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OfflineTrueHerbCrystal
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All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) **SEIZED & DESTROYED BY COPS**
    #350457 - 01/19/10 09:27 PM (14 years, 2 months ago)

ALL CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow) ("Flower" strain seed)
**ENDED ABRUPTLY: SEIZED & DESTROYED BY COPS **


Critical Update

Date: May 2, 2010

Early this morning, my living plant, only 2 weeks from finishing flowering was seized and destroyed by a group of cops. It was not at random, but a series of events that lead to this horrible outcome for this grow journal. Basically, bad decisions, incriminating stickers and being in the wrong place, at the wrong time.

Here's the whole story on how and why it was Seized by the Cops. Please read so you don't make the same mistakes on your grow, or in your life.

-------------------------------------------------------------
Original Journal

Well, since everyone else makes a collection of their entire grow on the first page, I'm doing the same. Besides, like my bedsheets, my OP is really messy!

Lets start from the beginning:

The Seeds:

Here are the feminized " Flower " seeds by CH8 breeding company and the strains stats (provided by the website I bought them from).


~ My Babies Lifestory ~

First Lighting Set-Up


Day 0: Feb. 5, 2010 (seed dropped-into-soil date)

Notes: Last photo: It was important to me that the seed be planted at exactly 4:20pm, in honor of my goal of harvesting on April 20, 2010.
It was a bad choice to use clay pots from the start. They have bad drainage, and they evaporate water too fast thru their clay material.
Next time, I will use plastic with bottoms that have plenty holes in them.

Day 3 (I think): Feb. 8, 2010


Day 4: Feb. 9, 2010


Day 5: Feb. 10, 2010


New, and Current Lighting System: Created Day 10 (Feb. 14)


Day 10: Feb. 15, 2010

Notes: Implemented gravity drip system, which is basically a large bottle fiilled with water (see last photo, on Right), held high, near the closet rail (to create pressure via the pull of gravity), that is hooked up to a 1/4 turn ball valve to control dripping. This was a bad idea. The valve was hard to adjust, and was not very precise. And, I later found out that these plants like well-drained, dry soil, not constantly watered soil. The periods of dryness help the roots grow, and the plant from becoming droopy. A quick lesson learned...

Day 12: Feb. 17, 2010

Notes: Still using drip system (have not yet learned its not helpful to my plant). Also, notice the purple color under the leaves on the last photo. Up to this point, I have not being using a fertilizer, just bottled water. I later find out, thru research, that the purple is an early sign of nutrient deficiency (aka she needs food). I wish I learned that sooner. Oh well.

Day 14: Feb. 19, 2010

Notes: Notice yellowing on the cotyledon (baby) leaves on 3rd photo. Sign of nutrient deficiency...should of saw the signs. I also added a pan of perlite (last photo) to aid with humidity. Seemed to help, but not by much (a few % only).

Day 17: Feb. 22, 2010

Notes: First sign of major yellowing on bottom leaves. Again, its the fact I haven't been using food. But today, I buy Shultz(r) liquid plant food (2nd last photo), and with Inverted's advice of using 2 full droppers per gallon (last photo). I also made the mistake of spraying the leaves with the mixture (forth photo from left). That was a Bad idea.

Day 18: Feb. 23, 2010

Notes: Yellowing still getting worst. 2 mistakes pictured here. First, photo 3: I had my fan blowing directly on my plant the entire light cycle. It should have been on rotate-mode. That was a bad choice by me. Second Mistake, photo 4: My taped-up sheathing failed, thank God it was during the day. I learned that thumb tacks are the way to go when putting up sheet stealth.

Day 20: Feb. 25, 2010 (? not sure)

Notes: Drooping is getting pretty bad here. The yellowing won't stop on lower leaves. The yellow eats it like a disease, its weird. Added a small 80mm fan to the woodern 'light wagon" to aid in cooling and strengthening the stem with a little wind (a good idea). Also, the last photo is my *fixed* stealth covering using a large cloth sheet. I used push-pins instead of duct-tape, like I used before. Works WAY better! Don't use tape on cloth, it doesn't work. Push-pins or small nails only.

Day 22: Feb. 27, 2010

Notes: Noticeable yellowing on tips on upper canopy (Photo 2). Curling is getting really bad on the bottom leaves. The bottom leaves are dying a little more everyday. I've been cutting them, and smoking them. The smell (before I smoke them) has a unique sun-ripened guava smell. Now I know why its called "Flower!". Smells sweet and pleasant.

Day 23: Feb. 28, 2010

Notes: Still problems with curling and yellowing, but not bad. I posted this one day diff. one because its the end of the month, and I didn't do the 29.

Day 25: March 1, 2010

Notes: Yellowing and dying tips on the bottom leaves are still a problem, and it looks pretty bad here (photo 2, 3). The top canopy is also showing signs too (last photo). But still alive, so its not too bad.

Day 27: March 3, 2010

Notes: Bought a 3-in-1 meter, for light, soil wetness, and pH (photo 3). Light output is off the charts on the needle (photo 4). The pH is about 6.5, not too good (Photo 5). Wetness between damp and dry (last photo).

I also made some improvements to my light-bulb holders (used to have just duct tape) and the light bulb cooling (I added another 80mm PC fan, this time, on top of the wooden light wagon)


Day 30: March 6, 2010

Notes: Lookin' much healthier...

Day 32: March 8, 2010

Notes: Big growth changes. Still growing healthy, but some yellowing on bottom.

Day 35: March 11, 2010

Notes: Growing great now. Really fast. In the last photo, you can see that the roots are starting to come out the bottom of the pot. I thought this meant its ready for transplant: but, according to Inverted, I was wrong. So, I kept it inside the small clay pot. Like he said, Water control is KeY! Large pots mean poor water/moisture control, which should be avoided. So, small pot it is.

Day 39: March 15, 2010
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Notes: Today was the day I implemented my simple CO2 supplementation idea (using the gravity drip system I used for watering previously). I used the classic Baking soda + vinegar chemical reaction to make CO2. The reason why I wanted to use CO2 supplementing was because I had been doing research on it, and what I've learned that plants grow a lot faster when you add it (because plants use CO2 from the air to create carbon-based organic chemicals to grow, thru photosynthesis). And the reason why I started doing this now is because I am moving out of this place around June 5, 2010. And I want to be finished flowering by at the latest, May 15, 2010 and with my plants advertised flowering period of 7 weeks, that means I have to start flowering at the latest, March 20, which is exactly 1 month from the sacred holiday, April 20. So the CO2 is to "catch-up" on the vegging, a last attempt to get as much growth in these last days as I possibly can. So, my *new* plan is to have some immature budz to smoke by that international holiday. We'll have to see.

As for the effective of the CO2. It seems to be working, but it would be unscientific to say its causing more growth. Too many factors to make that claim. But, what I have noticed is that when I soak the soil, it goes almost completely dry in about 1 full day. Before it took 2-3 days to get totally dry. It might be the plant uptaking more water because of the increase in CO2. Who knows. I'll be taking some measurements with a ruler to show how its grown over these days of CO2 supplementation. Hopefully that will provide some interesting observations to this artifical CO2 environment, and if it actually benefits the plant in some observable way...

Later that day, 7 hours from above photos:
And here's what a difference water does to the plant.
Note how stift and "up" the leaves are now....the difference is stricking!


Day 43 (2 Days before Flowering): Thursday, March 18, 2010
^Didn't post photos because its only one day apart from the day below, so I put the link instead....the original post has interesting dropping patterns you might wanna look at.

Day 44 (1 Day before Flowering): Friday, March 19, 2010


8 hours later....

^As you can see, the perking/drooping pattern continues to occur on a regular timeline. Its at the point where I believe it is just natural rhythms of the plant, and is NOT a sign of ill health. However, this pattern is not something I see with other tropical plants I've grown in my place like palms, so this is all new to me.

Day 46 (Day 2 of Flowering):  Sunday, March 21, 2010

^Drooping at its worst (see 1st photo background for date and time). At first, I thought I killed my plant, because the drooping was happening at the stem too, and so was dramatic. I figured with my new lighting that consists of three 42 watters and one 23 watter CFL (total 149 watts, 42 more watts than during vegging), I might have stressed her with heat. Then, I checked the soil, and it was really dry, even thou I just watered her a day ago. So, soaked the water with the usual vegging mixture, and after about 1 hour, she perked back up, like some kind of magical plant life (last photo on right). It seems that this small plant need more water than I realized. It may be the time to transplant to a larger pot.

Day 47 (Day 3 of Flowering): Monday, March 22, 2010 ~ Transplant Day ~


Day 51 (Day 7 of Flowering): Friday, March 26, 2010 - Root-Rip Re-Transplant (From Inverted's Transplant Advice) -

^I was very hesitate to do this, but after considering Inverted's expert advice, I decided to "take the risk" and pull out my girl and man-handle the roots in the purpose of improving the growth of the new roots. The whole process of ripping apart the roots was an aweful experience, not knowing if it would kill her if I ripped the wrong root. But, she survived and she's bigger than ever! I glad I did it, even thou the whole process made me sick to my stomach...

Later that day....

^After this photo, I went on a 2 day vacation out of town, so she was on her own. I wanted to use my drip system, because thats why I built it, for vacations, but the T.C. advised against it, so I did the soak-and-leave it approach, and it worked great. Thanks guys.

On Same Day (March 26) >>> Lighting Upgrade <<<<
I added this ridiculously massive 68 watts CFL (2,700K) bulb to my flower lighting set-up (on right, like you needed to be told)....


Day 54 (Day 9 of Flowering): Monday, March 29, 2010 - Got Home Today from 2 day Vacation - (Its near the bottom of the post link)

Main Photo: Well, she survived without me. How cool is that. The soil-soaking trick works very well, even for days. In my experience, its a proven method. Drip-system (aka constant water supply) unneeded.

Photo on Right: As you can see, there's some burn damage on just this one leaf from a vertical-hanging 42 watt CFL flowering bulb. I actually had a feeling my left custom-reflector bulb was too close, but I didn't have time to move it over, so I just left it. But the damages is sooooo minor, I don't even care. I think it looks cool, like a battle scar.

Day 59 (Day 14 of Flowering): April 3, 2010

^First photo: She's getting so big, its hard to take photos of her. Also, my grow lights aren't helping either. I moved the rH/Temp gauge to the wooden light wagon to make a better estimate of the plants conditions (I wish I had a remote probe). A 1 foot ruler in the bottom-foreground is for reference (Couldn't find my tape-ruler: I hate being lazy and unorganized). She's about 14" tall. 

Photos 2 and 3: There's so many little stems and bud sites shooting up everywhere, its crazy. Its hard to keep track of them all. Its cool to see the pre-flowers already: I have an idea what it will look like in the end.

Last Photo: same as pictured above, taken April 2nd. Shows the burns of the bulb on my precious girl.

Day 68 (Day 23 of Flowering): April 12, 2010

^Photo 1: Those pre-budz are really maturing fast! Looks so hairy now! I can even see some Herb Crystals on some of the small bud leaves. Pretty stoked! Photo 2: She has been doing A LOT of growing over the past week. I almost have to adjust the string every day! I measured the height: Shes about 28 inches (2 ft. 4 inches) tall now. I will try to measure her every time, because the growth I've seen recently is mind-bogging! Photo 3: The bottom canopy looks miniature, and is a great example of what NOT having enough light penetration (i.e. CFL bulbs). Looks like I will be harvesting it a little because it likely won't get anywhere with the little light.

From 13ettlejuice's main post on his 'accidental' GrowLog, I got this idea: use large zip-ties to hold up my wooden light wagon.

^So much better! Never have to take off the string again! Its always supported, even during adjusting! Feels so good! :smile2:

Day 73 (Day 28 of Flowering): April 17, 2010

^Photo 1: Wide-view. I added another lamp on the bottom with a 23 watt flower bulb, for a total of 263 watts for all bulbs. I added this bulb because I will be harvesting some lower budz for April 20 in honor of the holiday, and those lower budz barely get any light (should of trained her :nonono:). I know for next time.

^Photo 2: Total height is about 35" or about 3 feet tall. This is about a 6 inch increase from last journal. This troubles me, because I am running out of vertical height in my closet. Should I add a 5,000K to prevent this stretching? I still have like 20 days left of flowering...at this rate of vertical growth, I'm going to run out of room. Not good.

^Photo 3: Main Cola (is that the name) is looking lovely. Lots of white hairs everywhere. Fan leaves are looking healthy too. Only bad thing is the top got kinda burnt because of the super-fast vertical growth. But it was minor damage.

^Photo 4: One of the mid-height budz. Only young bud with these dark tips. All the rest are white. Not sure why.

^Photo 5: Finally seeing some obvious trichome "crystal" formation. I hope it gets real frosty later: Looks tasty already...

^Photo 6: I've also been doing some minor Low-Stress Training to just the lower budz (for 4-20 holiday), using some colorful pipe cleaners. They were going outside the lamp range, so I adjusted them closer to the lights. Its pretty fun, I have to say. I might add some more later....

Day 81 (Day 36 of Flower): April 26, 2010

^What I've noticed with the frosting-effect on the budz is that its directly proportional to the amount of local light there is. So, the top budz are the dankinest now, and the bottom ones are barely showing any frost....

The scent: I've noticed up-close I can smell her really easily. It has a peppery, sweet and sour smell. Nothing like the guava smell I inhaled back in the vegging days...

Day: Unmentionable

And then the worst that could happen happens...In the Beginning of May, I accidentally kill my plant from a very stupid mistake...

And that was the end of her, killed prematurely due to today's so-called "free-country". It won't be free until the Mary Jane is let free....

Worst possible ending for a first-time grower...

But I have learned the Truth.......

~_~_~_~_~__~_~_~_~_~_~__~_~_~_~__~_~_~__~_~_~_~__~_~_~_~_~_~_~__~_~_~_~_~__~_~_~_~_~_~_~__~_~_~_~_~_~__~~_~_~__~____~_~_~_~__~_~_~_~

(Whew! That was a lot! For now. This is really time-consuming! How do other growers do this so easily? Well, now the original, old, super-messy post....)

>>>> I just received my 2 CH8 "Flower" seeds in the mail on Wednesday, Febuary 4, 2010 and I just planted them  directly in Fox Farm Ocean Forest soil on Thursday, Febuary 5, 2010 at *exactly* the most sacred time of the day 4:20 PM, Pacific Coast Time. The next journal entry will be discussing what I did to prepare for this wondrous day.... <<<<<<

This will be my first grow (when it starts), and I've always wanted to grow my own all on my own, and this is my attempt.

My Dream Goal for my my first grow

    My dream goal for my first grow project is to time it so that when its time to harvest, it will be *right before* be the best International holiday, 4-20 Day, aka April 20 and have a nice abundance of fresh budz that I grew myself. Unfortunately, I've starting this project a little too late (should of germinated in January 1) because budding usually takes a minimum of 2 months (depending on strain), plus a minimum of 1 month Vegetation, so I won't make my Dream Goal on time. Plus, drying out the flowers takes time, so I could be way off.to make it weeks before 4-20, so I can dry out my budz. I should of starting germination back in January. Because of this tight time-scale, I will be searching for a strain with the shortest flowering (with agreement with my budget, of course). 

Here's the planning that I have been writing and drawing down...





Here's the closet I plan to use for the project (its needs some organizing: its a little messy right now).
That hanger "bar" was tricky to figure out since its not a typical round bar, but more of a metal rail. To hang stuff, I'll need some strong "S" hooks.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Before


2nd Version: January 20, 2010


The Final, Perfected Version: Febuary 16, 2010

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

And from those plans and my closet arrangement, here's the material list I made...

***March 16, 2010 Edit: Here's my actual list I'm using right now ***

:sunny: For Lighting System :sunny:

For Vegging: Two 26 watt 5,000K color CFL bulbs and two 27 watt 6,500K bulbs (socket adapters to plug into 2-prong plugs). Total: 106 watts

For Flowering (Updated April 16):

Overhead: 1 x 68 watt HUGE CFL 2,700K bulb & 1 x 42 watt 2,700K Overhead total: 110 watts  // 

Side-Lighting Lamps, Front 2 x 42 watt 2,700K color CFL bulbs & 2 x 23 watt 2,700K color. Back 1 x 23 watt 2,700K CFL. Side-Lighting Total: 152 watts. Total:  263 watts

For Reflecting Light: 3 sheets of Emergency Mylar blankets (in the Camping Section of K-Hole Mart)

4 x 6 ft Extension cords for each bulb independently.

24-hour On/Off Timer (set "on" for 18 hours during vegging, and 12 hours "on" for flowering)

6-outlet power strip.

For Gravity Drip-Watering System


Clear soda bottle


Clear vinyl tubing of 3 different diameters

6 - metal clamps of various diameters (to stop leaks at connections)

1 barbed brass On/Off ball valve (to control drip rate, and to fit inside tubing).

Various lengths of string to hold up the hoses and bottle.

Pot and Substrate

1 - small clay pot

Bag of FoxFarms(R) Ocean Forest Soil.


Perlite (from cubenis growing)

3  large manual spray bottle (for spraying soil and wetting perlite for increased humidity)

Stealthing

Black trash bags (which I own)

lots of duck tape (to make one big sheet)

Maybe a simple carbon-filter system for the smell (far future)

Cooling & Fresh Air Exchange:


For Plant:
1 x 80mm PC fan set on a 12volt, 1 amp adapter. This small fan is also used for strengthen the stem. 1 x 12" oscillating fan that runs during the light cycle only.

For Lighting: 1 x 80mm PC fan set on a 1.5 amp adapter positioned right near the bulbs.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Old materials (not in use)

Here's the Materials  (Top-left: no longer using white "pet" water bottle)


>>>For Lighting System<<<


2 - 42 watt CFL bulbs (one is for back-up, or if I need more light)

10.5" clamp lamp reflector with Porcelain socket (for CFL)

8ft indoor Extension cord

1 - Stainless steal S-Hook (for hanging light off the closet rail)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

>>>WORKING Gravity Drip-Watering System<<<


List of objects
1 x 2 litter clear soda bottle (pictured right)

1 "sport" water bottle push/pull valve (white colored one)

2 ft of 3/4" ID x 1" OD vinyl tubing

5 ft of 1/2" O.D. (3/4" I.D.) Clear plastic tubing (to fit over the chrome stem of the "Pet watering bottle")

1 box of 3/4" OD x 9/16" ID x 3/32" (thick) rubber O-Rings

4 x 1.25" metal clamps (to stop leaks at tubing connections)

1 x  1/2" O.D. barbed brass ball On/Off valve (1/4 turn)

2 x Stainless steal S-hooks (for hanging bottle on closet rail)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Here's the Total US dollar amount for everything I bought so far...

From Homey D.

^ Everything pictured/listed above expect the pet watering bottle (see below)

Grand TOTAL thus far (rounded up): ~$65

That's much more than my "hopeful" $40 (not including seeds). The good thing is I already have some 24-hour timers, I own a desktop fan, I already own black trash bags for stealthing, I can use string to hang the light/water systems, and clays pots and soil is pretty cheap.

So, I would say, I basically have everything.

...What do you guys think? Is this a pretty good budget grow or does it need much improvement?

*** I finally got my "Flower" seeds *** :awesome:

Constructive Feedback always accepted!


Thanks to all the growers (especially you Inverted and Harry!) who've help me thus far: your advice is *priceless* (and certainty not worthless!)

First Grow, Here we Go!
~ TrueHerbCrystal ~ :leaf:

Edited by TrueHerbCrystal (02/18/11 11:11 PM)

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InvisibleFurrowedBrowM
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Re: All CFL Semi-Automated Closet Project (FirstGrow)(Pre-Seeds) [Re: TrueHerbCrystal]
    #350468 - 01/19/10 09:43 PM (14 years, 2 months ago)

This should be interesting.  Best of luck!


--------------------





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OfflineTrueHerbCrystal
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Re: All CFL Semi-Automated Closet Project (FirstGrow)(Pre-Seeds) [Re: FurrowedBrow]
    #350632 - 01/20/10 03:01 AM (14 years, 2 months ago)

I hope its interesting Mr. Brow, but in a "Wow, that was interesting!" and not "Wow, he really failed, big time!" interesting kind-of-way.

And thanks for the Good Luck! I'm gunna need it, for sure!

Well, I've been working on my drip-system, and I found some interesting problems with even more interesting (and better) solutions.

To get the water to flow correctly, I had to first modify the end of the pet water bottle to remove that little ball-bearing.

Here's what I used: Sand-paper (to make it easiler to cut) and a small hand saw...


-> Sanded chrome stem in hopes it would be easier to "grab" with the saw teeth. I was wrong....


-> Now I had to get the ball-bearing out. Time for the hand saw.

-> The sanding didn't help at all with the sawing of the stem, so I skipped it and tried Plan B: fold back the "lip" on the end of the tube with a pair of pilers. This didn't work either, but any measures. The steel is too thick, I give up.

So, I realized that I didn't have the right tools to cut that metal. Also, I found out that the Outside Diameter of the tube is much *smaller* than I expected. I tried the tube on there with clamps on full-tension: it leaked. I'm giving up on the Pet Bottle.

Then I remember the other container I was going to use: those 2.5 gallon drinking water "tubs" with the plastic water "valve" on the bottom. I used to buy these all the time, but sadly I recycle them, so I didn't have any, or so I thought...

After careful searching, I found an old one with the top cut out. I had turn this specific tub into a ghetto cooler, and believe me, it works great! Its got a handle, its cheap, durable, and there's a valve to drain out the melted ice.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Anyway, here it is, ready for modification...


(Note: I took like 15 photos showing how I made this, but since it takes so long to upload, I'm just gunna post 5. So if it looks like magic, its not, its just a jump in time)

-> Then I cut the tube so its only 5 inches, then I put A LOT of Telfon(r) tape over the barbs because it fit *very* loose inside the tube, even thou its supposed to fit tight in there like a shinny glove). Then, I tightened those metal straps, and then tested it by filling the tub with water. It held the gravity pressure very well!

-> Here's the final product. Here I tested it to see if I could precisly get a small drip by playing with the 1/4 valve.
I did (:grin:), but it was tricky. Here's my evidence that it works, but it takes some time to get it right....

Conclusion:

The Drinking Water jug is *way* better than the pet water bottle. I'm returning the silly Pet water bottle on Wednesday. Here's my reasons why:

Pros
1) The best thing, the stem is almost exactly 1/2 in diameter. But, I recomend puting some Teflon(r) tape to waterproof it *completely*.
1.5) Its a lot cheaper at about $3 a jug. (the pet thing was $14)
2) It holds A LOT more water than the pet thingy. A whopping 2.5 gallons
3) Its much easier to modify because the stem is plastic (and not chrome metal like the Pet thingy).
4) The handle is useful for hanging on a closet bar/rail
5) They are easy to find in a supermarket. The Pet thingy is only at pet stores

Cons
1) No easy way to refill it (I might have to cut a hole in the top)
2) Stem is plastic
3) Stem is NOT fixed (it moves back and forth) unlike the stem on the pet bottle which was fixed in place. This makes it hard to install the tubing, because it moves inward while I tried to put the tubing on. Involving a flathead Screwdriver on the inside of the tube to keep it still while you force the tube on the stem.
4) Stem is a little short (which makes it difficult to attach the tubing)
5) Because of the large size of the jug, if it leaks or spills, there will be a lot of water spillage on the carpet, which would be disaster.

