fan somewhere in the 80-100 cfm range. Enough to exchange the air twice a minute with a little extra to compensate for the drag of the filter.
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MFDoom666: sobriety kills my buzz every time.
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Ulala
Registered: 12/29/08
Posts: 45
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Re: taking the plunge for first time grow [Re: coda]
#338523 - 01/01/10 03:14 PM (14 years, 3 months ago) |
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Oh I see, I think I get it. So you just have the one fan pulling air into the filter?
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My first grow, aeroponics from A-Z: Ulala's First Grow Comments welcome!
If you're robbing a bank and your pants fall down, I think it's okay to laugh and to let the hostages laugh too, because, come on, life is funny.
-Jack Handy
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coda
Registered: 04/20/08
Posts: 4,736
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Re: taking the plunge for first time grow [Re: Ulala]
#338538 - 01/01/10 03:50 PM (14 years, 3 months ago) |
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yup
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MFDoom666: sobriety kills my buzz every time.
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Ulala
Registered: 12/29/08
Posts: 45
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Re: taking the plunge for first time grow [Re: coda]
#338596 - 01/01/10 06:46 PM (14 years, 3 months ago) |
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Right on.
Here's another question about seed odrering: do you use a charge card with a phony name and/or address, in an attempt to keep things from being easy for big brother, or is this just silly paranoid behavior?
Does anyone just use their own card with all their info? Or maybe a friend's who doesn't ever smoke or plan to grow?
I've read to have them shipped somewhere clean, and other than where you plan to grow them. Is this also sound advice?
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My first grow, aeroponics from A-Z: Ulala's First Grow Comments welcome!
If you're robbing a bank and your pants fall down, I think it's okay to laugh and to let the hostages laugh too, because, come on, life is funny.
-Jack Handy
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coda
Registered: 04/20/08
Posts: 4,736
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Re: taking the plunge for first time grow [Re: Ulala]
#338627 - 01/01/10 08:39 PM (14 years, 3 months ago) |
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yah, that's pretty sound advice. If you can get a PO box (they're cheap) have it sent there. Lots of seed banks take money orders and such, so if you don't want to leave a credit card trail you can do that. CC transactions are just quicker, if you have to mail your money to them it's going to double the time it takes to get your gear.
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MFDoom666: sobriety kills my buzz every time.
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Ulala
Registered: 12/29/08
Posts: 45
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Re: taking the plunge for first time grow [Re: coda]
#338682 - 01/01/10 10:13 PM (14 years, 3 months ago) |
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I'd kinda like to get started ASAP, but don't want to make it easy for someone to track me (if that's the kind of thing that happens...)
I suppose I could go the money order route for peace of mind.
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My first grow, aeroponics from A-Z: Ulala's First Grow Comments welcome!
If you're robbing a bank and your pants fall down, I think it's okay to laugh and to let the hostages laugh too, because, come on, life is funny.
-Jack Handy
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coda
Registered: 04/20/08
Posts: 4,736
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Re: taking the plunge for first time grow [Re: Ulala]
#338760 - 01/02/10 10:11 AM (14 years, 3 months ago) |
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more then likely you'll be ok ordering with a credit card. I don't know if they accept them or not, but, you could always go buy one of those visa gift cards. They act like a credit card but with a set balance.
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MFDoom666: sobriety kills my buzz every time.
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Ulala
Registered: 12/29/08
Posts: 45
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Re: taking the plunge for first time grow [Re: Ulala]
#339833 - 01/03/10 10:28 PM (14 years, 3 months ago) |
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Yeah, that's a good point.
How important is humidity? Important enough to invest in a small humidifier for the grow space?
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My first grow, aeroponics from A-Z: Ulala's First Grow Comments welcome!
If you're robbing a bank and your pants fall down, I think it's okay to laugh and to let the hostages laugh too, because, come on, life is funny.
-Jack Handy
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coda
Registered: 04/20/08
Posts: 4,736
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Re: taking the plunge for first time grow [Re: Ulala]
#339844 - 01/03/10 10:54 PM (14 years, 3 months ago) |
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unless you're growing in the desert, no.
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MFDoom666: sobriety kills my buzz every time.
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boomsaway
Registered: 04/25/09 
Posts: 95
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Re: taking the plunge for first time grow [Re: coda]
#341903 - 01/06/10 08:52 PM (14 years, 3 months ago) |
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Acutally. keep an eye on that humidity in those smaller areas.
mold will take off quick, i know...
good ventilation is key. i like to have exhaust and intake fans.
Edited by boomsaway (01/06/10 08:59 PM)
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Ulala
Registered: 12/29/08
Posts: 45
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Re: taking the plunge for first time grow [Re: boomsaway]
#347382 - 01/13/10 11:08 PM (14 years, 3 months ago) |
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It sounds like I'll want to keep my humidity down to prevent mold?
I have some extra computer fans around that I'll probably use. I want more outtake than intake, right?
Also, does my carbon filter necessarily need to be a part of my outtake or can I just filter the air within the unit? I'm thinking not since it won't be air tight...
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My first grow, aeroponics from A-Z: Ulala's First Grow Comments welcome!
If you're robbing a bank and your pants fall down, I think it's okay to laugh and to let the hostages laugh too, because, come on, life is funny.
-Jack Handy
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coda
Registered: 04/20/08
Posts: 4,736
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Re: taking the plunge for first time grow [Re: Ulala]
#347803 - 01/14/10 04:53 PM (14 years, 3 months ago) |
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the filter is designed to be used in your exhaust system to scrub the air before it hits the area you're exhausting to. It won't do anything if you just stick it in there with no fan attached to it.
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MFDoom666: sobriety kills my buzz every time.
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Ulala
Registered: 12/29/08
Posts: 45
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Re: taking the plunge for first time grow [Re: Ulala]
#348524 - 01/16/10 03:56 AM (14 years, 3 months ago) |
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well I mean there would still be a fan attached to it, it would just sit independently inside my unit, but I decided this is inefficient. I'm going to try to get my carbon filter up and running tomorrow. Wish me luck!
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My first grow, aeroponics from A-Z: Ulala's First Grow Comments welcome!
If you're robbing a bank and your pants fall down, I think it's okay to laugh and to let the hostages laugh too, because, come on, life is funny.
-Jack Handy
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Ulala
Registered: 12/29/08
Posts: 45
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Re: taking the plunge for first time grow [Re: Ulala]
#348741 - 01/16/10 04:58 PM (14 years, 3 months ago) |
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Question about temperature. I've read you don't want to be above 30 degrees C, but I've also read of people having their box run at 90-some degrees F (more like 34-35 degrees C).
Right now mine is about 33 degrees C, but I could still do some work on the ventilation if necessary. Do you guys think this is too hot?
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My first grow, aeroponics from A-Z: Ulala's First Grow Comments welcome!
If you're robbing a bank and your pants fall down, I think it's okay to laugh and to let the hostages laugh too, because, come on, life is funny.
-Jack Handy
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Ulala
Registered: 12/29/08
Posts: 45
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Re: taking the plunge for first time grow [Re: Ulala]
#349502 - 01/18/10 05:02 PM (14 years, 3 months ago) |
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got my temps down to 29 degrees C, feeling a lot better about it.
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My first grow, aeroponics from A-Z: Ulala's First Grow Comments welcome!
If you're robbing a bank and your pants fall down, I think it's okay to laugh and to let the hostages laugh too, because, come on, life is funny.
-Jack Handy
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coda
Registered: 04/20/08
Posts: 4,736
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Re: taking the plunge for first time grow [Re: Ulala]
#349512 - 01/18/10 05:09 PM (14 years, 3 months ago) |
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90 F is way to hot IMO. Sure, your plants will grow in that temp, but you're much better off giving them a cooler environment to thrive in. I personally wouldn't venture too far above 85 and prefer it right around 78-80 F in my cab.
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MFDoom666: sobriety kills my buzz every time.
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Ulala
Registered: 12/29/08
Posts: 45
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Re: taking the plunge for first time grow [Re: Ulala]
#350420 - 01/19/10 08:14 PM (14 years, 3 months ago) |
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Thanks for the info, coda!
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My first grow, aeroponics from A-Z: Ulala's First Grow Comments welcome!
If you're robbing a bank and your pants fall down, I think it's okay to laugh and to let the hostages laugh too, because, come on, life is funny.
-Jack Handy
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Ulala
Registered: 12/29/08
Posts: 45
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Re: taking the plunge for first time grow [Re: Ulala]
#350939 - 01/20/10 06:15 PM (14 years, 3 months ago) |
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I'm going to rig up the rest of my fans now that I have my carbon filter. Do I want my intake to be more or less powerful than my outtake?
I'll try to get some pics of my set up for you guys, might help you help me!
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My first grow, aeroponics from A-Z: Ulala's First Grow Comments welcome!
If you're robbing a bank and your pants fall down, I think it's okay to laugh and to let the hostages laugh too, because, come on, life is funny.
-Jack Handy
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Ulala
Registered: 12/29/08
Posts: 45
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Re: taking the plunge for first time grow [Re: Ulala]
#352305 - 01/23/10 11:56 AM (14 years, 3 months ago) |
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Another question for y'all, what's the smallest container I can get away with all the way to harvest? My footprint isn't very big so I'll probably start with small pots to determine sex, then transplant to the plants' final homes. Should these be at least 1 gal? 5 gal?