So, mostly the stem is not as good as the other pet one, but at least its the right Outside diameter at 1/2" wide. The 1/2" diameter is a common size for tubing and valves, which makes it nice to find parts for. :thumbup:

Overall, I like th jug. A much better alternative.

On Wednesday, I'll set-up the closet (gotta clean too) with all the life-support systems along with a random tropical plant to make sure my set-up can support life.

Just the Beginning...
~ TrueHerbCrystaL ~

Edited by TrueHerbCrystal (04/04/10 06:22 AM)

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OfflineTrueHerbCrystal
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Re: All CFL Semi-Automated Closet Project (FirstGrow)(Pre-Seeds) [Re: TrueHerbCrystal]
    #351153 - 01/21/10 03:49 AM (14 years, 2 months ago)

***Construction Update***

Date: January 21, 2010. 1:56am

Status Report:
Light, fan, and stealth system installed and functional. Gravity drip system yet to be set-up.

Wide-view of Closet set-up (thus far):


I hung one of my light fixtures on Tuesday. Today, I bought another, smaller reflector because after reading this quote from thread "number of CFL's", quoted from a post from Sirius...
Quote:

Sirius said:

"I think you're going to want at least 100 watts for one plant (the CFL wattage, not the incandescent equivalent).
More the better, definitely"



....I knew my 1 - 42 watt CFL wouldn't be enough after reading this quote by the planet man. Also, I noticed that the color temp. on this 42 watt was 2,700K called "Cool White", which is good for budding but not vegi-growth. So, I went to Homey-D and looked for a 42 watt in "Daylight" color temp., which is typically 5,000K+.

The problem is that I could only find a 27 watt model in the "Daylight" color type, but they were *really* cheap at $1.50 a 2 pack, which as nothing short of awesome! :thumbup:

Here's the deatils on the actual package:

^ Color temp. info is in the top-left corner, wattage on the right (the large "100" is the equivalent, NOT the actual wattage).

I also bought another reflecting dish, but this one is smaller at 8.5" diameter. I got the smaller one because these "Daylight" bulbs are smaller than the larger 42 watt CFL's I bought. I installed both 27watt "Daylight" CFL bulbs in the the lamp clamps, then hung them up using construction string.

After about 0.5 an hour of running green string and power cords, I created my lighting system thus far:

^As a stand-in, I'm using a dead tropical plant I had living but died when I went on vacation. I'm hoping this plant I'm using for demostration doesn't become a metaphor to what happens to my *actual* M.J. plant that I attempt to grow.

I used metal hooks to interface with the weird rail bar in the closet for hanging my support strings:


Here's a cool top-view of the strings and lights:


Since the lights were in place and functional, I could now work on stealthing it.

I used 2 large black garbage bags, a tri-pod and some duct-tape to cover some of the light hitting the window in the room.

This is what is looks like from the back:


It works pretty well, even thou its really simple and doesn't cover much.

Here's the effect it has on the stray light coming from the closet:


^ As you can see from the photo, the light is *not* on the window, but around it. This small light-blocker works perfectly! I'm glad it was easy to set-up and didn't cost anything (since I already had the materials for it). I'm happy with it so far. :laugh:

-> My seed search.

I've found a website and company close to the Pacific Northwest that I have been searching for hours looking for the right seed (they have A LOT of seeds). I will not speak of the website name (in case that's againist the law), so the company shall remain nameless.

However, I will discuss some of the statistics they provide for the seeds I'm interested in getting.

Here's my critieria for my first plant:

- Short vegi-time. (1 month prefered. 2 months max)
- Shortest flowering time possible (about 6-7 weeks, because I'm moving out of here in about 5 months or the end of June)
- Has to be feminized (because its sexy...no because I don't wanna waste time messing with dude plants)
- near 100% Indica (because Indica's have the shortest flowering period. If I had more time, I would go 100% Sativa)
- Cheap. $10 a seed or less.
- Compact Size (because this is a small closet grow)
- Semi-good looking budz (no standard, looks-totally-generic-budz. Wouldn't be as fun or interesting.)
- Easy to grow Indoors (can't be touchy with nutrients and lighting. has to be for beginners (because I don't know what I'm doing))
- Can't stink too much (that means No AK-47, Skunk #1, or any other potent-smelling strains)

(^this list makes me sound kinda like a lazy, way-too-picky grower who doesn't have the patience for good budz...oh well.)
>>> My Top 3 Choices for my First Grow <<<

1) "Flower"

"Flowering time: 7 weeks/49 Days – 8 weeks
Indoor yield: Up to 100 gr indoor with 35-45 days of veg."

Cost: $7.25 per Feminized seed

2) "California" 

"Indoor yield: Up to 80 gr indoor with 35-45 days of veg

[iFlowering time: 6.5 weeks (45 days).

Cost: $7.25 per Feminized seed"

3) "Speed Devil Automatic"

Type: Automatic Flowering
THC: 15%, CBD: 1,2%, CBN: 0,5%
Yeld: indoor 300-450 gr/m2, outdoor 15-50 gr/plant
Flowering period: 5 week
Harvest time outdoor: 60 days

Price: $15.03 CAD per Feminized seed

^ I like this one a lot, but the seeds are a little pricey. But, because Its got a lot of good qualities, I may reconsider, especially with that *very short* 5 week budding period and the fact its an auto-flowerer. I wonder how they make it auto-flower, that almost seems like genetic-splicing or a madd-scientist made it. How do you breed for that trait?

Thats all for now. its 2:45am, and I need to go to sleep now.

Thrusday I will buy a small tropical plant (that I forgot to buy on Wednesday) and install the gravity drip system so I can see if my system can support plant life.

To be continued...
~ TrueHerbCrystaL ~



Edited by TrueHerbCrystal (01/21/10 03:52 AM)

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OfflineInbred_gimp
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Re: All CFL Semi-Automated Closet Project (FirstGrow)(Pre-Seeds) [Re: TrueHerbCrystal]
    #351784 - 01/22/10 07:19 AM (14 years, 2 months ago)

just a thought: why not just put a measuring jug under the drip system for a day to see how much it drips out? then see if thats enough for a marijuana plant each day, The other plant you were going to use might not have the same watering needs as a Cannabis plant. I will be following this grow looks very interesting, Keep up the regular updates and thorough posts i like growlogs which have alot of detail :smile:, plus at the end you will have a great journal to look back on :smile:
best of luck to you :jah:


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Re: All CFL Semi-Automated Closet Project (FirstGrow)(Pre-Seeds) [Re: TrueHerbCrystal]
    #351788 - 01/22/10 07:43 AM (14 years, 2 months ago)

it's funny that Furrowed called this project interesting, because that was the first thing that came to my mind too! you are a very interesting person Mr. Crystal, but you're also very thorough which is doubtlessly the most important thing for finding success in this hobby :thumbup:


I think you might want to consider a different arrangement for your lights. this arrangement is good for seedlings, but in a week or so you're going to want to at least triple the amount of bulbs you have on that plant. Something like this is very easy and cheap to make, but allows you to get a ton of light onto the plant. I've built several of these so if you need help finding any parts just let me know.


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Re: All CFL Semi-Automated Closet Project (FirstGrow)(Pre-Seeds) [Re: Harry_Ba11sach]
    #351791 - 01/22/10 08:26 AM (14 years, 2 months ago)

Hey harry do you think you could write up a list of the parts needed to make a simple cfl setup like that i am interested in making one of my own for growing some clones in the off season


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Re: All CFL Semi-Automated Closet Project (FirstGrow)(Pre-Seeds) [Re: Harry_Ba11sach]
    #351957 - 01/22/10 03:30 PM (14 years, 2 months ago)

Thank for the kind remarks Harry_Ba11z and you too Inbred_Gimp.

I was touched (but not in a gay way, in a MANLY way) when I read your quote: "a very interesting person Mr. Crystal, but you're also very thorough which is doubtlessly the most important thing for finding success in this hobby. :thumbup:" I tend to be pretty detailed with everything I do, and this new hobby is no different. Also, by being thorough with my project step-by-step, I hope to inspire or encourage someone who wants to do something similar. Not that my method is revolutionary or unique, but I hope it gives some ideas and insight for anyone doing a semi low-budget project from my success/failures.

Its funny you recommended that 2-way spliter, because just today I thought "Those reflector fixtures are expensive, and I need more bulbs for my plant since 50 real watts of CFL is not enough. What If I bought one of those spilters I saw in another grow journal at the Growery. That will really make use of those reflector dishes!"

And that's what I did. And there so cheap too, it would be silly not to do it. Also, since it puts the bulbs at 90 degree angles, it gives the plant more even lighting instead of just straight top-down lighting like I have right now. There was only one in stock, so I got it. I'll get another one later when I actually have seeds.

Here's the splitter and *right* CFL bulbs. The splitter is a cheap version of the one you pictured, but it should work OK.


^As pictured above, I also found some excellent 26watt 6500K color temp CFL at the store today. I've been reading that during the Vegetation stage, plants like about 6000K color range or above, so I'm going to use a combo of a 27Watt 5000K and now one 26watt 6500K on a 2-way spliter socket connected to one reflector lamp. I hope that makes sense, bascially 2 different bulbs hooked up to one lamp clamp.

To Inbred_Gimp,

Quote:

You said:
Why not just put a measuring jug under the drip system for a day to see how much it drips out? Then you can see if that's enough for a marijuana plant each day.




Actually, that was going to be the next part of my Gravity Drip project, but since I've (ironically) been having problems with leaks at the water-jug to vinyl hose connection interface, I can't test the drip rate until I find a better alternative. Once I find a leak-free connection, I will be fine-tuning the valve to get the best drip rate, and I will be using time and a measuring cup to see how much water comes out over a period of time. I will also measure the amount of time the container (which ever I use) it takes to drip thru the whole container, to see how long I can be gone from my future plant without having to manually water it. Thats important because I don't want to overestimate and return to a dying or worst dead plant.

But I have found a better alternative, which I will discuss and build (while taking photos) in my next journal entry.

Drip Project has been Re-thought
~ TrueHerbCrystaL ~

Edited by TrueHerbCrystal (07/27/12 09:04 PM)

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Re: All CFL Semi-Automated Closet Project (FirstGrow)(Pre-Seeds) [Re: TrueHerbCrystal]
    #352001 - 01/22/10 05:08 PM (14 years, 2 months ago)

You're attention to detail is phenomenal. I have no doubt you will love your new hobby and do a very good job:)

Rock on.
SGT.


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Re: All CFL Semi-Automated Closet Project (FirstGrow)(Pre-Seeds) [Re: Sgt. Smoke]
    #352726 - 01/24/10 04:47 PM (14 years, 2 months ago)

***Current Seed Status***
Date of Entry: January 24, 2010

Thanks to a new friend here at the Growery, I will getting some free seeds for my first grow. I'm gunna have to give this nice person something special in return for their very generous offer to a total stranger....

Because I don't the strain, flowering time, feminized/regular, Brand-name/bagseed, etc. of the seeds, I don't know if I will hit my 4-20 goal close enough to sacrifice almost-matured budz. Because of this unknown, I've descided to buy a couple Brand seeds in which I know a little about.

Date of Purchase: January 23

The Seeds I picked are from the "Top 3" list I made in the second post. I choose Flower, a very apporiate name for a cultivated plant...

Here's some details the breeder listed on the website I bought from about...

"Flower"


The prices were all in British Pounds, but the 2 seeds I bought were about 9 BP total. There was 3 choices for the shipping, which caused me to a make a hard choice:

The cheapest one was 5 BP ($8 US) but it had a note by the choice that said "(Not Guaranteed)". The second choice said "Guaranteed - Signiture Required" for 12 BP (~$19.40 US). This choice was a little to sketchy for me considering I had to sign it personally. That seemed like evidence the cops could use againist me in court. And then there was the thrid choice: "Guaranteed - No Signature", which to me sounds kinda like a oxymoron. This was my choice, but at a price tag of 15 BP (~$24.20), it was a hard price to pay. And if it got taken by Customs, I would loose all that money I spent on that shipping. But, they said "guaranteed" so hopefully they pack it well, or whatever that money is going into for the shipping.

Its from a UK website, which means its gunna likely take a long time to travel overseas and make it here. I hope it doesn't get confiscated by US Customs.

Here's the actual "Order Confirm"

Total price (with shipping): 24 BP (~$35 US)

Hopefully, the shipping doesn't take longer than 2 weeks considering that its coming all the way from the UK. Only time will tell...

In the meantime, I will be working on perfecting the drip system, looking for quality soil AND most importantly, research the best way to germinate seeds.

"I'm on my way..."
~ TrueHerbCrystaL ~

Edited by TrueHerbCrystal (01/24/10 04:57 PM)

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Re: All CFL Semi-Automated Closet Project (FirstGrow)(Pre-Seeds) [Re: TrueHerbCrystal]
    #353400 - 01/26/10 01:40 AM (14 years, 2 months ago)

:popcorn:

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Re: All CFL Semi-Automated Closet Project (FirstGrow)(Pre-Seeds) [Re: TrueHerbCrystal]
    #353438 - 01/26/10 04:04 AM (14 years, 2 months ago)

*** Construction Update: Gravity Drip System (Success!) ***

Date: January 26, 1:10am

Before I explain how I finally figured out my gravity system, I wanted to share a silly statement the company I ordered from put in their "Order Confirm" email that they sent me about the seeds.


^ Yeah, my bank won't think that company name is unusual. Makes it sound like I enjoy buying stuff for a children's toy store.

And here is the actual total for the shipping and the 2 lonely feminine seeds (values are in British Pounds.
The conversation rate as of today is 1.6116 x BP = US $)

^ The total, in US dollars was $35 (including the "promised-it-will-get-there, no-sign shipping")

OK, now to the Gravity Drip Project...

First, I wanted to recap on what I've already tried which hasn't worked because of dripping at connections (in order of attempt)

Methods/Materials I've tried Thus Far...

#1) Hamster/pet water bottle device with long chrome tube

^Problems: The metal ball-bearing inside the chrome tube was too difficult to get out. Tried cutting tube, but it was too thick and smooth for a hand saw. Attached hose for quick upside-down grav. test, it leaked like no ones business. This one would of being a good one because of the screw off fill-lid and long metal stem. The capacity was OK, at a couple litters.

#2) 2.5 gallon Water tub with plastic spout

^Problems: Leaked at plastic valve interface. This would of been the best one, considering the 2.5 gallon capacity, but a leak on a container this big would be a distaster in my rented apartment, and also dangerous with the lights being on around it.

#3) Alcohol "bartender" pour adapter with glass spirit bottle

^Problems: This time, it leaked at the cap/pour stem interface. Also, having to drill a hole into the spirit bottle cap was time-consuming and too much extra work. Pour adapter needed a lot of retrofitting to fit in inside the cap and tightly on the bottle. Since it works best in alcohol bottles, finding a cheap plastic alcohol bottle to use might be a problem.

And finally, last but certainly not least, the one that actually worked....

#4) Water Bottle with On/Off "push/pull" valve loaded with rubber O-Rings


This one finally worked, and all the credit goes to the rubber O-Ring gaskets. I tried just putting the hose on without, it leaked, but once I put on those rubber O-Rings, it cured the leaked immediately. Today was a good day for this "pre-seeds" grow project. Success! :smile2:

Here's the methods and materials I used....

Materials:

^From left to right: One 1-1/8" MAX diameter metal plumbing clamp ($1). One water bottle with "push/pull" Sport valve ($1.25). One box of 13/16" O.D. x 5/8" I.D. x 3/32" thick rubber O-ring gaskets ($2). 2 feet of 3/4" I.D. x 1" O.D. vinyl tubing (~$5, not shown). Tools: 1 flat-head screwdriver (not shown). 

The Procedure:

1) I took the water bottle and emptied out some of the water using the valve. Then I dried the rim of the valve off with a towel.

2)With the water bottle valve fully opened, I started to slide O-rings down the shaft...I mean valve.


3) I made sure it slid all the way to the bottom, where there's a gap between the moving valve and the valve sleeve. This will prevent the valve from closing prematurely during the tubing "slide-on".


4) Next, I slid on as many O-Rings as I could, so that the valve was completely covered with them. Like this...


5)  After that, with the 1-1/8" clamp already on the tubing, I slide on the 3/4" ID vinyl tubing, making sure it didn't push down the tip as I thrusted the tube down the shaft...I mean valve.

6) I then made sure the valve was still open after the push-on. Then, I slid down the clamp into position, and tighten it down to "snugness" using the flat head screwdriver.

7) Lastly, I got the already made valve/tubing assembly (made from previous attempts) and I thrust-ed the smaller 3/4" OD into the larger 3/4" ID tubing, and again, tighten down with a clamp.

8) The brass valve was turned off, and I gave it the "squeeze" test, to see if it could hold water under slight pressure. It did, very well actually.
This revelation makes me believe with a lot of confidence that (given the right size) the O-rings could work on likely all 3 of the above "failed" projects. Its really the turning point in making a completely tight leak-free seal. This is what it looked like when I tested it.


9) Well, it passed the leak test, now I'm gunna try it out on my stand-in plant, a young coffee plant, to see how it drips. Once the seeds come in, I will be using it on it (at a safe time for the little guy).



10) Very Lastly, I'm going to hang it up from the closet rails. I'm thinking of some string tied around the neck of the bottle. Also, I will be attaching a larger bottle to the valve, because this one is too small in capacity. I'll be back on Tuesday to show the final set-up in the closet area.

*** Lighting Set-Up Changes ***

During my search for the best bulbs, I could not find the right ones I was looking for. The "perfect" CFL bulbs I was looking for were ones with a color temperature range between 5000K-6500K in spectrum in a wattage near 50 watts each. But, all I could find were those 5000K-6500K bulbs in 27 watts.

Because of this, I am likely going to have to get another reflector dish. But, for the time being, I bought a bulb socket splitter, so that I could make better use of my hanging lamp. The one I found was a GE and I later found that not all splitters are made the same, that this GE one had an angle narrower than 90 degrees, while other socket splitter brands were 90 degree connections. I bought the last of the GE type, but I will buy more once they are in stock again.

I had 2 types of CFL bulbs in the end of my search, two 5,000K 26 watt CFl and two 6,500K watt CFL. I also bought some 2,700K "warm white" 42 watters, but those are the wrong color temp. type (should be 5000K-7000K) for the vegetation stage.

Before I installed the bulbs in their 2-way arrangement, I had to mark them so I didn't get them mixed up with eachother.

1) I took a felt pen and wrote the color temperature and wattage on each bulb I'm using.



2) I screwed them into the special, unique 2-way GE splitter.


3) Lastly, I installed them inside the dishes and turned on the power. Works great! And the upside-down "Y" angle of the bulbs will prevent burning on the leaves (I hope it does). Note: The plant in the photo below is just a young, coffee plant I bought for fun, to test out my lights on. A little practice before the real thing with the seeds....)


I was considering using this type of set-up, so I could maximize the use of my "expensive" lamp, but because the bulbs actually stick out beyond the reflecting dish and do not use the reflecting dish efficiently, I scraped the idea. I'm sticking with 2 separate reflector dishes side-by-side with two 26 watt bulbs inside each one.


On Wednesday*** night, I will be working on setting-up the drip system inside the closet.

***Note: Didn't do it today: life (and late sleep) got in the way. Hopefully Wednesday.

Damn, proof-of-concept feels good!
~ TrueHerbCrystal ~

Edited by TrueHerbCrystal (01/26/10 07:36 PM)

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Re: All CFL Semi-Automated Closet Project (FirstGrow)(Pre-Seeds) [Re: TrueHerbCrystal]
    #354344 - 01/27/10 09:45 PM (14 years, 2 months ago)

It Looks Great My friend!
Keep up the good work!

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Re: All CFL Semi-Automated Closet Project (FirstGrow)(Pre-Seeds) [Re: TrueHerbCrystal]
    #354392 - 01/27/10 10:50 PM (14 years, 2 months ago)

are you a lady? I always assumed you were a man but the pieces just fell into place


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Re: All CFL Semi-Automated Closet Project (FirstGrow)(Pre-Seeds) [Re: sterben]
    #354397 - 01/27/10 11:32 PM (14 years, 2 months ago)

Thanks Sterben. :thumbup:

I hope it turns out good. Thanks for all your help with my questions so far.

And no Silly BallSack, I'm not a girl. If my video avatar of the hot babe and the last name "Crystal" confused you, then know that the video I choose is of a very hot asian reporter sniffing some dank budz, which to me is the hottest thing I've seen on TV before. And the name "crystal" is reffering to those white "crystals" on kind ultra-dank budz like "White Widow" or "Ice". My entire screen-name is a self-referential to budz and weed, and its a close link to my actual intinals TCC.

Well, back to my project....

...Must Not Fail
~ TrueHerbCrystaL ~

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Re: All CFL Semi-Automated Closet Project (FirstGrow)(Pre-Seeds) [Re: TrueHerbCrystal]
    #355838 - 01/30/10 11:59 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

***** Construction Updatez: Improving Lighting Efficiency *****

Written Date:
Construction Date:

Afte looking at the photos in Harry's CFL log, I noticed that all the walls were silvery, for the purpose of reflecting stray light from the bulbs back toward the plant. This simple principle now seems obvious to me, and there's no doubt in my mind that knowledgable, real indoor growers put these same materials in their indoor set-ups, regardless of the type of lighting they use: its improves any lighting set-up.

So, to improve the light efficiency of my closet, I desicided to add some reflective material. I thought about what to use, then I remembered something I bought for camping a long time ago.....After some searching, I found a emergency "survival" Mylar(R) blanket left over from a camping gear package I bought several years ago. This is was great news because I didn't have to spend any money on it. Now to build a structure to support it.

Here's some of the materials I used for the set-up

^In photo: Sharp scissors, double-stick foam tape, tape ruler, and of course, the Survival Mylar(r) Blanket.

First, I measured the inside of the closet around the 2 walls (next to door, and back wall) to see how much I needed. The closet is about 65 inches tall or 5.4 ft (to the metal rail) and the 2 walls together was about 68 inches long (5.6ft).

Then, I laided out the Mylar Blanket on the floor to see how much material I had to work with.


Then, I took some measurements. Its about 80 inches long and 60 inches wide. It was a little short height wise (the width), but had good lenght.

I measured out a piece 68 inches long (out of the available 80 inches) and cut it with the sharp scissors.

At this point, I realized that the wall was not a 90 degree angle. Its was more like a 120 degree angle, going outward toward the room's door. I knew just putting the sheeting on that angled wall won't do much good, so I desicided I needed to build a simple structure to act as a "wall" to angle the light back into the closet using the Mylar sheeting.

To try to save on costs, I searched around the room and found some left over cardboard and foam from a microwave I bought. The hard foam would make a great wall structure, while the cardboard would make a great flat "wall" to attach the Mylar sheeting to. I also used this poster project board I used (and kept) from a school project. That's why you will see random photos on a white board: thats my no-longer-in-use board.

First, I had to stick together the 2 seperate foam pieces on top of one another. I used double-stick tape and duct tape to attach them together.


After much taping of the boards (to keep them from folding on themselves), I attached the boards to foam "back-bone" structure.


Now the good part: installing it in the closet

^First thing I noticed is that the foam "legs" on the foam structure were gettin' in the way of the wall. Also, note unusual angle on the wall.

So, in order to make it fit right, I had to cut off its legs....:evil:

^It had 3 legs, and I severed all of them on one side.

Time to try to fit it again...

^Fits great! Then I realised it might be best to make like a "V" angle, so that the light reflects and collect, similar to a satillete dish (although mine is not nearly that advance). Only bad thing is it goes a little outside the closet, and gets in the way of the opening door, but the stealthing tri-pod was doing that anyway, so I'm cool with it.

So, I taped the side of the cardboard to the closet wall to hold it in place. I also taped around the stubby foam legs I cut, for added strenght.

As a safety device, I taped a string to the wall and the front of the cardboard "wall", so if the tape failed on one side and the structure started to tip, the cardboard won't just fall on the lights and plants. I hope it works! Maybe I need more safety lines....


Almost done....Now I cut and placed small pieces of double stick foam tape on the cardboard wall and the closet wall. I just put on the top of the walls, so I could save tap and make it flowing and free at the bottom, like a hot Fembot's metal skirt. :crazy2:...It turns out I used so much tape that I ran out at the very end of where I needed to put tape. Just enough! Whew! :cool:


The Best and Final Part: Hanging the Mylar Reflective Sheeting

I pealed off all the tape-backers and hung the reflective sheeting, one tape point at a time. Final hung the whole sheet.

^At this point I realized that I should NOT of cut that little section off: I should of just left it as is. I could of went around the wall and onto the metal cabinet I have inside there to make it more 360 reflective. I guess I'll have to buy another "survival blanket" and complete the job.

So I wanted to see how well it worked with just the CFL's turned on. I switched on the CFL lights in the dark room and got this. :laugh:

^ When I first turn on those lights, I was mesmerized by how it changed the look of the closet.
With this new Mylar material, it looks I'm growing inside a stand-up shower stall of an Alien Space Ship! :psychsplit: 
Beam me up Scotty!  :rocket:


Well, it was complete...sort of. I still wanna do the other half, which is the right side of the wall with the cabinet and the inside "wall" that is the closet door. I might even put reflective material on the sleathing trash bags, to reflect the light back instead of just abosorbing it. I'll have to see how it looks, if it reflects the light or just scatters it everywhere in my room.

I bought some more supplies today, mostly for lighting: My next project is going to be drilling holes into the 2 large 12" lamps I own and putting string inside them so that I can make a " ^ " shape with the lamps facing 45 degrees to one another.

Also, I will be taking my smaller but cheaper 8" wide clamp lamps and attaching wire onto the reflective "dish" and wraping reflective Mylar sheeting around the wire frame. I'm doing this because when I put an adpater to fit 2 bulbs in the socket, the bulbs sticked WAY far out, and wasted a lot of light.
This will make it more efficient by directing the light to its rightous destination. :cool: 

Well, Back to Modifing
~ LogicaL Chaos ~

Edited by TrueHerbCrystal (01/31/10 12:03 AM)

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Re: All CFL Semi-Automated Closet Project (FirstGrow)(Pre-Seeds) [Re: TrueHerbCrystal]
    #355956 - 01/31/10 09:21 AM (14 years, 1 month ago)

Quote:

TrueHerbCrystal said:

the video I choose is of a very hot asian reporter sniffing some dank budz, which to me is the hottest thing I've seen on TV before.

...Must Not Fail
~ TrueHerbCrystaL ~





Heh Nationonal Geographic's 'Marijuana Nation', great video. Specially love the tour Mark takes her on with the rooms full of 15ft tall trees in DWC buckets. If you guys haven't watched it give it a drool look

Now about the grow log, quite awesome. I don't have any comments really other then a hearty thanks for taking the time to share.

I will definatly be following this grow. Your actually making my journal look bad I have very few details in mine. But I guess I am only half way motivated being that it's not my plants I am documenting.

Keep it up :popcorn:


--------------------
"The proverb warns that, "You should not bite the hand that feeds you." But maybe you should, if it prevents you from feeding yourself."
- Thomas Szasz

"if you arent good with electricity dont go touching it...ive electrocuted myself twice...its no fun"
- mhbound

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Re: All CFL Semi-Automated Closet Project (FirstGrow)(Pre-Seeds) [Re: pha3r0]
    #358305 - 02/06/10 02:06 AM (14 years, 1 month ago)

*** Seed Status Update: Recieved and Planted ***

On Thurday, Febuary 4, 2010, I checked my mail box and my most important package for this project was inside. It took about 8 days total to ship from Europe: not bad.

Here's the critical info on the 2 seeds....

Strain: "Flower"
Breeder: CH8

Growing Stats
(from company website):


Total Price (for both seeds & "best option" shipping) (in British Pounds):


Because I had to do a homkework assignment on Thurday night, I didn't have time to plant the seeds. So I did it on Friday.

>>> Date & Time of planting 1 "Flower" seed (inside clay pot with Fox Forest soil):
Friday, Febuary 5, 2010 at exactly the most sacred time of the day, 4:20pm (Pacific Coast Time)

On Friday, I waited all the way to the magic time "4:20pm" (which by the way, was *really* hard!) as a symbolic act of good luck for my dream goal: smoking my dried, completed harvest on April 20, 2010 (420 day! :gethigh:). I hope it has some significance, even if just metaphorical.

Here's what I did for planting one of those "Flower" Seeds

First, I took one of the seeds at random from my 2. The second one is going to be my back-up in case this one dies or doesn't sprout.
--->

Next, I opened the bag of my Fox Farm Ocean Forest soil and grabbed my dry 3" clay pot.


I was going to use these fiber pots....


...but other "Trusted Cultivators" said not to use them, and I already had some clay pots, so it was an easy second choice. Plus, clay is a good material to get rid off excess water because the water is soaked into the clay and then evaporated, which is good in case I accidentally over-water.

Anyway, I dropped in the seed just right on top of the soil at exactly 4:20pm. It was more of a symbolic gesture, with the time in mind, than a actual planting of the seeds.


The actual preparing of the soil, such as picking out the little bark pieces, lightly misting the soil with a spray bottle, and "fluffing it up" for aeration and the mixing it up to make it "uniform" moist didn't finish until about 4:33pm. Then I made a ~1/2" hole to put the seed in.


^I know, kinda backwords, but I was rushing to get the seed in the soil at exactly 4:20pm, I hope this "rushing the planting" isn't my downfall later. But I think I put enough care to the soil's damp-but-not-wet condition to do the seed good.

After I watered it, I wrapped the top of the clay pot with clear plastic Syran(R) wrap, as recomended by another person here and from some of the readings I've seen about growing in soil. The purpose of the plastic syran wrap is to act as a "mini" greenhouse, keeping the moisture high in the plastic "tent" while letting light in.

Here's what it looked like *just* after I covered up the seed with soil and *lightly* sprayed it with bottled water and then proceded to cover it with the Syran(R) wrap (duct tape around the clay pot for sealing it)....


Now, I put the seeded pot underneath my 3-bulb (2 of 5,000K 27watts CFL bulbs + 1 of 6,500K 26watts CFL bulbs, 80 watts total) hanging lamp. Note that the time is 4:33pm now.


Another photo, this time with my wristwatch displaying the date (2 = Febuary & 5 = Friday)


I also noticed that the temperature was getting too high at 87F, so I descided that my desktop fan would run the entire time the CFL lights do. With some adjusting with the distance between my pot and the fan, I found that a distance of ~3 feet on its Lowest speed setting.

^After about 1 hour or so, the temperature drops to about 75-78F, which is an acceptable range for me.

I left on the light and programed my timer to go off at 7:00PM. I did 1 hour over regular 12-on/12-off because I planted them so late in the day. I changed the time to "6pm" after it passed the 7-hour mark.

After the light and fan went off on the same timer, I watched the temp carefully since I know its going to drop without the lights as a heat source. It dropped to about ~72F. At 11:00pm, the temp reached this 72F mark....


I thought this was an OK temp, but then I read this quote from a very useful Growery document that sadly I can't rememeber or find it now, but the idea was this:

"Many beginniger growers don't suceed with germination because their seeds are not heated in the night, and they get to 60F, which is too cold for germination."

Reading that, I knew I should put a heating blanket under the pot to warm it up. The Bottom "over-flow" clay dish acts like a buffer, and hopefully its not blocking *too* much of the heat from the blanket thast it doesn't reach the seed. I guess I'm just going to have to see in the future.

Here's what the electric heating blanket looks like with the pot on top....


Well, everything, the lights, fan, and the heating blanket, are all on timers, so for now, its semi-automated like I hoped. :laugh:

I will be checking the "mini greenhouse" in the morning to see how its doing.

Before planting this seed, I made some major improvements to my project set-up. This Saturday or Sunday, I will be going into specific detail into what I did to improve my closet project, which I should of done at least days ago before the seeds would come. Oh well, it got done in time for me to plant one of my seeds only 1 day after I got them in the mail. And I'm pretty happy with my pre-planning I did to make this project work....:awesome::thumbup:

"This Time, Its For Real" :shocked:
~ TrueHerbCrystaL ~

Edited by TrueHerbCrystal (02/11/10 04:40 AM)

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Re: All CFL Semi-Automated Closet Project (FirstGrow)(Pre-Seeds) [Re: TrueHerbCrystal]
    #358399 - 02/06/10 11:40 AM (14 years, 1 month ago)

Why did you pick out the bark from the soil? They put it in there for a reason.

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Re: All CFL Semi-Automated Closet Project (FirstGrow)(Pre-Seeds) [Re: Triptonic]
    #358482 - 02/06/10 01:58 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

The reason why I took some of the bark out is that I read in another post that growers pick out the bark from cheap soils to improve the "quality" of it.

I didn't take out very much bark pieces, maybe a quarter-coin sized worth, and it was just from the top-soil. Other than that, all the soil inside the pot is untouched.

Also, how wet should the soil be to germinate the seeds? right now its "moist" but not soaked, is that how it should be? Could I gauge the "proper" wettness of the soil by the amount of water droppelts collecting on the top of the plastic "greenhouse" wrap?

But I won't be doing it again....thanks for pointing that out Trip.

Don't Remove Soil Bark: Check!
~ TrueHerbCrystaL ~

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Re: All CFL Semi-Automated Closet Project (FirstGrow)(Pre-Seeds) [Re: TrueHerbCrystal]
    #358484 - 02/06/10 02:05 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

The bark is only there to help with aeration of the soil. If you added perlite you could safely pick out all of the bark with no ill side-effects.

also, just get the soil around the seed completely wet. in 2-3 days they'll all be germinated anyway so you won't really have to worry about it being too wet. some people germinate in a cup full of water so there's really no upper limit to the amount of water seeds can handle


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Re: All CFL Semi-Automated Closet Project (FirstGrow)(Pre-Seeds) [Re: TrueHerbCrystal]
    #358487 - 02/06/10 02:18 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

ya fiber pots or peat pots are meant to be used to transplant easy. clay are also not good they harbor root terrorists esp after first use, aswell as dry your soil out really fast(good for cacti). you should not worry about over watering, plastic pots have drainage holes. if you mix your soil properly with sand or perlite, you will have plenty of drainage.also clay pots typically have less drainage holes ie 1, so it is harder to flush and the water passes through the clay which will build up salts!!. anyway maybe keep it in mind for next time. dont stress too much.

another point that i just thought of is clay acts like a refrigerator on your roots as the water evaps out of the pot it removes the heat. depending on your situation that usually is not a good thing.

Edited by the man (02/06/10 02:22 PM)

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Re: All CFL Semi-Automated Closet Project (FirstGrow)(Pre-Seeds) [Re: Harry_Ba11sach]
    #358488 - 02/06/10 02:20 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

Good point, my friend.

I think next time, I'll be adding some perlite for aeration, because the Fox Farm doesn't have much bark or perlite in it anyway.

Also good point about the seed soaking. I was thinking about that when I sprayed the soil with water, but then I thought "Oh, I don't wanna drown the seed in too much water", but then I realize that growers use cups filled with water to sprout so I thought, "Nah, I can't drown it when other growers use the cup/paper towel technique." I guess I'll be spraying a little more water *just* around the seed. I made the mistake of misting all the top-soil, but mostly around the seed, to simulate light rainfall. Thanks to you Harry, I know just around the seed is good enough.

Thanks HB
~ TrueHerbCrystaL ~

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Re: All CFL Semi-Automated Closet Project (FirstGrow)(Pre-Seeds) [Re: TrueHerbCrystal]
    #358496 - 02/06/10 02:47 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

Foxfarm is good stuff though, you dont really need to add or remove anything from it.

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Re: All CFL Semi-Automated Closet Project (FirstGrow)(Pre-Seeds) [Re: Triptonic]
    #358504 - 02/06/10 03:08 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

actually trip that's not really true. almost everyone who uses foxfarm adds perlite to it. you don't really NEED to, but it's definitely beneficial.


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Re: All CFL Semi-Automated Closet Project (FirstGrow)(Pre-Seeds) [Re: Harry_Ba11sach]
    #358507 - 02/06/10 03:09 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

Quote:

Harry_Ba11sach said:
actually trip that's not really true. almost everyone who uses foxfarm adds perlite to it. you don't really NEED to, but it's definitely beneficial.



Actually you correct me then say that its not needed. So I was right. I dont know why you feel need to correct me all the time.

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Re: All CFL Semi-Automated Closet Project (FirstGrow)(Pre-Seeds) [Re: Triptonic]
    #358521 - 02/06/10 03:16 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

.


--------------------

Edited by Harry_Ba11sach (02/06/10 06:11 PM)

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Re: All CFL Semi-Automated Closet Project (FirstGrow)(Pre-Seeds) *DELETED* [Re: Harry_Ba11sach]
    #358549 - 02/06/10 03:45 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

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Re: All CFL Semi-Automated Closet Project (FirstGrow)(Pre-Seeds) *DELETED* [Re: Triptonic]
    #358554 - 02/06/10 04:01 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

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Reason for deletion: cleaning up this thread



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Re: All CFL Semi-Automated Closet Project (FirstGrow)(Pre-Seeds) [Re: Triptonic]
    #358557 - 02/06/10 04:07 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

Easy Fella's...lets take it outside.... :matrixfight:

Here's the Current Conditions *near* pot:

Time: 3:06pm Friday Feb. 6, 2010
Lighting: 3 bulbs are on, total 80 watts CFL
Fan: On, about 3.5 ft. away now (its was getting too cold at 3 ft)
Temp: 78.6F

- Just sparyed some water over the seed because the soil was getting a little dry. A rubber-band was added and the old plastic wrap was removed with a larger replacement.

DONE.

~ TrueHerbCrystaL ~

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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: TrueHerbCrystal]
    #360332 - 02/08/10 08:50 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

*** Seed Status ****
Date: Feb. 8, 2010
Day 3

I got a sprout! Yes, the old "plant in soil" tricked worked great! Here's what I found when I woke up today. It was like Christmas morning...
:smile2:

And then here's later in the day, around 4:45PM....
-> Now I can dance! :awedance:

^Kinda looks like the Piriana plant from Super Mario! Might have to photoshop mario in that photo someday.....

And I added an extra bulb to my hanging lamp, because of an bulb experiment I did for the "Do Lumens add up" thread.
-> It was attached to the inside of the dish using double-stick tape. Now its in the best orientation. Facing horizontal so that the longer lenght of the bulb faces the plant.
    After my experiment, I've desicided to scrap my previous light idea and go for a custom-built arrangment so I can arrange bulbs on a horizontal plane, which gives the best light output for a CFL bulb.

I will be building it using 1x2 wood strips and a bunch of extension cords hooked up to a power strip. The orientation of the bulbs will look like this (top-view, looking down on it): = = , in which each line in the equal sign is a bulb hanging in a horizontal position. with step-by-step photos in the future. It should be an interesting and more efficient design. Now what to do with all these clamp lights that I should NOT have bought. Should of just Did It Myself in the beginning....oh well, I know better now.

So far, so good....
~ TrueHerbCrystal ~ :leaf:

Edited by TrueHerbCrystal (02/11/10 05:17 AM)

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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: TrueHerbCrystal]
    #360624 - 02/09/10 07:34 AM (14 years, 1 month ago)

Something like this?



--------------------
"The proverb warns that, "You should not bite the hand that feeds you." But maybe you should, if it prevents you from feeding yourself."
- Thomas Szasz

"if you arent good with electricity dont go touching it...ive electrocuted myself twice...its no fun"
- mhbound

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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: pha3r0]
    #360699 - 02/09/10 12:06 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

Yup, thats pretty much what I was thinking of Pha3r0.

Except the bulbs would be a lot closer to each other, like a half inch apart, to concentrate the light. And instead of a piece of plywood on top, there would be just some reflective material covering the top, likely in a "greenhouse" airplane-hanger top curve to it, to make it more efficient in reflecting.

Is that your set-up? That's pretty cool, did you build that wooden box yourself? And is that in a full-sized fridge? Or maybe just a mini-fridge? How did those plants turn out?

Its interesting that in that photo, you are using different sized bulbs, small on the left, large on the right. Is there a stragedy going on there?

Good Design idea regarless,
~ TrueHerbCrystal ~

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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: TrueHerbCrystal]
    #361503 - 02/10/10 07:23 AM (14 years, 1 month ago)

Yeah that is the setup I made it's not 'mine' but come harvest day I will be getting a cut for my efforts.

I put it all on a wood box so I could hang and adjust them easy It took a bit longer to wire up but it works very well. The different sized light are just because we can't find the ones we really want yet. The large ones are 65w 2700k we want 4 of them. The small ones are 14w 6500k and they are just filling in till all four 65w'ers are in hand. Which might not be till next cycle the one plant has 130w of CFL over it and 29 more watts of blue hanging off to the edge prolly enough given the square footage of the box (more would be better but the big ones are 16 bucks each)

Yeah it is in an old upright freezer (Guide here) and I did everything from scratch in an afternoon and some change. This is the first cycle but it is going well.(grow log here)


--------------------
"The proverb warns that, "You should not bite the hand that feeds you." But maybe you should, if it prevents you from feeding yourself."
- Thomas Szasz

"if you arent good with electricity dont go touching it...ive electrocuted myself twice...its no fun"
- mhbound

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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: TrueHerbCrystal]
    #362150 - 02/11/10 05:12 AM (14 years, 1 month ago)

***Seedling Status: Healthy ***

Date When Seed was Planted:  Febuary 5, 2010
Today's Date: Thurday, Febuary 11, 2010 (early Morning)
Day 5

Well, its been awhile since my last journal post, and my little girl is growing up so fast! I'm so proud of her! (*Tearful smile*)

Here she is a day ago, Tuesday, Febuary 9, 2010.


And here she is just last night on Wednesday. Feb. 10, 2010.


^Comments: The little mayy leaves look a lot more healthy and "perky" than just a day ago. Might have been the horizontal bulb I put on the lamp on Tuesday. Or maybe my increased time on the light cycle. Can't really be sure at the moment.
- I love how there are there are those broad, "generic" cotyledon leaves, then right next to it, it has 2 classic ganja leaves growing out the sides. Its like every plant has those same generic baby cotyledon leaves, regardless of the species. Pretty interesting. What's also interesting is that when I zoomed into this photo, I swear I could see tiny white crystals. So soon? I don't believe it. Well, since it has TinyHerbCrystals, I'm going to pluck off the weed leaves and smoke 'em......just joking! But I thought about, nah....I'm not THAT impacient. Its just weird that I can see them already, unless its something else entirely....Anybody know?

My current light schedule is about 12 hours ON, 12 hours OFF, but after reading around here, I've discovered that 12-on/12-off is used for flowering, not vegging. So, I have been currently increasing the time by half-an-hour to an hour each day to reduce stress on the young girl, to the goal of 16 hours per day for the rest of its
vegging schedule.

And this is my typical manual watering schedule.

9-10am - Soil is dry from last watering at around 11pm. I Water till its wet on top layer

4pm-5pm soil is dry again. Water til its wet.

7pm - watered again. still damp.

7:30pm - lights go off. Watering is not as rapid (since light and desktop fan is not drying out the top-soil).

8pm - watered again. still damp.

11-11:30pm - final water. I soak it this time

And since every time I check the soil, its totally dry, I am going to switch over to my simple
gravity drip system very soon so that I don't accidently kill my baby from lack of water. It seems that the soil is drying out faster everyday.

On Thursday, I'll be working on improving my lighting system by making a custom-built wooden frame to fit 6 seperate 26-27watt CFL bulbs. That sould be enough light.

I love my daughter...
~ TrueHerbCrystaL ~

Edited by TrueHerbCrystal (02/21/10 06:13 PM)

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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: TrueHerbCrystal]
    #365077 - 02/16/10 05:53 AM (14 years, 1 month ago)

*** Seedling Update: First Set of New Leaves ***

Seed was planted on: Febuary 5
Date: Feburary 16, 2010
Day 11


^The center stem is starting to show signs of tiny new sets of leaves growing. I'm very pleased with the growth thus far. Also, if you noticed in the bottom-right corner, there is a clear hose and a round wooden stick. That is the drip line for my newly installed gravity drip system (see below in "System Installed"). If you also notice, the soil is SOAKED! Its from the drip system, which the drip rate is very touchy to get on the 1/4 ball valve. I need to find a better alternative or solution before it drowns my plants. 

I've been slowly adding minutes to the outlet timer, 15 minutes per day to be exact, to get to the vegging time to 18 hours a day. I'm currently at about 17 hours 45 minutes of light per day.

->>
Construction Upgrade: Lighting <<-

In the past few days, I've made some major upgrades to the lighting system based on the poor results of my solar panel experiment I did for the "Do Lumens add up?" thread. I've actually just scraped the whole over-head clamp lamp and just went all in and built a custom wooden-frame housing to mount corded light sockets on.

Here's the cost of all the supplies I used...

$65 Dollars, not including the $4 I spent on mylar at K-Hole Mart, so the total is $69 (kinda sexy no?). Much more $$$ than the $15 for the clamp lamp, but I think its going to out-perform that lamp with much more efficiently in light output. I'm glad this is my last big purchase, since after all, light is one of the most important factor to a healthy plant: not enough light, the plant will suffer.

Here's the actual Materials I bought with that $65.


And here's the Tools I used to build this lighting frame (all of which I already owned, thank goodness)

*Not Pictured or factored into total: Bulbs. They were in use, so I didn't put them in frame. 27 watters cost about $1.50 for a set of 2 in my area.

In order to do it right, I drew up some plans and took some measurements and wrote it all down....


For the wood cuts, I needed 6 pieces altogether: 2 long ones for the width of the frame, 2 shorter ones for the depth of the frame, and 2 short strips to fit in-between the frame for supporting the light bulbs.

Next, I did some pretty labor intensive cutting with my hand saw....


After all the pieces were cut, I drilled holes (to prevent wood spliting) in all the places screws were going. After that, I used 1-1/4" dry wall screws to attach the frame together. I also screwed in 4 eye-hole screws on each corner to attach string to later, so I can hang it in the closet.

Getting the internal wooden pieces to fit was a pain. I had to do some serious hand sanding using 60-grit paper, which took longer than I wanted. Next time, I'm going to cut those internal pieces *after* I screw the frame together, so I can measure the *exact* lenght I need. A lesson learned....

Next, I taped the bulbs with adapters and $1 cords (so cheap!) to the wooden planks. Now that's the kind of clustering I like!


After that, I took my thin bare copper wire and added to the frame to make the custom reflector. After taping the wire onto the frame with Gorilla duct tape, I added the last of my double-stick tape to the copper wire, so I could stick the Mylar sheeting to it.