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My first grow, aeroponics from A-Z: Ulala's First Grow Comments welcome!
If you're robbing a bank and your pants fall down, I think it's okay to laugh and to let the hostages laugh too, because, come on, life is funny.
-Jack Handy
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Stoneth
D.I.L.L.I.G.A.F.
Registered: 10/06/08
Posts: 24,985
Loc: No where ville, USA
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Re: taking the plunge for first time grow [Re: Ulala]
#352321 - 01/23/10 12:41 PM (14 years, 3 months ago) |
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I have grown from seed to finish in a solo cup 20 oz.
I don't recomend it tho I have done it.
http://www.growery.org/forums/showflat.php/Number/284710#284710
In case you would like to see how it went.
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 Sgt. Smoke
File up and smoke down!
Registered: 09/06/09
Posts: 43
Loc: Classified
Last seen: 13 years, 11 months
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Re: taking the plunge for first time grow [Re: Stoneth]
#352357 - 01/23/10 02:43 PM (14 years, 3 months ago) |
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1 gallon pots will be suffecient. 5 gallon will be to much.
As for smell, there are some indica dom strains that claim low odor. Also indica dom plants have a smaller root system compaired to a satviva dom plant. So, you could easily get away with 1 gallon pots, maybe have to water a little more often but no big deal.
Good luck:)
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L.O.B.
LEGION OF BUD
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Ulala
Registered: 12/29/08
Posts: 45
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Re: taking the plunge for first time grow [Re: Sgt. Smoke]
#352756 - 01/24/10 06:33 PM (14 years, 3 months ago) |
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Awesome looking grow, Mad With Power! What would you attribute such a successful grow to, despite being in completely done in 20oz cups? Looks like you got a great strain!
Thanks, Sgt. Smoke. 1 gallon pots seem like the best way to go for me. Again, going to try to get some pictures of my setup. It's almost 100% complete, then all that's left will be figuring out my seed situation...
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My first grow, aeroponics from A-Z: Ulala's First Grow Comments welcome!
If you're robbing a bank and your pants fall down, I think it's okay to laugh and to let the hostages laugh too, because, come on, life is funny.
-Jack Handy
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Ulala
Registered: 12/29/08
Posts: 45
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Re: taking the plunge for first time grow [Re: Ulala]
#354750 - 01/29/10 12:41 AM (14 years, 2 months ago) |
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Do you know if there is any disadvantage to germinating in peat pots or peat pellets? I feel like it'd be safer than having to handle the seeds from paper towels or whatever. Or am I being paranoid about hurting my seeds?
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My first grow, aeroponics from A-Z: Ulala's First Grow Comments welcome!
If you're robbing a bank and your pants fall down, I think it's okay to laugh and to let the hostages laugh too, because, come on, life is funny.
-Jack Handy
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dutc2006
Grow or Die
Registered: 12/20/09
Posts: 199
Last seen: 8 years, 5 months
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Re: taking the plunge for first time grow [Re: Ulala]
#354785 - 01/29/10 01:35 AM (14 years, 2 months ago) |
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I use the paper towel method. Since the tap root is delicate I just use the tip of a knife to scoop the seed off the paper towel when it is cracked, being mindful of the tap root. I then gently bury it in the moist soil, only about 1/2" deep, tap root down preferably. I cover my seedling cups with a piece of cardboard and place them in my veg box where the light is on 24/7. The piece of cardboard gives shade, and I check on them everyday until they sprout through the soil, usually within the 2nd day. Then I remove the piece of cardboard revealing them to the light. Works every time.
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coda
Registered: 04/20/08
Posts: 4,736
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Re: taking the plunge for first time grow [Re: dutc2006]
#354860 - 01/29/10 09:49 AM (14 years, 2 months ago) |
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Quote:
Do you know if there is any disadvantage to germinating in peat pots or peat pellets? I feel like it'd be safer than having to handle the seeds from paper towels or whatever. Or am I being paranoid about hurting my seeds?
None that I'm really aware of. It's how I germinate all of my seeds. Just make sure the area you keep the peat pellets in is nice and warm.
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MFDoom666: sobriety kills my buzz every time.
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Ulala
Registered: 12/29/08
Posts: 45
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Re: taking the plunge for first time grow [Re: coda]
#355015 - 01/29/10 05:30 PM (14 years, 2 months ago) |
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I'm able to keep my space pretty warm, so should be golden. Thanks!
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My first grow, aeroponics from A-Z: Ulala's First Grow Comments welcome!
If you're robbing a bank and your pants fall down, I think it's okay to laugh and to let the hostages laugh too, because, come on, life is funny.
-Jack Handy
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