Cut out some mylar sheeting and layered it so its 2-sheets thick (since 1-ply loses a lot of light). I taped the sheets together, then attached it to the frame *on the inside* to make it most reflective.


Here's an Mylar upskirt shot of the final completed version of my new lighting system. Your so naughty Mrs. Woody...


Then, I added some lenghts of string on each eye hook, and tied it all up to those adjustable hooks (hanging vertical, above the frame) and finally hung it from the closet rail. It came out nicely balanced on the first try. I am happy with my construction skills....Hurray! :laugh:


Wide shot of the entire closet. I'm quite pleased on how it looks


And here's a shot level with the new frame and the tiny plant beneath it.


There are still some things I need to upgrade....

1) Light can be seen coming from the top mylar sheeting. That needs to be improved.
2) Bulbs are too far inside the frame. It would be better if they hung *underneatht* the wooden planks, instead on top. It will give my plant more light at well. I just got to find a suitable straping material to hold it up so it doesn't fall on my plant.......Hmmmm, what to use....:strokebeard:
3) The Reflective frame needs to be removable, so that bulbs can be changed easily. Right now, its kinda "permanent" with duct tape. I was thinking of drilling holes in the wood, and placing the ends of the wire inside the holes, which gravity will hold in place.

~>>
System Installed and Active: Gravity Drip System <<~

As discussed in the notes on the first photo, I finally set-up and intergrated my gravity drip system, and it works great! I will be discussing in detail what I did to make it work in a future journal entry since this one is already getting ridiculously long.

And the drip action might be working a little too great....

The valve to control the dripping is way to impercise to get the *right* drip rate of say, 1 small drip per 15 seconds. Its either Drip-drip-drip or no drip, or a drip so slow, you can't see in real-time, you have to come back and look at it, to see if the tubing has filled up.

I have one solution in mind to fix the drip rate imprecision: use a multi-turn gate valve. With a gate valve, you can slowly up the valve (a "gate") for the water to come out, which is finer control than a 1/4-turn ball valve where a few milimeters is the difference between crazy drip rate and no drip.
I just don't know if there are gate valves with brass barbed ends....I'll have to take a look.

So, this is what the resiviour looks like. Its a 2 litter clear plastic soda bottle I bought for $0.50 (what a deal!)


And here's the end of the drip line, a small diameter hose right near my little girl. Drink up baby...its all you have.

^To hold the hose in place, I used some copper wire, tape, and a piece of a 3/8" wide wooden dowel to push down on the tubing. Works great! Actually, the whole system works better than I expected it would (no leaks! :awesome:), I just got to find a more precise valve (gate valve?) to get that drip rate dialed-in.

Well, that's about it. In the future, I'll discuss how I made that drip system work....and of course, the growth status of my plant.

I Love a Good Upgrade :sunny:
~ TrueHerbCrystal ~

Edited by TrueHerbCrystal (02/16/10 04:37 PM)

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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: TrueHerbCrystal]
    #365142 - 02/16/10 10:33 AM (14 years, 1 month ago)

Dude I'm loving that little DIY reflector and assembly... Fucking lol I love it.

I'm pretty much speechless.  It looks great.  But scrap the drip system, just pay attention and hand water when needed or that thing will be overwatered in no time.


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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: Inverted]
    #365167 - 02/16/10 12:12 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

Quote:

Inverted said:
Dude I'm loving that little DIY reflector and assembly... Fucking lol I love it.

I'm pretty much speechless.  It looks great.  But scrap the drip system, just pay attention and hand water when needed or that thing will be overwatered in no time.





I agree with every single word in this post


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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: Inverted]
    #365393 - 02/16/10 06:03 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

Thanks Inverted, Harry, I'm glad you both like my homemade silliness to the point that you're "pretty much speechless". Whoa dude...:stoned:

As for the drip system, I'm getting better at the fine-tuning the ball valve. As I'm writing this, the drip is on a slow, 1 drip per about ~10 seconds, which is so slow, I have to watch the tubing for awhile to see that its actually dripping. And I *always* check the soil to see if its too wet. When its too damp, I turn off the valve and let it dry out and then go back to hand watering. But *right now*, I think I hit the golden zone....perfect rate, not too fast, and not too slow.

And, I always turn it off right before I go to bed, because the lights are not on to dry them out....

I'm still going to try that gate valve, if THAT's not precise enough to get that "golden" drip rate, then I'll only use on vacations or when I sleep for 12 hours.

And one more thing I forgot to add to my journal....

>>> Add-On Upgrade: 80mm Computer Fan <<<<

To help with the increased heat coming off the four 26 watt CFL bulbs, I hung a small 80mm PC fan from my custom light housing using some extra bare copper wire I had (I love this stuff, its so universal). 

-> Overhead view of the wire hangers
^The fan also helps with strengthening the stem of the plant since its closer to the plant then the other large Osi plant. But I think I will switch it to the opposite side of the wooden frame to balance out plant stem, because right now its 'Leaning like a Cholo'....gotta straighten her out and bring her to the Light Side.

Hard Work...Good Fun
~ TrueHerbCrystal ~

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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: TrueHerbCrystal]
    #365398 - 02/16/10 06:12 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

to be honest, you'd be better off just letting the plant dry out completely for 2-3 days between waterings at this point to encourage root growth. it seems pretty likely to me that your plant will end up over-watered even at 1 drip per 10 seconds. the worst issue here is not that the plant growth might be stunted (in all honesty the plant itself will most likely look fine), but root growth is encouraged only when the plant is stressed for water. if the plant is too wet then the roots won't have incentive to grow and your yields and flowering time will both suffer as a result.


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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: Harry_Ba11sach]
    #365447 - 02/16/10 07:04 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

Good point, my friend.

I guess its OK to *stress your plant sometimes, like with water. Promotes better growth of the roots. I get it now...its searching for water, and thats why the roots branch out *farther....

Speaking of braching out, I'm think about supplemental CO2 with baking soda, and vinegar on a drip line system (this will be OK, right?). Do you think that is a good idea? I haven't done any research on the actual chemical reaction of baking soda and vinegar, but I know its mostly CO2 as the product...is there any other trace gases from that reaction that could be harmful to my plant??

Also, what about feeding the plant carbonated water (as a source of CO2 and water), is that a bad idea? Just experimenting.

Let me know if you think thats silly or a good plan....

Slightly Experimental
~ TrueHerbCrystal ~

Edited by TrueHerbCrystal (02/18/10 05:58 AM)

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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: Harry_Ba11sach]
    #365457 - 02/16/10 07:12 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

Quote:

Harry_Ba11sach said:
to be honest, you'd be better off just letting the plant dry out completely for 2-3 days between waterings at this point to encourage root growth. it seems pretty likely to me that your plant will end up over-watered even at 1 drip per 10 seconds. the worst issue here is not that the plant growth might be stunted (in all honesty the plant itself will most likely look fine), but root growth is encouraged only when the plant is stressed for water. if the plant is too wet then the roots won't have incentive to grow and your yields and flowering time will both suffer as a result.




That is EXACTLY what I was going to say.  :thumbup:


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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: Inverted]
    #365458 - 02/16/10 07:13 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

My containers are only moist for 1 out of every 4 days... lol

It really does get oxygen to the roots better and the roots go searching for moisture, then you feed them and they explode.  I repeat this cycle over and over and it gives you a much faster growth rate overall.


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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: TrueHerbCrystal]
    #365461 - 02/16/10 07:13 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

Quote:

TrueHerbCrystal said:

I guess its OK to stre your plant sometimes, like with water. Promotes better growth of the roots. I get it now...its searching for water, and thats why the roots branch out father....





exactly

Quote:

TrueHerbCrystal said:

Speaking of braching out, I'm think about supplemental CO2 with baking soda, and vinegar on a drip line system (this will be OK, right?). Do you think that is a good idea? I haven't done any research on the actual chemical reaction of baking soda and vinegar, but I know its mostly CO2 as the product...is there any other trace gases from that reaction that could be harmful to my plant.

Also, what about feeding the plant carbonated water (as a source of CO2 and water), is that a bad idea? Just experimenting.







The baking soda and vinegar is a great idea and I've heard of many people using it with success. it's not really cost effective, but if you have some spare cash to burn I've heard it definitely increases the growth rates. I've done it myself in the past and thought my plants looked much healthier :thumbup:

however---> DO NOT feed with carbonated water. most likely the CO2 will react down to carbonate (CO3) and donate the remaining O atom to latent nitrogen to form nitrates and nitrites, all three of which will lower your pH very dramatically. Also, roots don't like CO2, the roots actually pump excess carbon from the leaves into the soil and they uptake O2 in the process. roots love O2, dislike carbon. :yesnod:


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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: Harry_Ba11sach]
    #365484 - 02/16/10 07:26 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

ya dont water with vinegar and baking soda!!!! dont worry abotu adding CO2  remember KISS. seems to be what you need to think about!!

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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: Harry_Ba11sach]
    #365494 - 02/16/10 07:30 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

Oh, so roots like O2 but dislike CO2...interesting. That's right, CO2 is absorbed thru the leaves, not the roots. I forget the teachings of my Botony class...memory is slippin'.

So the Vinegar+baking soda is a good idea...sweet! The box of B. Soda was pretty cheap, just need to get vinegar. But I'm guessing I'll need A LOT to make it work...I guess I'll just use it sometimes.

Also, is there such thing as too much CO2 for a plant?

My guess is that back in prehistoric times like pre-dinosaurs, the current theory is that the Earth was saturated with CO2 with little O2 in the air, so plants adjusted to those conditions. And my guess is that Cannabis has been around for a long time and potentially has that adaption to handle those CO2 levels. HOWEVER, it likely didn't exist Millions of Years ago, such as before the Jurassic period, when giant ferns ruled the Earth because angiosperms, or "flowering plants" like MJ are new in Earth's biological timeline. 

Basically, what I'm asking is this: Can too high levels of CO2 be posionous to my plant? And are those levels even possible with just a baking soda+vinegar reaction?

Maybe I'm just too paranoid, but I'd love to know Mr. Harry Knowlege man...or maybe you know Inverted...

Biological History is :awesome:!
~ TrueHerbCrystal ~

Edited by TrueHerbCrystal (02/18/10 05:59 AM)

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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: TrueHerbCrystal]
    #365502 - 02/16/10 07:34 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

Major bonus points for using the word angiosperm :thumbup:

While you are correct that cannabis is an angiosperm, it's also a eudicot, which as you may know evolved after monocots on our planet. Cannabis is extremely new as far as the geologic timeline goes. 10,000 years seems like a long time to us but it's honestly beans compared to the entire history of life on earth.

That being said, cannabis is also a C4 plant, which in short means that they have more effective photosynthetic pathways for converting water, sunlight and carbon dioxide into usable carbohydrates.

summary; it should be fine no matter how much you CO2 you give it. however, the extra CO2 will only be utilized if there are sufficient levels of light and nutrients so the plant has somewhere to use all the carbon.


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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: the man]
    #365562 - 02/16/10 08:12 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

i highly doubt it will do much of anything adding co2 to such a small grow.
1. air circulation will such it out faster then you produce it.
2. the levels need to be sustained. you cant just put higher concentration for a few minutes a day and expect the plant to utilize it.
3. there is PLENTY of Co2 kickin around as it is. esp if your in a city.

KISS

but its up to you. if you were making wine or something and had that enter the top of your grow room would be ok (bit more constant and not costing anything, but again air moves so fast out of there dont think it would do anything).remember it sinks! i work in the isotope field and part of what i do is ancient productivity and carbon cycling. Its under debate if higher concentrations of CO2 would actually make trees grow bigger ect. i truly dont think its worth the effort for you. anyway to each there own :smile:

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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: the man]
    #365650 - 02/16/10 08:57 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

enjoying your grow so far... def keep us updated :thumbup:


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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: Harry_Ba11sach]
    #365787 - 02/16/10 10:34 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

Quote:

Harry_Ba11sach said:
Major bonus points for using the word angiosperm :thumbup:

While you are correct that cannabis is an angiosperm, it's also a eudicot, which as you may know evolved after monocots on our planet. Cannabis is extremely new as far as the geologic timeline goes. 10,000 years seems like a long time to us but it's honestly beans compared to the entire history of life on earth.



Thanks Harry. I like to drop some knowledge where apporiate, hopefully someone will learn something from my journal....

As for eudicot, never heard of that before....I've heard of monocot (1 leaf or cotyledon on sprouting seedling) and dicot (2 leaves on baby seedling), is and I know that the prefix "eu-" stands for "complex" like the term "eukaryote", so from that I'm guessing any plant that has more than 1 cotyledon leaf is considered more complex than a monocot, therefor its a eudicot. Does that logic make sense?

Also, since its "Eu-", there seems to be no number attached to it like dicot: are there plants that grow more than 2 cotyledons? Is that why they are called eudicots and not dicots?

And yes, you're right, 10,000 years is barely a grain of sand in Earth's ancient sand clock. I mean, the current geological theory for the age of our planet says that Earth is 4.7 Billion years old. That is a ridiculous amount of time. 10,000 years is only 0.000002% of Earth's total age. Its crazy to think how little that is and how long Earth has been around. And its more funny that we are worried about the Planet and Global Warming when the Earth has been pulverized by huge astroids in the past...we should be worried about the life on the planet. That's what really matters. Earth is tough, and can handle pretty much anything. But that's a completely different argument altogether....

Quote:

Harry_Ba11sach said:
That being said, cannabis is also a C4 plant, which in short means that they have more effective photosynthetic pathways for converting water, sunlight and carbon dioxide into usable carbohydrates.



I've heard of that before "C4" on a journal article about the efficiency of corn in the production of ethanol as an alternative fuel source. Is that the most advance cycle yet, the "C4" cycle?

Quote:

Harry_Ba11sach said:
summary; it should be fine no matter how much you CO2 you give it. however, the extra CO2 will only be utilized if there are sufficient levels of light and nutrients so the plant has somewhere to use all the carbon.



-Cool, no dangerous CO2 levels. I didn't think I could make that much CO2 anyway with just B.S. and Vinegar. I also talk to my plant sometimes,to improve the CO2 levels but also for my own self-therapy. Its interesting what things I say to the plant: she's like my therapist that doesn't say anything back (like a real therapist).
Quote:

the man said:

highly doubt it will do much of anything adding co2 to such a small grow.
1. air circulation will such it out faster then you produce it.
2. the levels need to be sustained. you cant just put higher concentration for a few minutes a day and expect the plant to utilize it.
3. there is PLENTY of Co2 kickin around as it is. esp if your in a city.

KISS




Exactly my thoughts and good tips too. I'll try to make the CO2 output constant, which should go well with the drip system, however, I need some way to slowly mix B.S. with the vinegar a little at the time.

And thanks for the KISS, I guess, manlove right? I'd prefer a girl's kiss, but I take what I get!

Or is that an acronym? Never seen that one before....let me take some guesses....

K.I.S.S. = Kollect Inverted's Sound Science  (nah, too specific but it does make sense)

K.I.S.S. = Koncentrate Investigate Sink or Swim  (could be this one)

K.I.S.S. = Keep It Swanky, Socrates    (could be, but doesn't make sense)

K.I.S.S. = Keep Inside to Skip Suicide    (it rhymes so that's got to be it, but it still a little vague.)

Wait....I got it!

K.I.S.S. = Keep It Simple, Silly!  :smile2::awedance:

oH, I see young grasshopper....I understand the ways of the master now....I will keep my project simple, in the most intricate way possible. :thumbup:

Quote:

ShroomieGirl said:
enjoying your grow so far... def keep us updated



Its an honor, and a privilage to have such a kind young women following my journal. Thank you ShroomieGirl, I will try to keep it updated,
but the journal entries are getting a little too time-consuming for me, I guess I just gotta KISS it up :wink:.

By the way, you got any shroom-growing projects going on right now? I would Love to watch your grows and see where it goes....Because like the late, Great HippieGirl said "Girls can do it too!". So true H.Girl, so true....

Keep Irony Surreal Sensified
~ TrueHerbCrystal ~

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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: TrueHerbCrystal]
    #365896 - 02/17/10 03:33 AM (14 years, 1 month ago)

haha goof ball...

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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: the man]
    #365904 - 02/17/10 05:18 AM (14 years, 1 month ago)

Another problem I see with the drip system (sorry man) is that it will change as your plant starts consuming more water, becoming more of a pain in the ass than just hand watering... BUT, it would be pretty cool to have dialed in if you wanted to go on vacation or something.

Your cab is lookin pretty sweet though, and your frugality is fucking commendable. DIY FTW!
Glad to be aboard for this one...  :thumbup:

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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: TrueHerbCrystal]
    #366610 - 02/17/10 06:40 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

no grows going on right now (just moved and didnt keep anything going during the move... but i will by next month if all goes well


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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: TrueHerbCrystal]
    #368947 - 02/20/10 07:36 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

Oh, I see ShroomieGirl...Well, when you do, let me know: you know I'll be following your grows. Girls doing grows are so rare in these hobbies, and if your Black, Asian, Native American, or any other minority ethnicity, you get major points, because that means you're even rarer....

When you do start, I send you good luck. :laugh:

My Much-Needed Journal Entry

I tried to make a Journal Entry on Friday, but there was a problem with the photo uploading by the Growery. But today, its working great, so I'm making a long one today.

*** Seedling Now a Young Plant: First Signs of Stress ***

Seed was planted on: Febuary 5
Today's Date: Febuary 20, 2010
Day 15

Health: First leaves are showing stress at tips. Those bottom Leaves feel dry, rough, and stiff to the touch.

- Since so much has changed in the past three days, I am going to post photos from Wednesday, Febuary 17 to Saturday, Febuary 20 (today) to show
the progress to the stress in sequential order.

Lets take a short trip thru time....

Wednesday, Febuary 17, 2010 at 4:20pm (:leaf:)

^Notice Pretty purple coloring under leaf on last photo. I wonder what's that from. :strokebeard:

Thrusday, Febuary 18, 2010

^Tiny leaves coming out near the first leaves.

Friday, Febuary 19, 2010

^I noticed some yellowing on the cotelydons. Not sure if thats supposed to happen, but since cotelydons are only really used for when the seedling is *just* sprouting out of the ground, I think I can safely assume that its not a bad thing. It might just be a natural process, like how childern lose their teeth: it could be just shedding its baby leaves. Other than this minor cotelydon yellowing, plant is looking healthier than ever.

^ On Friday, there seems to be leaves coming out from every little corner and cerves on the little plant, in almost a psychedelic fractal pattern. Sometimes I just stare at her and be amazed at her intricate beauty.... looking quite healthy: green leaves, just enough water, stem is getting wider, leaves are soft to touch, and of course, little leaves coming out in every little spot. I love my little green daughter...she's getting so big, so fast!

...And now, the most current, just taken today.

Today: Saturday, Febuary 20, 2010


^Amazing how one day can change so much. I should note the local weather: dry and very sunny outside, like its summer almost. I sure this is affecting the health of the plant, and because of the dry conditions outside, I would argue my plant is humidity-stressed, meaning the rH is too low (in the photos, the gauge reads 'Humidity: 35%'). I also wondered if it could be a light problem because those leaves are turning a little yellow, and because I raised the height of my wooden light by about 1 inch because my plant could not fit underneath the wood no more. But because the leaves were so dry, I don't think the lack of light is the main cause.

- You can clearly see the stress in the last 2 photos. I felt the leaves with my fingers, they felt stiff, dry and a little rough, unlike the green ones that feel soft and
smooth.

>>> In order to try to increase the humidity near the plant, I descided to use the humidity creator of choice I use for growing mushrooms, perlite. So, I grab a metal container I used for casing mycelium and used some of that bare copper wire to poke lots of holes on every side like the "shotgun terrium" design, to aid in air-flow.

Like this:


Then I made a blend of 24 fl. oz. of water to 1 fl. oz. H202 3%.


After blending, I poured it on some perlite using a strainer, and then drained it then filled the modified metal tray. Next, I the tray on a dinner plate, and put it near my plant, in front of my 12" desktop cooling fan. Like so...


Hopefully this will help. If not, I might have to add some more or even get my aquarium pump out and put the air stone inside a jar filled with perlite. If I'm lucky, that will do some rH increasing....

Or better yet, hopefully it rains on Sunday or later and increasing the rH in the atmosphere. Might have to start following the weather forecasts now: how strange.

What I've Learned: Even for indoor grows, the outside weather (like in my case, hot high 70F's temps and low humidity) can positively or negatively affect the plants health, which makes indoor grows not as simple as I once thought.

Other than my slightly-stressed plant, I have been adding on some things to improve my grow area.

>>> Construction: Minor Improvements <<<

Some things I improved to my grow space....

1)
Reflection: I found some reflective tape (that's used for venting applications) that I used for a rave costume project awhile ago, and applied it to different parts of the wooden frame and on my homemade "reflection wall" to improve light guidance.



2) Light-Focuing: I added some double-stick tape in-between the Mylar layers above my lights to improve the light focusing. Before, they were seperated and "free-floating", and had there own crumpled up "focusing" thing going on. Hopefully, this should help in directing the light more towards the plant, instead of just everywhere.


3) Steathling: I covered up some pretty major light leaks coming threw the top door crack with black trash bags taped together (I keep the room's door open for better air-flow). I also put a black T-shirt on the ground where the doors meets the carpet (not pictured, but you get the idea).


I'll be back in a couple days to give another update my plant, and if its health is getting better or not. Only time will tell....

I Hope She'll Be OK
~ TrueHerbCrystal ~

Edited by TrueHerbCrystal (02/21/10 12:15 AM)

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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: TrueHerbCrystal]
    #369316 - 02/21/10 01:16 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

Looks like heat stress, and starving for some nitrogen.  That's just IMO though.

When I am hardening plants off outside the leaves taco up like that until they are used to the higher intensity light.  Did you set her in the sun when it was shining?  That would do it, so would having the CFL's too close.  Other than that the yellowing from the cotelydons up to the bottom leaves of the plant would be a clear indication that she is hungry for some food.  I'd say she is big enough for a 1/4-1/2 strength feeding, depending on what you are feeding with.

Looks like a good pace though!  A fast grower that's for sure.  :thumbup:


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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: Inverted]
    #369372 - 02/21/10 02:10 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

I feel kinda bad I read the update right when you posted it and totally missed the question you asked until Inverted just answered it sorry.

I will second him and I will add that when your are getting vigorous new growth sometimes the new leaves can look a bit deficient or stressed for a day or two till they totally flatten out and mature a bit. I totally flipped when mine started doing something similar, turned out to be just low RH and an insatiable thirst for food.


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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: Inverted]
    #369547 - 02/21/10 04:58 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

That does make sense Inverted, especially the heat stress, because the temps outside felt like summer, and indoors inside the grow area, it was like 80F. And I haven't been using any fertilizers AT ALL as of yet because I was afraid of burning the roots, but it sounds like my plants ready for some now.

I read in your "Magash's Test Run" Grow journal that you use "Neptune's Harvest - Organic Fish and Seaweed fertilizer.  It has worked wonders in the past and I finally got a hold of some.  I recommend it to anyone. I think the N-P-K is
(2-3-1), so I use it until the last week of flower.", so I'll be looking for that brand/type.
  If I can't find that "Neptune" brand (I think I saw it at my local nursury, but can't be sure), will any fertilizer with a Nitrogen-Phosphorus-Potassium nutrient ratio of (2-3-1) work just as good?
Also, is that Neptune stuff liquid fertilizer? That's that type I was planning on using.

As for any sunlight, I have never put it outside, and never will. I would love to: its been very sunny lately, especially for my town. Sadly, I can't: there are *way* too many people living around me, I know something bad would happen if someone saw my plant. I was also thinking maybe my added reflective tape I put right near the lights may be reflecting heat more than light, causing too much heat.

Whatever the cause, I will be buying some food for her real soon, some time next week I think.

So its a fast grower huh? Good to know! Hopefully in a couple weeks, there will be some big enough branches I can cut to make a few clones. Thanks for the help Inverted.

Pha3r0 said:
"I feel kinda bad I read the update right when you posted it and totally missed the question you asked until Inverted just answered it sorry."

- Don't worry about it Phar3ro, I actually didn't write my plant problem in a form of a question, but I should of. I didn't state my issue very well: next time, I'll do better. I'm glad to hear that you saw a similar thing happen to your plant, which low rH and lack-of-food was the problem. Those are 2 other things I haven't payed much attention to, but will now. Thanks for tthe info Pha3r0.

*** Young Plant Status: Outer Leaves Still Stressed ***

Date:
Febuary 21, 2010
Day 16

The outer leaves still look dry and look like they are about to die. I also noticed some yellowing at the top of the plant. I watered the soil till it was almost completely wet in an attempt to get some water back into the outer leaves. Probably won't help, considering the advice Inverted and Pha3r0 said. Looks like I need to improve the cooling and get some liquid fertilizer. I will be in search of some fertil. some time next week.

~ TrueHerbCrystal ~

Edited by TrueHerbCrystal (02/21/10 05:00 PM)

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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: TrueHerbCrystal]
    #369568 - 02/21/10 05:12 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

How close do you have your CFL's.  I noticed a lot of minor problems that all stemmed from having my lighting rig too close.  It's not the intense light that fucks with them, rather it's the ambient heat put off by the bulbs being that close.  I used to grow plants within 2", but recently changed that to at least 3-4 inches.  I get the same tight internode distances, but the plants seem to be less stress and like Pha3ro said, the new growth tends to look wrinkled and ragged until it grows out a little bit, and become smooth and darker green.  I notice the new growth to be lighter yellow than the old growth when my plants are rapidly growing.  It's the taco leaves and yellowing at the bottom that has me concerned.

Try backing the lights off by an inch or two and let her be.


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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: Inverted]
    #369609 - 02/21/10 05:34 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

I measured the distance: its at about 1.375 Inches from the bottom of the bulbs to the top of the plant. I glad I finally measured: that's way too close. I'll raise it up to 3" from top of canopy right now.

Its hard gauging the distance inside my wooden light frame, but I made some markings on the outside so I know next time.

Thanks Inverted, I guess its was getting scorched by the heat given off by CFL's. Too bad they aren't as efficient as they should be: zero heat would be the best. Maybe better technologies will come out in the future that will change that. For now, larger distances and cooling are required: thats chemistry and thermal dynamics for ya.

And about that Fertilizer: is Neptune liquid? And is a 2-3-1 ratio perfect for vegging?

Adjusting in Progress.
~ TrueHerbCrystal ~

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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: TrueHerbCrystal]
    #369654 - 02/21/10 06:26 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

Oh yeah sorry I forgot to answer those.

Yea it's pureed and filtered, so it's like a really thick liquid, that smells like dead fish.  :lol:

Those NPK values are very low compared to chemical ferts.  For example my chemical bloom fertilizer is 9-50-10. 

They sell it at my local hydro store.  http://www.midwesthydroponics.com/nutrients/multi-purpose-nutrients/neptune-s-harvest-fish-seaweed.html


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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: TrueHerbCrystal]
    #369659 - 02/21/10 06:37 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

another liquid fert that I've heard really good stuff about is Age Old Organics. much stronger so you don't need as much but a very complete plant food


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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: Harry_Ba11sach]
    #369664 - 02/21/10 06:43 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

LOL if its age old its gotta be good :rofl2:

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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: Triptonic]
    #369669 - 02/21/10 06:50 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

I have Age Old Bloom. It works all right. I used to for my outdoor gardens. I have been wanting to try a new brand of nutes that came out.

http://www.ukhouseandgarden.co.uk/products.html

http://www.ukhouseandgarden.co.uk/hg_shootingpowder.html

They have this powder that puts your plants back into flowering after they are done. When its time to get more nutes I am going to get me a 4-5 part formula from them.

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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: Dephect]
    #369673 - 02/21/10 06:53 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

Powder that puts your plants back into flowering :eek:

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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: Triptonic]
    #369677 - 02/21/10 06:55 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

Yeah it puts them into a whole new flowering cycle. They say it should gain 30% more weight of the final weight. Leave it to the Dutch to make some mad crazy nutes.

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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: Dephect]
    #369681 - 02/21/10 06:58 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

Quote:

Dephect said:
Yeah it puts them into a whole new flowering cycle. They say it should gain 30% more weight of the final weight. Leave it to the Dutch to make some mad crazy nutes.




sounds interesting... but ill believe it when i see it


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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: ShroomieGirl]
    #369685 - 02/21/10 07:08 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

If I get enough money in time (these nutes are expensive) Ill mix a little in with one of my Russian Rockets.

Check it:

http://forum.grasscity.com/absolute-beginners/218285-house-garden-nutes-van-de-zwaan.html

Ill keep looking into it though. Im going to give it a try.

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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: Harry_Ba11sach]
    #369711 - 02/21/10 07:43 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

Age Old Organics, Got it! Thanks Harry_Ballsacks!

I mean, with the name "Age Old", you know its going to go the distance!

I wonder what there advertising quote..."With Age Old Organics, your plants will grower older than YOu, in practically no time!"

I'll be looiking for that good stuff. 

Thanks for the Suggestions,

~ TrueHerbCrystal ~

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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: Dephect]
    #369732 - 02/21/10 08:13 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

I'm very interested that you mentioned House and Garden Dephect! I just picked up some of their "roots excelurator" and I'm in the proccess of deciding if I like it or not. seems to work wonders, but my roots grow pretty well on their own so it's really hard to compare.

I'm also not sure if I like that it encourages root growth via hormones. due to the way that plants regulate meristem growth adding hormones for root growth is guaranteed to slow down growth of herbaceous matter. I'm not sure if that's a trade I'm down with :shrug:


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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: Harry_Ba11sach]
    #369745 - 02/21/10 08:34 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

Harry that "Roots Excelurator" is supposed to be the shit. Not to mention pricy. Please keep us updated on your results with that stuff. I'm curious.


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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: DrGreenThumb]
    #369757 - 02/21/10 08:45 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

I know, it was way too freakin' expensive but I hear such amazing things about it. I guess I haven't noticed that leaf growth has slowed so far which is weird because everything I know about plant physiology says that it should if they're using hormonal correction for root stimulation. does anyone know where I can find the list of included hormones on that product?


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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: Harry_Ba11sach]
    #369766 - 02/21/10 08:48 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

Not on the label huh? Figures. Probably some Dutch trade secret or something. It would be nice to know though.


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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: Harry_Ba11sach]
    #369771 - 02/21/10 08:50 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

Yeah with the little 1 liter bottle costing $40 at the headshop I would hope it works wonders. You should compare with a plant that you don't feed the H&G Root Gel. That's what I want to do when I get new nutes, compare the old one with the new one.

I just love how the company exploded. I go to the grow store one month and there is a whole bunch of common stuff on the wall like Technaflora and go back the next and the whole wall is covered in H&G product. If they like it so much it must be good, if the root gel and shooting powder are behind the glass then it must be good.

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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: Dephect]
    #369794 - 02/21/10 09:00 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

1 litre bottle costing $40? where do you shop? I paid $75 for 250ml :eek:


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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: Harry_Ba11sach]
    #369863 - 02/21/10 09:39 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

Well maybe it was a 250ml (it was a good sized bottle) but it was 40 - 50 from what I remember. I shop at Let It Grow @ 3rd & Broadway in D town man. They are some good people there. Hippie folk for the most part, the way I like my grow stores. There might be a difference in prices where you are and where I am. I am going in there to price some nutes out tomorrow. Ill let you know :smile:

Edited by Dephect (02/21/10 09:41 PM)

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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: Dephect]
    #369866 - 02/21/10 09:41 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

Damn are you sure we're talking about the same product? I shopped around for DAYS before I bought it and I'm gonna feel like a total tool if I missed the best price by that much.


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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: Harry_Ba11sach]
    #369868 - 02/21/10 09:42 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

Ill go tomorrow. I might be wrong. I was really high.

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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: Dephect]
    #370099 - 02/21/10 11:23 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

You guys should probably move this conversation elsewhere.

I'm not saying I don't enjoy the content, but you are cluttering his grow journal quite a bit, and some people like to keep it on topic, just :2cents:


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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: Inverted]
    #370127 - 02/21/10 11:35 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

I know I was thinking that same thing. Its been moved to PM :smile:

Thanks Inverted.

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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: Dephect]
    #370133 - 02/21/10 11:37 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

No problem, Just doing my job as a Mod... :wink:


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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: Inverted]
    #370140 - 02/21/10 11:40 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

Dont you mean Admin?

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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: Triptonic]
    #370169 - 02/21/10 11:50 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

Moderator and Admin are two different things. Admin controls all. Mod controls some.

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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: Dephect]
    #370174 - 02/21/10 11:53 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

lol yes I know.

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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: Inverted]
    #370262 - 02/22/10 07:54 AM (14 years, 1 month ago)

lol yes sorry... since I'm the only actual mod here... :lol:

Sorry TruHurbChristaaal. Didn't mean to clutter up your delicious thread, but now you have some useless information on a great product....?


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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: Harry_Ba11sach]
    #371105 - 02/22/10 08:02 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

Wow, you guys really took over my Grow Journal.

But you're a Moderator Harry Nutzach, so you know best. :thumbup:

Anyway, I'm going to try to take it back with today's plant status and my cheap choice in a liquid fertilizer....

*** Young Plant: Yellowing getting worst ****

Today's Date:   Febuary 22, 2010
Date Seed was Planted in Soil:  Febuary 5, 2010
Day 17

^As you can see, the outer leaves (the big ones on the bottom) are getting even more yellow than last time. And now there is some yellowing on some of the tips of the top canopy leaves. Even thou my plant is essentially dying right now, I have to admit, I like the cool new colors on the leaves. Reminds me of fall. Or rasta/Jamacia clothing. Kinda makes me feel Irie....

Taking Inverted's and Harry's Advice, I went to my local plant nursury to buy some liquid fertilizer. I wrote down the suggestions of "Neptune" and "Age Old" at the store, but didn't find any. After much looking, I looked for fertilizers that were the closest to Inverted's suggested "2-3-1" nutrient ratio, but the closest I found was a 3-3-3. I wanted to get as close as possible to the ratio, so I descided to buy a bottle of concentrated "eye-dropper" style chemical fertilizer with a nutrient ratio of 10-15-10, when divided by 5 (or multipled to 1/5) equals 2-3-2, which is pretty damn close to Inverted's suggested ratio.

The bottle is called Schultz(r) Plant Food Plus,

^At $5 a bottle, I could afford it. I know you'll guys say "That stuff sucks ba11s!" or something, especially I read this in-the-works Nutrients Article. But, I'm tight on money, which is why I went with a lame chemical fertilizer, but I figured some food is better than none. I'll switch to a better, organic one later when I find some more dough.

Before I bought the bottle, I asked the pretty girl who worked there if you could bring the levels from "10-15-10" just by using less drops in the water. She said she'd never heard that question before. Uh-oh. But she said "That does sound like good logic thou". I thought so too, because I've read in other journals people saying "I used 1/4 strenght" as meaning, they used 1/4 the recomended blend of the bottle, to bring down the concentrations of the nutrients. So, I went ahead and bought it.

So, the photos I took of my plant above were taken *before* I gave it some fertilizer food. I first had to firgure out the math to get the concentrations down to Inverted's one, or at least close.

So, the box said "7 drops per quart for indoor". So I assumed this means "7 drops per quart = 10-15-10". By this assumption, I converted Quarts into something more familiar to me, fluid ounces (fl. oz.).

Conversions:

1 Quart = 32 fl. oz.

And for getting the right concentrations...

7 drops per 32 fl. oz. = 10-15-10. So divide by 5 to get "3" from "-15-" and "2" from "10-".

7 drops * 1/5 (or 1/5 the orignal concentration) = 1.4 drops. Round up to make it practical....~2

~ 2 drops per 32 fl. oz.

So, that was my concentration. I filled up my spray bottle with *exactly* 32 fl. oz. of bottled water and put 2 drops of the Schultz stuff. Its almost like a joke, because it seems like so little to so much water. It didn't even change the color of the water the slightest, even thou the plant food is bright green. Oh well. I hope I remember NOT to use that bottle for spary my perlite pan (currently in use, for increasing humidity). Probably won't make much of a difference anyway.

I also read this on label that I found pretty interesting and encouraging:

"Feeds through roots and leaves as you water"

^From this statement, I descided to water the soil pretty heavily and water the leaves themselves, because according to Schultz, you can feed your leaves directly thru the leaves. I hope they're right....

Here's after I sprayed the soil AND leaves with the diluted liquid chemical fertilizer....


Hopefully in a couple hours, it will show some improvement. If not, I might have to bury my daughter....I sure hope not! :omgz:

I'll be back on Tuesday with the results...

Liquid Drip-Food Now in Effect
~ TrueHerbCrystal ~

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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: TrueHerbCrystal]
    #371115 - 02/22/10 08:14 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

Good, I use that same fertilizer to supplement my organic fish and seaweed.  It worked just fine.

I didn't read your whole post yet but damn man, she is starving for some food, badly.  FEED HER!  Fill a gallon, and put 4 full dropperfulls in there and give her a good soaking.  Please before it gets any worse.

I'll be back later to reply to the rest of your post.


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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: Inverted]
    #371116 - 02/22/10 08:15 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

And make sure you SHAKE THE BOTTLE before use.


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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: Inverted]
    #371128 - 02/22/10 08:25 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

A whole gallon with 4 FULL dropperfulls. Roger!

Now, what to use as a container....Hmmm....:strokebeard:

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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: TrueHerbCrystal]
    #371131 - 02/22/10 08:28 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

Milk jug.


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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: DrGreenThumb]
    #371140 - 02/22/10 08:36 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

Quote:

DrGreenThumb said:
Milk jug.



Tablespoon :rofl2:

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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: Triptonic]
    #371153 - 02/22/10 08:43 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

:rofldrunk:


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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: DrGreenThumb]
    #371172 - 02/22/10 08:56 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

I got lucky! I found an old water jug in my closest! Whew! No tablespoon for this guy, no no....

I did what you said Inverted, I took the bottle, shook the Hell out of it, and sucked up 4 FULL droppers and then empyted into 1 gallon of tap water. I didn't have enough bottled water, so I just used tap. The water here is pretty fresh and nice-tasting (likely cause it rains a lot here), so I think  my plant will be fine.

^And I can really see that green tint now: Seems like a *much* better mixture than my silly 2 drops per quart technique.

After that, I filled up my water-bottle and sprayed the hell out of my plant, mostly the soil. Its pretty much soaked now. Sorry root growth!


I hope it gets better....I don't wanna death's to happen: that'd award me the Worst Father of the Month award....no one wants that reward.

One question Inverted: Should I *always* use the 4 dropper-fulls per gallon mixture for the entire vegging period or is this just because of my plant's starving emergency? Is it not too high for normal use? 

Thanks for stopping by before I did something stupid....

Eat Up Buddana
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Re: All CFL Semi-Automated Closet Project (FirstGrow)(Pre-Seeds) [Re: TrueHerbCrystal]
    #371254 - 02/22/10 10:32 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

Great Grow log:thumbup:

You have saved me a lot of trouble with finding a way to create a gravity drip system.

I am going to try the two gallon jug myself but apply PVC glue to the spout to seal it in place and then find a way to attach the house that will prevent leaking

If I am successful I will let you know! Thanks for the info!!!!5*


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Re: All CFL Semi-Automated Closet Project (FirstGrow)(Pre-Seeds) [Re: MushrooMan420]
    #371273 - 02/22/10 11:15 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

Thanks MushroomMan! I'm guessing you won't be using that Gravity Drip System for mushrooms.....

I'm glad you like my grow log. And I'm happy to hear that I've inspired you to make your own gravity drip system for your grow.

So on those 2.5 gallon tubs with the plastic spouts, you're going to use PVC glue to hold the spout in place (so it doesn't move around) then attach the hose? Interesting...:strokebeard:

Remember, use Rubber O-rings of the right diameter on the stem-hose interface: they make ALL the difference.

^And make sure the thickness of the O-rings is *exactly* the diameter between the plastic stem and the hose (which is larger than the plastic stem, by say 1/16" to 1/8"). In other words, the O-Ring fits snuggly between the inside of the hose and the outside of the water jug stem.

And then use metal clamps to hold down the hose so it doesn't leak. Oh, and don't forget to make a hole on top of the jug to prevent vacuum lock and provide constant drip flow.

And if you canm, try find a multi-turn gate valve and *not* a 1/4 turn On-Off ball valve. My guess is that since gate valves require multiple turns to turn on-off, you will have finer control of the amount of drip. My current problem with my gravity drip system is that my ball valve is very sensentive to even the littlest turn, which makes it hard to find the "perfect" drip rate. Its takes a lot of time to get the drip rate just right, and if I had a gate valve, I'm thinking it would be a lot easier.

- As for its use: Like Harry said, its not good for rooting when there's a constant water drip on the roots/soil. I've learned that roots grow a lot better when you kinda starve it of water by only watering the plant every few days and let the soil dry out almost completely, whichs is kinda ironic, because most growers here say "Avoid stressing your plant". But, if you go on vacation for long periods of time, then the gravity drip system is great for keeping those plants alive. Also, it might work like it was intended if your plant is fully-grown, and does not need to grow more roots, and benefits from a constant water supply but I'm not sure if that's true.

I hope you're successful. If you need any help with the materials/measurements/parts, just shoot me a PM.

Good Luck! :awesome::thumbup:

Drip-Trippy

~ TrueHerbCrystal ~

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Re: All CFL Semi-Automated Closet Project (FirstGrow)(Pre-Seeds) [Re: TrueHerbCrystal]
    #371385 - 02/23/10 08:47 AM (14 years, 1 month ago)

it might be better if you could find a way to hook it up to a timer so that it gives it a good watering automatically every 3 days or so....


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Re: All CFL Semi-Automated Closet Project (FirstGrow)(Pre-Seeds) [Re: Harry_Ba11sach]
    #371480 - 02/23/10 02:14 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

Oh man your plant is looking rough and I can't diagnose exactly what's wrong.

Yes the 4 dropperfull amount is just this one time.  I do 2 droppers for every feeding.


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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: TrueHerbCrystal]
    #371505 - 02/23/10 02:27 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

do you have any airflow around the plant? I would suggest getting a light fan of some sort blowing on it. this will not only aid in keeping the soil from molding, but it will assist the plant in transpiring, which will draw moisture from the soil/roots into the air, which will prevent root rot.


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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: Harry_Ba11sach]
    #371678 - 02/23/10 04:34 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

Yup, got a fan blowing: its a 12" (see photo below).

*** Young Plant Status: Yellowing and Tacoing has stopped, but has not reversed completely ***

Today's Date: Febuary 23, 2010
Seed Planting Date: Febuary 5, 2010
Day 18

^Photo 2 from left: Largest fan leaves are still yellow, and they look like they are going to die.
Photo 3 from Left: The large TOP leaves are still taco'ed, with minor yellowing on leaf tips. 
Photo 4 from Left: The top canopy with the tiny leaves are looking much better than before. They are the only ones that the tacoing has reversed on. Seems like the liquid food is working, at least slightly.

Here's the fan I've been blowing on it constantly when the lights are on. Its a 12" fan. It does NOT run during the dark hours (which last 8 hours), maybe that's the problem? Does it have to run ALL the time?

^It also dries the top-soil out pretty fasty, like in a couple hours from watering.

Also, I was thinking maybe its the clay pot: its a used one. Before I used it, it had a plant in there that died from a lack of watering. To prep it for my girl plant, I only washed it with hot water and scrub the inside, but I did NOT washed it with bleach, which some of the readings I've heard recomends to do, to sterilize it. Could that be the problem? Maybe the roots have reached the edge of the pot and are absorbing some bad chemicals there?

I also thought maybe the copper wire (I used for the drip system), that is currently taped to the outside of clay pot is somehow absorbing the water and transferring some copper back to the soil, and causing copper poisioning in my plant? To me, it sounds like a stretch, but the clay pot is quite porus and I know some living things don't do well around copper.

I'll give the fertilizer a few more days to see if the plant gets better before I start to panic. Other than that, it seems to be getting better, just slowly, maybe too slow to precieve. Maybe its just my wishful thinking.

>>> More Bad News: Stealthing Falling Apart <<<


One side of my taped-up improv'd stealthing finally fell down. Most likely caused by the heat coming from the space heaters on the floor, rising up and pealing off the tape. I guess I'm not going to use cloth anymore: only black plastic bags. I just hope it didn't fall down in the morning, while I was sleeping, which would make an unusual light pattern on the drapes. 

Well, time for some repairs....This hobby is a lot more work than I thought.

Can't Wait til it gets better
~ TrueHerbCrystal ~

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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: TrueHerbCrystal]
    #371704 - 02/23/10 05:27 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

Well it honestly doesn't look any worse in the last pictures, which is a good thing.  Each update was getting progressively worse, and it seemed to stop, so hopefully in the next 2-3 days you will start to see more green and less yellow.  I'm almost positive this all stems from a lack of nutrients from the start.  I had a plant that was very healthy after a week, but quickly showed deficiencies which I overlooked, and after another week my plant was nearly dead, with NO green leaves left.  I gave it a GOOD feeding of the Schultz and within a few days she started coming back to life, and all of the new growth was bright nice green.

I can't stress enough that this is not as easy as it looks, like you said.  Most people just think you plant a seed in soil, water it and give it light and VIOLA, NUGGIES!!!  Sadly it's not even close to that easy.

You need to practice your patience, and maybe leave her unattended for a couple days.  Sometimes that seems to help when there is nothing else you can do.


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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: Inverted]
    #371808 - 02/23/10 07:51 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

well it looks better to me. :shrug: not out of the woods left, but it's stopped getting worse.


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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: Harry_Ba11sach]
    #371823 - 02/23/10 08:17 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

You should check this thread out if your having problems with your grow room. I would use a staple gun or a screw to make the vinyl stay, not electrical tape.

At least your plant still looks like its alive :smile:

Unlike my Jackberry girl that died :sad:

If your area is chill I wouldn't run the fan at night.

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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: Harry_Ba11sach]
    #371864 - 02/23/10 09:06 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

Quote:

Harry_Ba11sach said:
well it looks better to me. :shrug: not out of the woods left, but it's stopped getting worse.



Agreed, the top leaves look way better.

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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: Harry_Ba11sach]
    #372076 - 02/23/10 10:52 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

I agree, I just took a look at her a few minutes ago, and she looks a lot better.

The top leaves are starting to flatten out and below less taco'd. However, the large fan leaves look toast. Should I just cut them off with scissors where the yellow meets the green? Or is that more harm than good.

To Dephect:

That sucks about your plant dying...what happened to it? Did you neglect it?

Also, I looked at the methods link. Pretty helpful. But I have to say, the wooden planks on the celien is way too involved for me. I'm moving out of this place in late June, so I wanna keep the construction  modifications as simple as possible.

To the Harry Man:

I will take your advice Harry: I'll leave her alone for a couple days. Maybe some light sparying on the leaves with the food/water mixture, but that's it. No soil sparying. I'll post some pictures on Wednesday afternoon to show you guys how she looks.

Until then, good night and have a pleasant too-mar-oh.

~ TrueHerbCrystal ~

Edited by TrueHerbCrystal (02/23/10 10:53 PM)

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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: TrueHerbCrystal]
    #372086 - 02/23/10 11:05 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

Quote:

TrueHerbCrystal said:

To Dephect:

That sucks about your plant dying...what happened to it? Did you neglect it?

Also, I looked at the methods link. Pretty helpful. But I have to say, the wooden planks on the celien is way too involved for me. I'm moving out of this place in late June, so I wanna keep the construction  modifications as simple as possible.






She was a product of a trade with a friend and he had her in hydro. I decided to try hydro for the first time and filled the water level too high in the DWC and pretty much drowned her. In turn it destroyed all of her growth on the tips of the branches making it flop over. I decided to spare myself the pain and give her the chop. A mix of neglect and not being and not having the correct knowledge on the method I was trying.

Well I am not talking about the planks. I am talking about the window. If its anything I learned from trying to tape posters or anything on the wall in my place its that they really never stay if they are heavy. Maybe even get some push pins for that vinyl. You don't want your stealth being blown. Or your light cycle interrupted.

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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: Dephect]
    #372094 - 02/23/10 11:19 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

I just saw your journal....that was so sad to see her die. :sad: I pour out some of my 40 for a homie, Ms. Jackberry...:BrothaPouringOutLiquourGremlin:

So you said you she was a "product of a trade". Did your friend send it thru the mail? If so, that's pretty amazing.

And that hydro growing looks really tricky. I'm glad I took the soil route: that stuffs way to advanced for me. Looks expensive to run too.

I hope your professional seeds (the Russian Rocket Fuel, what a name) and your bagseed go better. I hoping for your sucess...

Pour Out for Our Homies
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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: TrueHerbCrystal]
    #372095 - 02/23/10 11:20 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

Click my sig man. I'm kinda hydro growing. Its supposedly pretty simple.

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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: Triptonic]
    #372102 - 02/23/10 11:27 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

Pretty simple huh...how come the first few posts takes about you "failing" your first grow whith "hempy buckets"? Is that why the thread is called "Hempy Bucket Grow w/ Learning Experience"?

Is that considered "true" hydro? I always thought it was that the roots were completely submerged in water, like floating in it. Seems like those are sitting in vermiculite or something.

Is it all just considered hydro when the substrate the roots grow in has no nutrients (like perlite or vermiculite)?

Slightly Confused
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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: TrueHerbCrystal]
    #372105 - 02/23/10 11:30 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

I grew in soil, made it all the way to flowering and got some bud (not much though).  They were saying I failed cuz I didnt know what a hempy bucket was :lol:

A Hempy Bucket seems like its a combo of the two, but it has no soil in it what-so-ever, so that would make it more of a hydro IMO.

Basically you drill a hole 2 inches off the bottom of the bucket and it mimics the water table. It was developed by "Hempy" that is why it is called such. The roots will go down and find the water in the bottom of the bucket.

Its actually a pretty cool thing, I'm happy so far :thumbup:

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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: Triptonic]
    #372117 - 02/23/10 11:41 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

Oh, I see! I thought you failed because you killed your plants, not because you only grew a little bit of bud. Seems silly to call it a "fail" just from low-yields and not what the bucket was....

I learned a little about Harry after asking him what they were from his "Harry's CFL ladies" grow journal, which I became pretty inspired on for my own grow.
When I heard "Hempy" for the first time, I thought the substrate was made of "Hemp fibers", kinda like how coconut husk (coco coir) is used for growing. Its just as confusing and misleading as the "PF-Tek" and "The Shotgun Terrarium". Misleading names seems to be pretty common in these types of hobbies, and I'm slowly learning on the jargon, but there's a lot!

I'm glad you like those buckets: they sound pretty interesting. If I had more time, I'd probably try it. I bet the growth rate is way faster than soil huh? Maybe in the long-away future....

Totally-Misleaded
~ TrueHerbCrystaL ~

Edited by TrueHerbCrystal (02/23/10 11:41 PM)

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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: TrueHerbCrystal]
    #372119 - 02/23/10 11:42 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

lol, I dont know I have never done a hempy grow before. But I would assume it might be a little faster.

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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: Triptonic]
    #372129 - 02/24/10 12:12 AM (14 years, 1 month ago)

Its simple, you just need to know the basics and there was one thing I overlooked and had one negative outcome from it. But in the words of Confucius;

                          "Study the past if you would define the future."

All together my hydro set-up cost $50.
3gal bucket w/ net pot lid - $12
75gal air pump - $25

I have had the nutes for a while for my soil plants. Liquid nutrients are the best when they are from the hydro/grow store. You should look for a local one. They cost about 20 - 30 for a two part solution.

Lessons learned though, I am pretty confident I can grow with hydro now. I have a plant in my DWC right now.

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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: Dephect]
    #372135 - 02/24/10 12:24 AM (14 years, 1 month ago)

ha ha yeah i got liquid nutes.

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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: Triptonic]
    #372137 - 02/24/10 12:28 AM (14 years, 1 month ago)

Let me ask you guys, is there such thing as liquid "organic" nutrients?

I know there's the chemical ones, but what about natural ones?

Is It Possible?
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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: TrueHerbCrystal]
    #372138 - 02/24/10 12:30 AM (14 years, 1 month ago)

Yeah there are quite a few I think. I think Earth Juice is one. Lemme check though.

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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: Triptonic]
    #372139 - 02/24/10 12:31 AM (14 years, 1 month ago)


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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: Triptonic]
    #372144 - 02/24/10 12:51 AM (14 years, 1 month ago)

Interesting...:strokebeard:...I'm guessing its extracted from natural, because how could be liquid from natural sources? You can't just puree a dead fish and bottle it right?

I guess at the chemical level, it doesn't really matter if its organic or lab-made, as long as the Nitrogen-Phosphorous-Ketamine, I mean Potassium, are in the correct compound so that the plant can absorb it. Its all chemicals anyway.

Mmmm...Juicy
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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: TrueHerbCrystal]
    #372149 - 02/24/10 12:53 AM (14 years, 1 month ago)

Well I mean what is natural anyways? Chemicals all come from the earth right? So basically everything is "natural". Ha ha I'm gonna get slammed for this.

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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: Triptonic]
    #372164 - 02/24/10 01:20 AM (14 years, 1 month ago)

Yeah, you are going to get slammed: the orgainic hippie growers are NOT going to like that statement.

But you're right for the most part: all chemicals are recycled thru the earth, even the ones used in labotories and scientific settings. Its all part of the Great Nutrient Cycle of Earth Ecosystem.

I guess the important question on if someone should use organic or "chemical" liquid fertilizers is is the nutrient in the right form that the plant uses naturally. I mean, if the plant uses nitrogen (the gas) when its dissolved in water, then "chemical" fertilizers should be the best right? But, I really don't know which compound a plant likes their Nitrogen and Ph and Potassium in, that's something for the scientists here to answer....maybe Harry knows, he's got a lot of education....

But its pretty interesting thou: Can you feed hydroponic plants with organic, "natural", non-extracted liquid fertilizers, or are pure "chemical" fertilizers the only way?

I wonder...:strokebeard:
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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: TrueHerbCrystal]
    #372168 - 02/24/10 01:46 AM (14 years, 1 month ago)

During veg if you wanted to go liquid organic I would recommend a fish emulsion like Alaska's 5-1-1.  It's not too spendy and can be found near the shultz you grabbed.  I've never tried it but it seems to work well for alot of people and should be a complete veg nute besides maybe needing some cal-mag at some point.

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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: DudeTron]
    #372260 - 02/24/10 07:39 AM (14 years, 1 month ago)

not all chemicals come from the earth guys. most of them need to be synthesised or refined from natural sources.

yes uranium is natural, no your can't burn a rock in a reactor you need to purify the junk out and that makes the remaining portion harmful. ammonia occurs naturally also but to get it pure we make it and we make it much stronger and purer than occurs naturally making it much more harmful.

I use a product called Zamzows Thrive for my plants. it's nice and mild and has a lot of sugars for the microbes to chow on. the plants really love it and so far I have not had any micro deficiencies. It wouldn't be okay in a hydro setup though i imagine for that reason.


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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: TrueHerbCrystal]
    #372278 - 02/24/10 08:10 AM (14 years, 1 month ago)

Quote:

TrueHerbCrystal said:
Interesting...:strokebeard:...I'm guessing its extracted from natural, because how could be liquid from natural sources? You can't just puree a dead fish and bottle it right?

I guess at the chemical level, it doesn't really matter if its organic or lab-made, as long as the Nitrogen-Phosphorous-Ketamine, I mean Potassium, are in the correct compound so that the plant can absorb it. Its all chemicals anyway.

Mmmm...Juicy
~ TrueHerbCrystal ~




to answer your other question, the growth rate in hempy is considerably faster than in soil. I was stunned the first time I tried it!

Also, I would highly recommend staying away from Earth Juice. Some people use it with great success, but that's the only brand of nutrients that I've actually thrown away bottles that were 3/4 full because I hated it so much.  I would put money on the death of your plant if you try it for your first grow.

For GOOD liquid organic fertilizers check out these;

http://www.biocanna.com/
http://www.thebigtomato.com/catalog/technaflora-pura-vida-organics-grow--bloom.htm (I have a sample bottle of this, never used it but I've read great stuff)
http://www.generalhydroponics.com/blog/2009/06/22/general-organics/


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OfflineDephect


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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: Harry_Ba11sach]
    #372381 - 02/24/10 11:13 AM (14 years, 1 month ago)

Advanced Nutrients has a organic line of nutrients, that is what I use.

http://www.advancednutrients.com/landing_pages/mother_earth_super_tea_grow_landing.html

http://www.advancednutrients.com/landing_pages/mother_earth_super_tea_bloom_landing.html

AN is some good shit too :smile:

Im done with the whole organic/hydro thing, next nutes I am getting is either the Technaflora line with a 7 part solution or House & Garden which will probably be another 7-8 part solution but it all depends on how much money I have at the time.

Oh yeah THC keep in mind that some nutes are expensive but most of the times they are totally worth buying because they are awesome! The major difference in hydroponic fertilizers is that they contain the proper amounts of all the essential micro-nutrients which fertilizers intended for use with soil do not. Hydroponic fertilizers are usually in a more refined form with fewer impurities making them both more stable and soluble for better absorption.

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OfflineTrueHerbCrystal
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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: TrueHerbCrystal]
    #373114 - 02/24/10 11:25 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

The Leaves: They Work! And they smell Great!

But first, a plant health update....

*** Young Plant Status: Better than Before ***

Today's Date: Febuary 24, 2010 (Wednesday)
Seed Planting Date: Febuary 5, 2010

Day 19

^As you can see, my baby girl is doing a lot better after that feeding: yellowing stopped completely, the leaves are starting to untaco, and the top canopy are greener than ever. I love that top canopy now: looks like a miniture psychedelic palm-tree that went thru a drought...Pretty :awesome::thumbup:. If you also notice, I have clipped off the yellowing parts of the leaf: they looked pretty dead and "unrevivable", so I cut them near the green/yellow line with sharp scissors.

I was just going to throw them away in the trash, and then I remembered that this was a cannabis plant, and the leaves are active. I had a suspection they were active after looking zooming-in on some of my leaf macro shots, which showed tiny white crystals on the surface of the leaf, Herbal Crystals if you will. So, I trimmed off the green parts of the dead leaves and got this little collection.


^The Smell: First thing I did after harvesting the leaves was put them in a pile on my hand, and gave it a nice "sniff" test. The smell was sweet, pleasant, and smelt similar to a guava that had fallen from its Mother tree and ripen on the ground under the hot, summer sun. Growing up on Hawaii, I saw A LOT of fallen guava's on the ground during the summer, so many that they would cover the ground with their pink insides. After smelling these leaves, it brought back vivid memories of walking down the street of my hometown of Waikoloa in the summer with guava fruit littered all the ground, with that pungant, sweet smell of tropical fruit. I was so happy that my plant brought back such fine memories of my life in Hawaii: I'm soooo glad I picked these seeds: I couldn't have choosen a better plant for me, for I think about Hawaii almost everyday.....Thanks CH8 for the excellent bredding! You guys really made my day today! I can't wait to smell the bud! Will it smell like one of my favorite aromatic weed type, "Hawaiian Guava"? I hope so....

The Toke Test: So, after the smell test, I went ahead and packed a small bowl of my homegrown leaves....wow! First off, the hit was harsh! I thought I could take it all, but I was wrong. The taste was not like the guava sadly, it was more like salvia or that fake weed stuff you buy at head shops. Pretty nasty, but not the worst thing I've smoked. Almost instantly, I felt kinda "stoned". Not heavy stoned, like a light, uplifting semi-stoned. It was quite different than any bud I used before, and it felt great! I was amazed on how powerful these leaves were, which are essential shakes. I should note that my tolerance is really low: the last time I smoked was about 2 weeks ago, and that time I only used about 0.05 grams (very little). This made me look forward to my completed "flowers".....

Actually, this makes me want to take a clone from a branch, around say March 7, plant it, root it for 1 week, then flower for 5 weeks (out of the recomended 7 weeks) and make it my mini "4-20" plant. With this crazy potency is just a few leaves, I can't imagine how powerful immature buds would be....And that way, while the mother is growing bigger, I can celebrate by smoking my youngest daughter....Hopefully, in 1.5 weeks, my plant will have big enough stems to make a clone of. I wonder what the minimal lenght is, because right now, I already see 2 short stems that look like that could be cloned (carefully), but I'm pretty sure its too early for that.

>>> Stealthing Finally Fixed! <<<


^Well, taking Dephect's advice, I finally descided the tape sucks for hanging fabric, and went for the "hole-in-the-wall" approach. I recalled that I owned some push pins, but I didn't know where they were. After about an hour, I found them, and hung up the thick blanket again. It works so good! It actually works so well, that the other side with the green blanket is starting to show some light coming from outside, but *very* little. Excellent! I'm going to have to get more pins for the other side....

Overall, I'm very pleased with the potency of the leaves and finally doing my stealthing right. On March 7, I will be planning on doing a clone of one of the branches, then growing out the roots for at least a week, then puting it into flower-mode. Hopefully, I'll get at least 1/2 grams worth for 4-20. We'll just have to see....

A Good Day for da Guava Girl :vaped::leaf:
~ TrueHerbCrystal ~

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OfflineDRAGON
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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: Harry_Ba11sach]
    #373200 - 02/25/10 07:30 AM (14 years, 1 month ago)

Great job so far man, keep it up!:thumbup:


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Offlinepha3r0
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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: DRAGON]
    #373206 - 02/25/10 07:43 AM (14 years, 1 month ago)

For clones you will want 3 or 4 nodes above your cut, they can be really short you just want a tip with nice bright green new growth.

As for the idea of making one ready for 4:20 I don't think it would turn out well. 1week is about the minimum for a clone to start it's new root system. It can take a month for them to start actually growing above ground much. Flowering before that is sure to yield a very tiny crop, very.


--------------------
"The proverb warns that, "You should not bite the hand that feeds you." But maybe you should, if it prevents you from feeding yourself."
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OfflineShroomieGirl
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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: TrueHerbCrystal]
    #373350 - 02/25/10 12:50 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

awesome :thumbup:... glad shes doing okay now. im pretty useless when it comes to diagnosing food issues/deficiencies, plus its been a while since ive grown so im rusty, so sorry i wasnt much help
good luck with the clones


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InvisibleHarry_Ba11sachM
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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: TrueHerbCrystal]
    #373354 - 02/25/10 12:57 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

Looking GREAT now. I can't wait to see it in a week, I'm sure it'll be a gorgeous herbal tree.

and I agree about guava :drooling:  A rare treat for me up in the mountains... you were truly spoiled to grow up in it's native habitat


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OfflineTrueHerbCrystal
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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: Harry_Ba11sach]
    #374127 - 02/26/10 02:51 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

I'm afraid she's made a horrible turn and she's not looking so gorgeous....

*** Young Plant Update: She's having a Near Death Experience (Again!) ***

Today's Date: Febuary 26, 2010 (Friday) (2.26 on my LCD meter)
Seed Planting Date: Febuary 5, 2010
Day 21

^First it was the yellowing and taco, now its green bananas! WTF! I got a name for her now: Goldilocks on Chemo. I thought this would be the perfect for name for her because she has to have it *just right*, and she seems to be always sick, like a girl with cancer on chemo. If she dies, I think I'll have to look for another hobby, but this just ain't working.

>> I have one theory for why's she's dying. thou: When I fed her the Shultz chemical food, I used TAP water to dilute the solution. Previous to that, I was watering her (without any food) with bottle water, from a 2.5 gallon jug.

>> Second theory: food poisioning? Too much food maybe. Over-feeding I know could be bad, especially if the nutrients are changing the pH of the soil.

>> Thrid Theory: too much FAE? I have 2 fans, one 12" and one 80mm PC fan blowing on it constantly, maybe that's bad for it. Or maybe its blowing all the CO2 away....I just don't know.

>>> Forth Theory: I would say she's over-watered, since from my research from this thread with Triptronic's plant (how ironic for Triptronic).

Inverted said this important comment:

"It indeed looks like a case of waterlogged soil (overwater) and a lack of nutes."

^So I figured that must be it, but the thing is, I haven't watered her for 2 days. I sparyed a little on the leaves to keep her cool, but I haven't soaked the soil in at least 2 days (now its time to review my own journal entries). Maybe that was it, I gave her too much water at one time, which is confusing because Harry said water every couple days, NOT a little frequently. If you check the soil in the photos, its really dry. I actually dug like an inch into the ground to feel the wetness: completely DRY, like desert sand dry....

I just don't get it. This cultivation stuff is way to complicated for me. Maybe its the strain, maybe its me. Whatever the reason, it hard to watch my girl suffer like this because of my so-called "care". Its almost too much to bare....

What should I do? Is my girl doomed to a soil burial? Is this it?

A very sad week for Goldilocks :sad:
~ TrueHerbCystal ~

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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: TrueHerbCrystal]
    #374129 - 02/26/10 02:58 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

It was droopy from being over watered, but it was a lack of nutes that caused it to die. Yours doesnt look like the same problem. It looks like the yellowing is only on the bottom leaves, and the top leaves are almost too dark green.

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InvisibleInverted
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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: Triptonic]
    #374150 - 02/26/10 03:30 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

Now it's wilting because it's dry... :facepalm:

That's why I don't use clay pots, they wick all of the moisture out of your soil.  It was looking overwatered before, but now it's looking underwatered.

You have too many fans blowing on that lady.  You should only need one that oscillates to circulate the air around since you seem to have an open grow space.  Constant breeze like that could lower the RH too much.

Edit:  I'm not 100% on my diagnosis just to let you know, it just looks like that to me.


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OfflineTrueHerbCrystal
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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: Inverted]
    #374153 - 02/26/10 03:34 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

Roger. This time its bottled water (just to be safe).

I'm going to just feed her water, without the nutrients, because like Triptronic said, the top leaves *do* look a little too green, which is a sign of toxicity.

What do you think? Has she gotten too much food?

~ TrueHerbCrystal ~

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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: TrueHerbCrystal]
    #374156 - 02/26/10 03:37 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

Are the top leaves crispy?

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OfflineTrueHerbCrystal
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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: Triptonic]
    #374158 - 02/26/10 03:39 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

No, not at all. The top canopy feels like soft, flexible felt. The leaves are moist up there.

~ TrHrCr ~

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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: TrueHerbCrystal]
    #374162 - 02/26/10 03:47 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)


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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: TrueHerbCrystal]
    #374183 - 02/26/10 04:40 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

Less air circulation less food more water your rate of transpiration is too high for ur water intake, pretty much she is evaporating more water from her leaves than she can with the amount she's taking up from the roots, make sure your fans not pointed directly on that little lady


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InvisibleInverted
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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: Inbred_gimp]
    #374188 - 02/26/10 04:47 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

Quote:

Inbred_gimp said:
Less air circulation less food more water your rate of transpiration is too high for ur water intake, pretty much she is evaporating more water from her leaves than she can with the amount she's taking up from the roots, make sure your fans not pointed directly on that little lady




That's basically what I was getting at, thank you for elaborating! :thumbup:


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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: Inverted]
    #374191 - 02/26/10 04:49 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

Although I think she is fine on the feeding levels.  That was the first time he has given her food, and unless he ran a ton of water through the soil I really don't think he overfed with the recipe I gave him, because that was only 4 droppers and I have given them 7-8 with no burns.


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OfflineTrueHerbCrystal
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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: Inbred_gimp]
    #374192 - 02/26/10 04:49 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

Thanks Inbred.

I put the 12" fan on rotate-mode: before it was directly pointed at her, not moving, blowing all the time. Its weird that NOW its an issue when before it didn't make a difference.

Also, I turned down the voltage on the PC fan: its on "Low-blow" now. I leave it on because of heat: my bulbs put the area at 80F+ without the PC fan on.
I guess the stem-strength will have to wait as she gets more water in her leaves and lives for another day. Living is better than muscle right?

Also, I watered with straight bottle water, no liquid food. Hopefully that does some good.

There's Hope for Goldilocks
~ TrueHerbCrystal ~

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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: TrueHerbCrystal]
    #374223 - 02/26/10 06:06 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

I'm far from an expert, but here goes my opinion..

I think she's a bit overfed... I think I see a little burning, she's a little too green, and too much N can cause leaves to curl under like that, though some of it is underwatering.

Also I see some salts on your pot, which could just kinda be the way those clay pots are, but I'd still probably suggest a flush...  I'm a noob though too, so my comments should be taken with a grain of salt

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OfflineInbred_gimp
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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: DudeTron]
    #374275 - 02/26/10 07:02 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

like inverted said , if there was any nute burn at all it is very minor and not your primary concern  Just get on your irrigation and air circulation and you should be fine


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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: TrueHerbCrystal]
    #374881 - 02/27/10 08:43 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

Well, she's suffering AGAIN...lack of nutrients maybe?

*** Young Plant Status: Up-Curling on leave tips, browning on leaf tips and some leaf taco'ing ***
Today's Date: Feburary 27, 2010
Seed was planted on: Febuary 5
Day 22



^As you can see, Goldilocks is suffering, Again, for the thrid time. I'm pretty sure she needs food, because I haven't been using the food/water combo as she recovered from whatever happened last time.

But right after I took these photos, I made a *new* mixture using filtered water, 2 FULL droppers of the Schlutz plant food, and 1 gallon of water. After mixing, I filled up my brand-new spray bottle (Which I needed so bad a few days ago).

Hopefully she gets better and goes back to growing...I may have to get a better liquid ferilizer, I think this one is just not doing the job for my girl.

Why Goldi! Why!
~ TrueHerbCrystal ~

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InvisibleHarry_Ba11sachM
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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: TrueHerbCrystal]
    #374894 - 02/27/10 09:01 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

yep, I'd say give her another feeding. She's not as green as last time but I'd say she looks better than before. the leaves aren't as curled under or wrinkled so I'd say she's merely hungry right now. Be careful with spraying solutions on the leaves though, if it's too concentrated it can hurt her quite badly.

oo, and I think you should remove the damaged leaves at the very bottom. they're doing nothing but sucking energy from her right now as she tries to heal them and removing them will encourage those smaller branch-shoots to grow a tad more.


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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: Harry_Ba11sach]
    #374897 - 02/27/10 09:08 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

Roger.

Don't spray leaves with food-solution. Cut dead leaves on lower part.

I'm on my way Baby....
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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: TrueHerbCrystal]
    #374901 - 02/27/10 09:12 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

Oh god, I love cutting those leaves.....

That Guava smell..Oooh!..I just wanna grow a huge 10 foot tree, cut all the leaves, throw it on my bed, and just roll in it. Then I can finally say I slept with Mary Jane....

Some day, I'm going to have to do that.

Step #1: Grow a green forest
~ TrueHerbCrystal ~

Edited by TrueHerbCrystal (02/27/10 09:12 PM)

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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: TrueHerbCrystal]
    #374955 - 02/27/10 11:08 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

haha love the enthusiasm!

Also harry, that taco shaped leaf, and the wrinkled margins, is that not a sign of heat stress?


--------------------
"The proverb warns that, "You should not bite the hand that feeds you." But maybe you should, if it prevents you from feeding yourself."
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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: pha3r0]
    #374956 - 02/27/10 11:11 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

Normally I would say yes, but we shouldn't be seeing that at only 79 degrees.....

I can't help but feel there's another undiagnosed problem we're all missing....


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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: Harry_Ba11sach]
    #374963 - 02/27/10 11:22 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

okay i was thinking about the lights distance. I have noticed on mine that there can be several degrees difference in the 10 inches between the bulb and the dirt. I attribute some of that to the small boxes and low ventilation I have used though.


--------------------
"The proverb warns that, "You should not bite the hand that feeds you." But maybe you should, if it prevents you from feeding yourself."
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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: pha3r0]
    #374971 - 02/27/10 11:36 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

Those leaves look way to dark to me.

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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: Triptonic]
    #374998 - 02/28/10 02:13 AM (14 years, 1 month ago)

Maybe check your ph just coz there's no reason not to


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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: Inbred_gimp]
    #375008 - 02/28/10 05:48 AM (14 years, 1 month ago)

Good point Gimp, but how do I check the pH of soil? Do I take a sample and rub it on my tongue or something since basic things taste soapy and acidic things taste like lemons....

Or do I have to go to my local chemistry store and buy those things they used for pools, with the different colored tubes....

As for the possibility of heat stress....I just bought some rubber straps, and I'm going to hang the lights from those 2 wooden supports. That way the bulbs will be in-line with the fan, and hopefully provide better heat-exshauting. I will lose some light efficiency, but its better than heat stress.

Besides, 107 watts of CFL's is likely too much for such a small plant anyway...

Till morning....

~ TrueHerbCrystal ~

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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: TrueHerbCrystal]
    #375028 - 02/28/10 08:22 AM (14 years, 1 month ago)

For checking the soil's PH they have probes that work all right and are pretty cheap. The accuracy is not amazing but it puts you in the ballpark. I just take a few readings from around the pot and average them.

I don't know if there are other ways of testing but I imagine so, I am just not aware of them as usual.


--------------------
"The proverb warns that, "You should not bite the hand that feeds you." But maybe you should, if it prevents you from feeding yourself."
- Thomas Szasz

"if you arent good with electricity dont go touching it...ive electrocuted myself twice...its no fun"
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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: Triptonic]
    #375031 - 02/28/10 08:35 AM (14 years, 1 month ago)

Quote:

Harry_Ba11sach said:
I can't help but feel there's another undiagnosed problem we're all missing....




That's what I'm thinking.  I've almost NEVER seen the symptoms that your girl is showing.  I'm pretty dumbfounded.


Quote:

Triptonic said:
Those leaves look way to dark to me.




Dark green is fine, some strains are much darker than others.  If the leaves were curling then I'd be concerned about N toxicity, but she's just not happy w/ something that's why they are sagging like that.  It is probably the picture also making it seem darker than it is.

I'm dying to figure this out, because these things are pretty uncommon, and I feel bad that it's happening on your first grow.  Don't be put off man, something's just awry.  It's not that fertilizer, I use the same shit, and have used it exclusively before and it was fine.


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OfflineTrueHerbCrystal
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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: Inverted]
    #375756 - 02/28/10 11:28 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

Interesting Inverted....so what's happening to my plant is uncommon?

If so, I was thinking it could be just the strain? Maybe its unstable or not quite fully "indoors" yet? It said it grow either in or out, so I don't know what's going on.....

*** Young Plant: Finally Noticing Growth Again! ***

Today's Date: Feburary 28, 2010
Seed was planted on: Febuary 5
Day 23

^The top canopy is really expanding...looks really cool, kinda like palms on a tiny palm tree or something....

^^Those bottom leaves are still doing not so good. I do see a pattern thou: the top leaves are always the best, then as you go down the stem toward the roots, the leaf tips get worst. That's what happened to the last leafs I had to cut. I wonder what that represents, diesase maybe? Nutrients being "divided" amoung the the newer leaves, and not the older ones?

^^^The last photo is after I watered it: I watered the soil with 2 dropper per gallon solution and then watered the top of the soil with just plain water. Lastly, I watered the top leaves with plain water, in an attempt to help them out.

Question: Does watering the leaves with plain, filtered water benefit the plant?

- I Figured because it happens in nature (rainfall), that it would be good for it, but since its bred for indoor growing, I think maybe not. Anyone know?

Its beyond me. Maybe someone here knows what it could be....I just hope you're right about "this type of thing is rare" comment Inverted....makes me feel like a better "father" of my little Goldilocks....

I bought some supplies, and I will be hanging the lights underneath the wood frame to aid in bulb cooling and hopefully put less stress on the plant, because 79F constant is a little high. Thats near desert levels....

Much Improvement for Goldi
~ TrueHerbCrystal ~

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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: TrueHerbCrystal]
    #375758 - 02/28/10 11:33 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

From what I have observed once you damage leaves sometimes they never heal. Like if you burn your plants the leaves will be scarred but the new growth will still look good if you have the problems fixed.

I do mist my plants though. All of them, even my veggies. Once a day. Remember you don't want to drench you want to mist :smile: I feel that in a hot environment plants would love that nice spritz of pH neutral H2O

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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: Dephect]
    #375852 - 03/01/10 03:53 AM (14 years, 1 month ago)

I'm sorry, I haven't read the entire thread, just about the last 10 posts or so, but what kind of soil mix are you using?  I see some thick chunks up on top there and that stuff looks like it could really hold onto some water.  It almost looks like thick chunks of coir husks.  I also see you have some perlite in there as well, but I doubt it is going to do much to help the drainage when those tree bark looking pieces are going to retain water regardless.  I think your plant is over-watered and over-fed at this point.  Judging by those pics, I bet the pot is an inch or two deeper than the deepest roots, and if you are watering until there is runoff, the roots should still be working on getting some of that deepest water out.  The leaves on that plant look perfectly indicative of over-watering.  I wouldn't feed again until it is obviously necessary, which could be 2 weeks, and I wouldn't water again until absolutely sure your soil is totally dry, which may be 2-5 days.  Don't just let the top couple of inches dry out, but the entire pot.  If I am right, the plant will probably be wilted until you water again, so you will have to pay strict attention to the water content in the pot.  If you have ever heard it is time to water when the first couple of inches of soil are dry, forget it.  So if you can't tell for certain by the weight of the pot, look at the drainage holes in the bottom and make sure the soil you see is bone dry.  If you keep this up in the future, it will be obvious when your plant needs water because it will just start to wilt, from the bottom of the plant and work its way upwards.  Within an hour of watering it after letting it sufficiently dry and wilt, it will perk right back up. That is the driving force behind getting roots to grow, seeking out water deeper in the ground.  And there is no deficiency that is going to make your plant wilt like that, only a watering issue of maybe a pH issue, but your leaves are not twisted and gnarled as a pH issue would exhibit.

Also, try not to get the leaves so wet at this stage.  Foliar feeding isn't going to encourage root growth, which is what you want with that small of a plant in that large of a pot. 

And get rid of that aluminum foil!  It is ineffective at reflecting good light for plants, and also creates "hot spots" which can damage foliage.

Edited by dutc2006 (03/01/10 03:53 AM)

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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: dutc2006]
    #375854 - 03/01/10 03:59 AM (14 years, 1 month ago)

That plant looks way better though.. I think you're out of the woods with her.  Just remember you're probably not going to feed her again for awhile unless she really is a super hungry girl.

Also doesn't misting pull N out of plants?

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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: DudeTron]
    #375866 - 03/01/10 05:44 AM (14 years, 1 month ago)

You can buy these colour ph test things they are just some sort of liquid ( forgot name of it) and barium sulphate and they give u a colour which u can tell it ph from when u mix them with the soil sample,  you should b able to pick one up for 10$ or less, not vital at this stage but you might need it in the later stages of the plants life, checking ph regularly is in noway a bad thing


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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: TrueHerbCrystal]
    #375899 - 03/01/10 08:32 AM (14 years, 1 month ago)

Quote:

TrueHerbCrystal said:


^^Those bottom leaves are still doing not so good. I do see a pattern thou: the top leaves are always the best, then as you go down the stem toward the roots, the leaf tips get worst. That's what happened to the last leafs I had to cut. I wonder what that represents, diesase maybe? Nutrients being "divided" amoung the the newer leaves, and not the older ones?




Usually when a symptom starts at the bottom and progresses up it is a deficiency. Though being so small and that you have already given it some shultz I would be careful giving it more at least right away, it's on the up trend just let it roll.
Quote:


Question: Does watering the leaves with plain, filtered water benefit the plant?




Plants can pull water and nutrients through there leaves and misting can help with low RH problems but it's benefits as far as I see are situational and like Dutc2006 said is not necessary right now.
Quote:


I bought some supplies, and I will be hanging the lights underneath the wood frame to aid in bulb cooling and hopefully put less stress on the plant, because 79F constant is a little high. Thats near desert levels....




79 is not to bad really as long as it's 79 on the leaves not 79 in the room away from the lights. There can be several degrees difference near your lights even with good ventilation. I really don't think heat is your problem looking back on the log though.

I think what Inverted meant by this being uncommon is usually some one comes in with a dead on diagnosis and the problem goes away, no one has figured it out just yet and likely it's going to take time to correct itself. In the meantime just make sure she has everything she needs and not to much.


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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: pha3r0]
    #376012 - 03/01/10 11:35 AM (14 years, 1 month ago)

Yeah the only reason I mist my plants is because I am in a very dry state. When I blow my nose a little blood comes out its so dry, me and my girl have been talking about getting a humidifier to bring up the RH of the whole apartment, the only thing I am worried about is mold.

Your girl looks healthy though! I know you want to give her lots of lovin but you should resist temptation. Water her when the pot is almost completely dry and just wait and watch her grow, that's all you can really do now :smile: The hardest part of the game is waiting.

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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: Dephect]
    #376022 - 03/01/10 11:41 AM (14 years, 1 month ago)

you can say that again my projected chop date is march 18th and I am fucking ichin. I even fucking went scissor shopping already. i can tell it's gonna take a lot of control to not go snip one of those lower nugs when I run out.


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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: pha3r0]
    #376144 - 03/01/10 01:09 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

I know. I just ran out today, have to pay rent this week and I just started a new job today so I wont have any for a little while. I was re-potting my bagseeds and I got a big whiff of that veg smell and it made me want to smoke so bad.

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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: pha3r0]
    #376183 - 03/01/10 01:55 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

Quote:

pha3r0 said:
I think what Inverted meant by this being uncommon is usually some one comes in with a dead on diagnosis and the problem goes away, no one has figured it out just yet and likely it's going to take time to correct itself. In the meantime just make sure she has everything she needs and not to much.




Yeah sorry I haven't been around lately to really concentrate so I'm sorry if some of my posts are confusing.

That is exactly what I meant.  Usually I can tell what it is after a few seconds of seeing it but I would REALLY have to be there to know exactly what's wrong.  Mostly I want to lift that fucking pot!!!  :lol:

It's hard to tell the moisture content w/out knowing the weight.  I keep my plants REALLY dry, and we use the same soil.  He's using FFOF, I believe.  It seems the drier I keep my soil, the better the root growth is because they search out every last drop, also the plants always appear the happiest when they are kept semi-dry most of the time.

I too think he needs to let the soil dry out all the way.  I bet the top half is dry and the bottom half is soaked...


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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: Inverted] * 1
    #376187 - 03/01/10 02:00 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

He should lift the container and feel how heavy it is, then lift it when its dry. Then he will know when to water.

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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: Triptonic]
    #376188 - 03/01/10 02:01 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

Wow you actually contributed and it made perfect sense!  :thumbup:

Just kiddin with ya man, I know you get nervous under the scope... It's all good.


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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: Inverted]
    #376191 - 03/01/10 02:03 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

Thanks? :lol:

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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: Triptonic]
    #376199 - 03/01/10 02:09 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

Nevermind, yes your welcome... haha


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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: Inverted]
    #376202 - 03/01/10 02:14 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

Quote:

Inverted said:
Wow you actually contributed and it made perfect sense!  :thumbup:

Just kiddin with ya man, I know you get nervous under the scope... It's all good.





No but seriously that was a first.

+1 for trip.


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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: Harry_Ba11sach]
    #376206 - 03/01/10 02:26 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

It was not "a first".

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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: Triptonic]
    #376209 - 03/01/10 02:32 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

He did help me with something when I first got started guys. It must have made sense or I wouldn't have listened


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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: Triptonic]
    #376212 - 03/01/10 02:39 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

Ok fine, no more +1 for you :mad2:


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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: Harry_Ba11sach]
    #376214 - 03/01/10 02:41 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

:shrug: Oh well, I'm not gonna post in here anymore cuz its someones grow journal.

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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: Triptonic]
    #376224 - 03/01/10 02:51 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

Quote:

Triptonic said:
:shrug: Oh well, I'm not gonna post in here anymore cuz its someones grow journal.




You sir are a gentleman and a scholar.

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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: Triptonic]
    #376419 - 03/01/10 07:02 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

Trip said something helpful! Oh Yeah! :vaped:

I will definitely be using that trick to gauge how much water is in the pot. I'll combine it with a scale and post the results, before and after waterings, for a rough Idea of how much water is in there.

I like your new sig photo Trip, but I just had a strike of creativity....

What if you took a photo of a wide plate of tonic water with a UV light over it (to make it trippy) then photoshop a bunch of trippy animals (that yellow/orange bug you had on the old sig photo, a june beetle, poison dart frog, jellyfish, etc) drinking from it (since you like nature, like me!), and on the front of the plate, it will say in big letters: "Triptonic". That would be Awesome, right! :awesome::thumbup:

>>> As for my grow journal, Its great to hear you guys say that Goldi is doing better....

And Inverted, I found this recent statement confusing as well (enjoy): "That is exactly what I meant.  Usually I can tell what it is after a few seconds of seeing it but I would REALLY have to be there to know exactly what's wrong.  Mostly I want to lift that fucking pot"!!! 

^Say whaaa.....

I'll be taking some photos later today on how she's doing, which is pretty good, but those lower leaves are slowly turning brown (at the tips toward the stem). Hopefully that nonsense stops pretty soon....

Trip's done it again!
~ TrueHerbCrystal ~

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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: TrueHerbCrystal]
    #376436 - 03/01/10 07:13 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

If they are dying you should just take them off, unless there is still some green on them.

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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: Triptonic]
    #376439 - 03/01/10 07:14 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)



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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: Triptonic]
    #376442 - 03/01/10 07:16 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

No, its like 15% dried on the biggest leaves, I'd say....

Its just on the tip, its like my last photo post, but just a little more up the leaf, but no much. I'll wait till it gets better (hopeful) before I cut anything....

Is your sig photo on random or something? If so, that's awesome! :awesome:

Cool Effect!
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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: TrueHerbCrystal]
    #376445 - 03/01/10 07:18 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

Nah coaster made the last one, I made this one.

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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: Triptonic]
    #376448 - 03/01/10 07:22 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

I love it, straight up. Such Cool textures!

This one is X1000 better than your last one with the macro of bud. The colors are so vivid. Totally awesome, keep up that good work, my friend!

I'm Impressed
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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: TrueHerbCrystal]
    #376489 - 03/01/10 08:07 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

I mean I want to lift the container so I can get an idea of the moisture content of your medium, as well as see if the top is dry and the bottom not...  Clay pots have been known to cause problems.  My pots, 75% of the time feel nearly empty when I lift them, just to give you an idea of how dry I keep my soil...  My plants thrive in those conditions.


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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: Inverted]
    #376490 - 03/01/10 08:12 PM (14 years, 1 month ago)

Oh, I see. I firgured that, I just had to point out the irony...because I just love irony! :awesome:

As for clay pots, I hear that a lot, that they are bad for MJ growing. I'm going to switch over to square plastic one when I transplant....

Speaking of transplanting, how do you know when to transplant? Is it like the height of the plant is proportional to its root depth/spread?
Any way of knowing without digging up the dirt?

Thanks for coming back Inverted :thumbup:
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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: TrueHerbCrystal]
    #376613 - 03/02/10 12:32 AM (14 years, 30 days ago)

*** Young Plant Status: Better? ***

Today's Date: March 1, 2010
Seed was planted on: Febuary 5
Day 24

^In the 2nd photo, you can see how the "death" is slowly creeping up the leaf. In photo #3, same thing on the other side of the plant. Photo #4 (last one), you can even the tip of the top canopy leaves are starting to brown.

I took Trips advice, and picked up the pot to see the weight of it. I found that it was light, so I weighed it on my scale. Its barely 1/2 pound, so can't use my bathroom scale for that. Then I had a good idea! I descided to check the bottom of the pot, since there is a hole there.

So, I took a Q-tip and scraped the bottom to take a "biopsy" of the soil (thansk House M.D.!).


So I felt the dirt: desert dry.

So I gave it a good soaking with the 2 dropper per gallon mix of Schlutz and then gave a spray on the soil with plain water, with a little on the leaves....

- Shortly after taking this photos, I cut those lower leaves off in a attempt to stop the dieing....but I didn't not cut the entire leaf off, just about 15% of just the shriveled tip ("that's what she said!" - you shut up!).

Seems like she's growing again, but those dying leaves are not making me happy....I guess I should buy some pH meters to find out whats really going on in there....

Goldi's Makin' a Come Back
~ TrueHerbCrystal ~

Edited by TrueHerbCrystal (03/02/10 12:42 AM)

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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: TrueHerbCrystal]
    #376615 - 03/02/10 12:39 AM (14 years, 30 days ago)

Do you have a Ph tester?

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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: TrueHerbCrystal]
    #376616 - 03/02/10 12:41 AM (14 years, 30 days ago)

Quote:

TrueHerbCrystal said:
*** Young Plant Status: Better? ***

Today's Date: March 1, April 2010



:confused:

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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: Triptonic]
    #376617 - 03/02/10 12:44 AM (14 years, 30 days ago)

My bad....I use a templete, copy and paste (to make it consistent) and just delete stuff for the correct Day, month, etc....but I forgot to delete April's month. Ooops!

As for a pH tester, no I don't have one: I'll buy one on Tuesday at Homey D. They are cheap right? And where do I look, the "pool" section?

Hmmm...Which Sector
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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: TrueHerbCrystal]
    #376621 - 03/02/10 12:51 AM (14 years, 30 days ago)

Go to a hydro shop if you can, and then get a ph test kit by General Hydroponics. Its like 7 bucks for that and some Ph Up and down. I have a feeling that your Ph is way off. I'm thinking its probably way high. But you need to get a tester ASAP.

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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: Triptonic]
    #376623 - 03/02/10 12:57 AM (14 years, 30 days ago)

What if my town has no hydro shop? Flower shop?

Would they have one at a plant nursery?

Any Alternatives?
~ TrueHerbCrystal ~

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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: TrueHerbCrystal]
    #376626 - 03/02/10 01:18 AM (14 years, 30 days ago)


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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: Triptonic]
    #376627 - 03/02/10 01:27 AM (14 years, 30 days ago)

I meant locally, ya big silly!

I'm not gunna pay for shipping if I can find a local alternative....there has to be other uses for pH meters than just cannabis cultivation...

There just has to be.

Ur Psuper Psilly
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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: TrueHerbCrystal]
    #376628 - 03/02/10 01:31 AM (14 years, 30 days ago)

A pool one would work. You might be able to find Ph up and down there as well. Dont know though.

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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: TrueHerbCrystal]
    #376688 - 03/02/10 07:44 AM (14 years, 30 days ago)

Aaaaannnnndddd time for Harry to jump in again.

You want a soil pH test kit. just testing the pH of your solution will help but it's far from the only problem. If you have a home depot or a lowes near you they sell kits. You literally mix a small sample of your soil with an indicator powder and then add some of the fancy liquid they provide, and viola, soil pH tested.

you should also get some litmus paper or indicator drops to test the pH of your water and nutrient solution, but I think that's secondary to making sure your soil is okay.

all of that should be sold at any local hardware store :smile:


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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: Triptonic]
    #376691 - 03/02/10 07:50 AM (14 years, 30 days ago)

I am really really sure the PH is not the cause of the leaf death and I am pretty positive if you do test you will find the PH is right between 6.5 and 7, a tad high but not high enough to start locking out nutrients. In my experience a high PH is accompanied by top leaves that turn into a claw and are narrower then normal. Those are anything but.

And you can find PH test kits at any good pet store, pool supply, farm and ranch supply, home depot, lowes... you get the idea. look for either a kit with vials or a probe tester, the probe is a bit more but works forever and I like to check a lot so thats what I got.


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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: Harry_Ba11sach]
    #376941 - 03/02/10 01:41 PM (14 years, 30 days ago)

Quote:

Harry_Ba11sach said:
Aaaaannnnndddd time for Harry to jump in again.

all of that should be sold at any local hardware store :smile:




:awedance: Harry, That was Awwweeesssooommmee! I could totally imagine how that would sound if your voice sounded like mind (or a storm tropper?)

Your comment was a lot more helpful than TripTonics suggestion (sorry Trip, but tagline is a misleading joke, not good for new growers)....its good to know there's some local stores around me that sell them.

So is it called a "Soil pH tester"? So it would be in the Plant/Garden section of say Home D/Lowes right?

And you say get the powder and liquid dropper type, I'll write that down....

To pra3r0:

Good to hear you saying the same as Harry. That ups your crediable a couple points, definitely. And its interesting that you say the pH of the soil might not be the problem, because as youy said, in your experience, you don't get "nutrient lock-up" only on bottom leaves with the top leaves practically untouched and healthy (which is the case for me). And what is this leaf "Claw" thing you speak of? Is that like "bananing" or bending down towards the ground?

I like that probe tester: so its electronical? And it works in dry soil?

wait a minute! I just remembered! In my chemistry class a year ago, we did an experiment called "acid/base tritations", in which we used a digital pH meter to monitor the pH inside a solution. Do you think Home Depot/Lowes would have something like that? Maybe a department store or a local plant nursury?

Looks like I'm going to the good old Homey D today....I love that place: its like Home for me.

Digital or Powder pH meter: check!
~ TrueHerbCrystal ~

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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: TrueHerbCrystal]
    #376943 - 03/02/10 01:45 PM (14 years, 30 days ago)

Yep, the garden center at home depot should have kits for testing the pH of soil. Not sure exactly what form your local store will stock but if you ask an associate they can easily point you towards the right product.

I also think pH is an unlikely problem for your plant, but it certainly can't hurt to check eh?


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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: Harry_Ba11sach]
    #376946 - 03/02/10 01:50 PM (14 years, 30 days ago)

I dunno, if he never checked his Ph, then I think it definatly could be a problem.

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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: Triptonic]
    #376948 - 03/02/10 01:52 PM (14 years, 30 days ago)

but then don't you think his plant would show symptoms of pH issues? As it is now his plant doesn't show any symptoms that are typical of pH fluctuations


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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: Harry_Ba11sach]
    #376951 - 03/02/10 01:59 PM (14 years, 30 days ago)

You guys were saying earlier that you dont know what is causing it. So I'm suggesting Ph, and ruling it out. That way you will know for sure its not that. And if it is, you can easily correct it.

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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: Triptonic]
    #376953 - 03/02/10 02:03 PM (14 years, 30 days ago)

But what Harry is saying that my plant is not showing common symptoms of pH inbalance, so it *could* something else....

I'm arguing for bad/sensentive genetics: does anyone here know anyone who grew with CH8 seeds? Maybe they are not-so-realiable seed company?

Sounds like we got a House M.D. mystery...do you guys think I should post a thread in "Doctor's Diagnose" about whats going on?

Or is this it right here?
~ TrueHerbCrystal ~

Edited by TrueHerbCrystal (03/02/10 02:04 PM)

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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: TrueHerbCrystal]
    #376954 - 03/02/10 02:06 PM (14 years, 30 days ago)

LOL I dont think its genetics. Get a Ph tester, I'm saying just because it doesnt look like the typical Ph problem doesnt mean its not. Plus you should be checking your Ph anyways.

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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: TrueHerbCrystal]
    #376972 - 03/02/10 02:33 PM (14 years, 30 days ago)

eh, everybody who would respond in DD is probably right here in this thread anyway so I think you're okay :shrug:

it definitely could be genetics though, some strains are notoriously sensitive to certain things like light, nutrients, temps etc. Unlikely but possible.

the thing that's weirding me out is just that none of your parameters are outside the norm. every cannabis plant in the world should be able to handle 79 degrees etc...


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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: Harry_Ba11sach]
    #376976 - 03/02/10 02:40 PM (14 years, 30 days ago)

I'm glad that's a possiblity, the genetics, but yeah, like you said, its likely *not* the case. Mostly likely my inexperience in growing, at least thats what I'm thinking could be the biggest factor...

And one thing I forgot to mention in my last journal update is that checked the AA batteries in my gauge: they were low at 1.2 volts each. Its not low enough to be a acurracy problem, but I replaced the batteries anyway with some 1.55 volt ones. Should be good for about a month, but this rate.

Also, if 79F is OK for plants, what is the range of heat stress? I thought 79F was kinda close to that range....

Borderline temps?
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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: TrueHerbCrystal]
    #376978 - 03/02/10 02:43 PM (14 years, 30 days ago)

I've grown plants up to 90 without too many issues :shrug:

gotta keep in mind that it's a tropical plant in many parts of the world


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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: Harry_Ba11sach]
    #376984 - 03/02/10 02:47 PM (14 years, 30 days ago)

Wow! 90F! Thats crazy!

Was it just for a experiment or was it just your grow room gone out-of-control?

And you are right about the tropical plant, MJ grows like a weed (small pun intended) in Hawaii on the wet side on the island (Like Hilo and Puna) but not the desert. Not sure how hot it gets over there, but its likely in the mid 80F on a sunny day in Summer.

MJ is Tropical! Whoa!
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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: TrueHerbCrystal]
    #376986 - 03/02/10 02:48 PM (14 years, 30 days ago)

When I had some MJ plants growing outside it would get to ovee 100, and they seemed to be alright. They were even little like your plant.

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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: TrueHerbCrystal]
    #376988 - 03/02/10 02:50 PM (14 years, 30 days ago)

and Hawai'i has very mild weather compared to many tropical places :smile: btw I'm extremely jealous that you grew up there, I've visited twice and it's one of the most beautiful places on the planet. Just being in that state for a week puts me in a good mood for months.

as for my 90f room.... I don't have central airconditioning in my house out here, so during the summer when it's 95 outside and my 600W HPS is running it can get very very hot. I'm scouting a good outdoor spot for this summer because I'm pretty sure I can't do that again this summer....


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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: Harry_Ba11sach]
    #376998 - 03/02/10 03:06 PM (14 years, 30 days ago)

Yeah, Hawaii is pretty sweet. Which island did you visit?

If it was the Big Island, you earn extra points because that's where I grew up. Did you know that most of the weed in Hawaii is grown on the Big Island? Its because it has the most land, so its the easiest to conceal in deep forests and jungles. My friend's uncle grows it right in his yard, but his house is like inside a lush forest, so its pretty tucked-in from everyone else. And you're right: Hawaii weather is quite mild to places like Mexico or Jamaica where it can get much hotter and drier, and weed is still grownt there.

An outdoor grow....nice! Inverted said that his favorite budz are outdoor ones (surprizing to me, I thought indoor hydro was the best). What do you think? Do you agree? Is there *that* big a difference?

- One more thing: is there such thing as outdoor hydro?

Outdoor Budz FTW?
~ TrueHerbCrystal ~

Edited by TrueHerbCrystal (03/02/10 03:07 PM)

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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: TrueHerbCrystal]
    #377000 - 03/02/10 03:07 PM (14 years, 30 days ago)

I've been to the big island twice. Its beautiful.

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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: Triptonic]
    #377003 - 03/02/10 03:12 PM (14 years, 30 days ago)

Really, thats awesome! :awesome::thumbup:

What side did you visit? Ever heard of Waikoloa? (that's where I grew up).

One of my favorite places in the world (thus far) is Hawaii National Park south of Hilo. Its like stepping into back in time to Jurrasic Park or something. Its so amazing there. I've taken San Pedro + weed trips there, and that Park is by far the best place to take that combo....its incredible, truely one of a kind. Not to mention the glowing-hot flowing lava I've seen: thats a trip in itself!

I'm F.B.I. = From Big Island :sunny:
~ TrueHerbCrystal ~

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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: TrueHerbCrystal]
    #377004 - 03/02/10 03:14 PM (14 years, 30 days ago)

I dont know which side I was on. I've been to hapuna beach and Hilo. I think I was staying in Hilo actually, but it was a long time ago. I remember doing tons of shit there. To much to list haha. I caught my 131 lb tuna there.

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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: Triptonic]
    #377009 - 03/02/10 03:28 PM (14 years, 30 days ago)

Oh yeah, Hapuna! (PS nice spelling!). That's the best beach on the island and my favorite. :heart::sunny::cool:

You likely stayed on the West side in Kona, because Hapuna's on the West Side. Of course, you could of done lots of road trips around the island, but Hilo to Hapuna is pretty far.

131lb tuna! :eek: Holy jesus! Tow line on a boat right? If you were spear-fishing, I think I might have a new hero....

Damn awesome Trip!

~ TrueHerbCrystal ~

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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: TrueHerbCrystal]
    #377015 - 03/02/10 03:32 PM (14 years, 30 days ago)

Nah I wasnt spear fishing lol. That would be crazy.

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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: Triptonic]
    #377399 - 03/02/10 09:26 PM (14 years, 30 days ago)

I also don't think it's a pH issue either because as Harry said, It's not showing the trademark symptoms such as clawing and twisting of the upper leaves and leaves on the secondary branches.

But, having a test kit IS important nonetheless and I had better results once I started testing and adjusting... :thumbup:

We'll get it figured out, once you figure out your moisture levels and how to control them better (by lifting the pot when it's BONE dry, then soaked, and compare).  It's very easy once you find the so-called "parameters" of your medium.  Also, I would prefer keeping my soil dry rather than watering frequently.  I would only be watering that thing once when it was transplanted there, then waited at least 7 more days until the next watering which would be a light one.

I have since learned that starting seedlings in small containers (Solo Cups) is the best solution until they are 4-6 inches tall.  When you put them in a container any larger, they have a hard time sucking all that moisture out before the next watering because they don't have a large enough developed root system.  This leads to overwatering, and possible root rot.  They will never truly grow like they could (roots) because when they are put through drought-soak cycles every 4-5 days, it forces the roots to go hunting and expand their network.  If they are constantly soaked in your large container, they are not going to get those bursts of growth in search for moisture.


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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: Inverted]
    #377483 - 03/02/10 10:48 PM (14 years, 30 days ago)

Interesting....so you agree too it doesn't look like the pH is to blame. Hmmm...

I would of picked up a kit today, but I saw my plant a few hours ago and it looked so much healthier: it looks like the top canopy is growing a little bit every couple hours. Pretty cool stuff. So, since it seems like its healthier now, I got lazy and worked on other projects I'm trying to get done.

But on Wednesday, I'll drive over to Homey D and pick up a kit. Then we will see if the pH balance of my Fox Farm Ocean Forest is at the optimum range. Hopefully, it will provide some answers....

- Its interesting that you say that seedlings in containers larger than a 16oz. Dixie Cup do not grow well because the water moisture is so far spread. That could be the problem: inconsistent water uptake. That kinda explains why the top is doing the best: maybe the plant is allocating its resource (water) to key areas on the plant (like the new top canopy) and away from older leaves. Just a theory based on my "logic" and observations....

One question thou: dixie cups are tall and narrow: is that better for root growth than a container that is really wide and short? What are the benefits of roots growing downward and not outward? Would it be for better vertical support of the weight of the top of the canopy, like an anchor or a strong foundation?

All interesting stuff
~ TrueHerbCrystal ~

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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: TrueHerbCrystal]
    #377516 - 03/02/10 11:16 PM (14 years, 30 days ago)

Quote:

TrueHerbCrystal said:

I'm F.B.I. = From Big Island~




no you ain't I am tho


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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: Inbred_gimp]
    #377526 - 03/02/10 11:23 PM (14 years, 30 days ago)

Is that so Gimp man.....

What town did you grow up in? What is "69"'s and where is it located? What is the most popular beer on the Big Island?

And what does waihine mean? Is "gimp" a Hawaiian slang term that is used by a few close friends?

The Tiny Big Island Test
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Edited by TrueHerbCrystal (03/02/10 11:23 PM)

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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: TrueHerbCrystal]
    #377528 - 03/02/10 11:27 PM (14 years, 30 days ago)

Biggest island In The world brother the land down under


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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: Inbred_gimp]
    #377530 - 03/02/10 11:36 PM (14 years, 30 days ago)

I was hoping you were a friend of mine from the Big Island: his favorite word was "gimp". He used it all the time. And he loves the band SlipKnot, which your avatar reminds me of.

I think it stops being an island when the contiential U.S. can fit inside it.....

But you do bring up a good point: when does an island start being a contient? Kinda like Pluto: When does a planet become a drawft planet?

Well, you failed the Big Island test, but passed the "Thunder from down under" test.....:thumbup:

Fosters: They don't drink that sh*t!
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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: TrueHerbCrystal]
    #377533 - 03/02/10 11:45 PM (14 years, 30 days ago)

An island can be a continant like aussie it just has to be completely surrounded by water


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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: Inbred_gimp]
    #377627 - 03/03/10 08:12 AM (14 years, 29 days ago)

planet earth is an island!!!


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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: Harry_Ba11sach]
    #377757 - 03/03/10 12:25 PM (14 years, 29 days ago)

...In the Infinite Ocean that is the Vacuum of Space!

:raveface:

Whoooaaa
~ TrueHerbCrystal ~

P.S. Aren't all continents surrounding by water?

Edited by TrueHerbCrystal (03/03/10 12:32 PM)

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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: TrueHerbCrystal]
    #377828 - 03/03/10 01:50 PM (14 years, 29 days ago)

I thought we were in an ocean of raspberry flavored cosmic fart gas?


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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: TrueHerbCrystal]
    #378186 - 03/03/10 10:52 PM (14 years, 29 days ago)

*** Young Plant Status: Much Better, dare I say "Healthy" ***

Today's Date: March 3, 2010
Seed was planted on: Febuary 5
Day 28

^The top canopy is looking a lot better. I can even see some MJ charasterstic "5-ray leaves" starting to come out. Its pretty exciting. Looks like Goldi isn't so Goldilocks after all...

I also went to Homey D today and found this awesome 3-meter gadget, that measures 3 levels: "Moisture", "Light" (in Lumenes, range: 0 - 2000), and "pH" (8-3.5 only) and  that cost only $7.50!!! Its probably kinda inaccurate, but hey, its a cool idea.

Here's the 3-way meter....


So, I was excited to try it out, so I went straight into the grow room to test it out....

First, the pH:

^pH Reading: 7.5 . I shoved the probe like 3-4inches in the soil, toward the roots in the middle. If you look closely, the switch is on "pH" (all the way right) and the needle reads about "7.5" (the scale for pH is on the bottom of the screen). It looks like "7" from this angle, but when I read it, it was 7.5 (basic).

It also has a Light meter, but it only goes up to 2000 lumens. And guess what! It works just like my experiment in "Do Lumes add up?" thread: its uses a little solar cell on the front to measure the light concentration....I can't believe I did something smart....Whoa.

Here's the light reading....

^As you can see, the needle is pinned at over 2000 lumenes. I wish it went higher, so I knew what the actual light is....Well, from this measurement, it looks like Lumens DO add up, because all my bulbs only produce 1,600-1,750 lumens, as said in this package....
-> Left-middle, "1,750 Lum"
-> Right-Middle, "1,600 Lum"

To show it actually is actually accurate, I turned the meter away from the light, and got this reading....


I also measured the "moisture" (not pictured), and it said it was on "2" or the middle of the "Dry" range, 2 number counts from "moist". Made logic because the top soil was dry to the bone, but the underlayer could have been wet.

Since the soil was so dry, I descided it needed some water....

^Everytime I water, I try to stick to Harry's advice about roots: I spray the outer most edge of the pot, so that the roots have to search for it. That's why the center is dry (or at least kinda dry). I think its working pretty well....

Since I thought the water meter was weird, I descided to test it on the extreme, a cup of water.

Here's what I got....

^So its not that accurate, oh well. The needle should be pinned, but its only on "7" out of "10", or "moist". But at least its consistent!

So I dried it off, I descide to try it out again on the just-watered soil.....

^The "Moisture" had gone up by 1 number! This is good! Means the meter's working and it looks like the perfect wettness.

Overall, I'm happy with my $8 3-meter gauge. Its pretty :awesome: to me. :thumbup:

In other news: my photo gallery is getting full, real fast. I'm at 91 MB out of 102MB. Looks like I either have to delete old photos of my plant (which I hate to do), or buy a support account (which I want to do, but I'm broke right now).....Hmm....I'm in sort of a pickle..

Well, it looks like the best thing I can do is just upload 1 photos a week until May when the budz are done and when I run out of file space....freeness only goes so far, and I'm thankful for what I have gotten thus far....

On a brighter note, my plant is looking better than ever: I even think the yellowing, tacoing, and bananing has stopped...but for how long?

I love my new gadget! :smile2::thumbup:
~ TrueHerbCrystaL ~

Edited by TrueHerbCrystal (03/03/10 10:57 PM)

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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: TrueHerbCrystal]
    #378199 - 03/03/10 11:05 PM (14 years, 29 days ago)

Nice dude.  That PH is going to cause a lockout of nutrients real fast if it isn't corrected.  I'd also just give her water for the next week or two, but keep in mind you want the soil to dry completely before applying the next feeding...  Don't give them a daily little drink, and they also don't need to be sprayed.  Doing so will only divert energy away from root expansion because it's being supplied a small amount of moisture though the vegetation.


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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: Inverted]
    #378207 - 03/03/10 11:10 PM (14 years, 29 days ago)

Thanks dude. So, to correct the pH, I just have to stop using the food and just use water?

I will try to do a full-soak next watering (or should I do it now?)....should water come out the bottom of the pot at the end of the watering or is that too much?


And I won't spray the leaves...in fact, this time I didn't (for some reason). I will continue to NOT water the leaves from now on....

Thanks for stopping by so fast Inverted! Your help is always helpful....

It Truely Is....
~ TrueHerbCrystal ~

Edited by TrueHerbCrystal (03/03/10 11:11 PM)

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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: TrueHerbCrystal]
    #378218 - 03/03/10 11:19 PM (14 years, 29 days ago)

No don't water her yet.  You already gave her a misting and whatnot.

Plants are like humans, they can survive for a couple/few days w/ out any water, and I mean none, like the soil is bone dry top to bottom.  To correct pH you have to get a small kit, to raise or lower the ph.  General Hydroponics sells one for about $7-8.  Don't water her for a couple days, let the topsoil get bone dry then start lifting the container/plant and you will probably be able to tell when it's bone dry, not to mention the plant will start to get "soft" and flexible stems when it's thirsty.  THEN you give her what she wants and she will reward you with a burst of fresh growth.  I repeat this cycle over and over.


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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: Inverted]
    #378222 - 03/03/10 11:26 PM (14 years, 29 days ago)

Cool, thanks Inverted!

I'll remember that: good stradegy....you really know your plant growth. I'll be looking for that pH balancer kit: I'm guessing that stuff is not easy to find at a department store huh....Oh well, I'm this far in the hobby: can't back out now....

Good advice thou...I think that post deserves to be stickied, or put into a searchable "Growery Document". :thumbup:

You're gunna Kollect a lot of Digital Karma from....

~ TrueHerbCrystal ~ :smile2:

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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: Inverted]
    #378225 - 03/03/10 11:30 PM (14 years, 29 days ago)

Do exactly as inverted has said and you wont be unhappy.

The PH up and down can be found a lot of places but the kit he mentioned is available at many hydro and finer gardening shops and has everything you need in a nice pack.


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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: TrueHerbCrystal]
    #378228 - 03/03/10 11:33 PM (14 years, 29 days ago)

Some people don't like this but I've been using it for years....

pH up- baking soda (Sodium Bicarbonate)
pH down- Lemon juice or vinegar

just mix a little in with your next watering so that the water is at pH of 6 or so and that should do it. Let inverted double check me before you do that though, it's been a long time since I grew anything in dirt


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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: Harry_Ba11sach]
    #378278 - 03/04/10 03:49 AM (14 years, 28 days ago)

Roger that...too bad its too basic. If it was too acidic, I got some baking soda (that I'm planning to use as CO2 supplement some time in the future)....

But I do have vineagar too! (for the same reason I mentioned). I'll wait till Inverted gets back to see what the recipie is, or if he even recomends putting it in the water....

Good idea thou. I guess Inverted is the soil expert, you must be the hydro expert huh Harry?

See ya Thrusday...
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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: TrueHerbCrystal]
    #378298 - 03/04/10 07:17 AM (14 years, 28 days ago)

THC, I have had to do some ghetto PH adjusting myself let me share what I know about lowering with you.

First lesson I learned was adjust a little at a time. Secondly avoid feeding and adjusting at the same time, at 7.5 some nutrients are locked into the soil and you may have a little buildup, once the PH drops your plant will have it, if you add more it may be too much.

Now I have done some testing with different PH dirt and different amounts of vinegar, I use vinegar because you can get it anywhere and it's standard strength no matter what brand you get (as long as it's distilled white). One thing you need to know about PH is that the difference between 7 and 7.1 is not 1/10th it is 1 so a PH of 7.5 is 5 times more alkaline then 7. I have used 2 tsp per gallon on 7.2 PH and it lowered my PH to roughly 6.9, 3 tsp in a gallon lowered a PH of 7.1 to 6.5 (that was way to much at one time) and 1tsp to a gallon lowered a PH of 6.9 to 6.7.

From that I would say you would be safe using 2tsp/gallon and I would expect it to put you somewhere near 7.3 with one watering. I forgot to note that you won't put the whole gallon through your pot just water thoroughly as normal next time it is thirsty. Check it again after that right away to make sure everything is okay (you didn't drop too much) and then test a sample before the next watering to see where it's at. Just keep moving it slowly in the direction you want.

I am confident enough with doing this that now when I get over the 7.0 mark I just go ahead and toss a single tsp in my watering can and go to town. I don't have to do that often but my Thrive stuff raises the PH slowly


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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: TrueHerbCrystal]
    #378312 - 03/04/10 08:12 AM (14 years, 28 days ago)

Quote:

TrueHerbCrystal said:
Roger that...too bad its too basic. If it was too acidic, I got some baking soda (that I'm planning to use as CO2 supplement some time in the future)....

But I do have vineagar too! (for the same reason I mentioned). I'll wait till Inverted gets back to see what the recipie is, or if he even recomends putting it in the water....

Good idea thou. I guess Inverted is the soil expert, you must be the hydro expert huh Harry?

See ya Thrusday...
~ TrueHerbCrystal ~




I consider myself a bit of a soil expert when it's vegetables in my garden outdoors, but I've only done 2 indoor soil grows and they were both some years ago (my first and second grow ever as a matter of fact :wink:), So I'd trust inverteds soil advice over my own for MJ cultivation

As Pha3ro said, be very careful adjusting the pH and go slowly. I usually only use about 1/2 a capful to lower it from 7 to about 6 or 6.5. The most important part is that you need to let it sit for about half an hour to an hour so that the vinegar can react with the H+ ions in your solution and neutralize them. When you dump in the vinegar you'll see a little change immediately, but you're going to want to wait about an hour so that the reaction is complete so you don't wreak havoc on the chemistry of your soil.


I hope that made some sense, I just woke up and had to pause about 10 times in that sentence to try and remember what I was saying :lol:


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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: Harry_Ba11sach]
    #378504 - 03/04/10 04:27 PM (14 years, 28 days ago)

Now I'm kinda scared to adjust the pH....because if I go too acidic towards "1", or not enough towards basic "14", I could kill my girl, right? But, if I do nothing, she'll die anyway?

Tough call...I guess I got to do it *very* carefully like you said, half a cap full of distilled vineager per gallon water. Are all vineager bottle cap sizes the same? Mines about 1.25 inches wide (Ouside Diameter). Is that pretty standard size?

I think I'll wait til the next watering til I start playing with the vinegar...it all sounds like a delicate game of "Goldilocks" to me...

I'll just have to wait and see....

Damned if I Do, Damned if I Don't :strokebeard:
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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: TrueHerbCrystal]
    #378711 - 03/05/10 01:58 AM (14 years, 27 days ago)

Do you have anything to measure the pH of your water?  You do need to adjust the pH gradually to prevent a major growth stunt.  I wouldn't give subsequent waterings with water more than .2 pH difference.

I thought using vinegar as a pH amendment was inefficient because it was so quickly biodegradable that the pH wouldn't stay constant for more than a couple days.  I don't know if that is true though. 

Either way you are probably not going to kill the plant.  Cannabis will grow despite pH problems, it will just stunt the growth.

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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: dutc2006]
    #378722 - 03/05/10 07:06 AM (14 years, 27 days ago)

You can take about a gallon of water, make it the pH that is needed (you have pH measuring device right?!) and just wash the soil, i think a gallon would be enough. Just wait until the soil dries out before doing this.

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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: dstark]
    #380521 - 03/08/10 09:58 PM (14 years, 24 days ago)

Any up-to-dates?

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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: TrueHerbCrystal]
    #380548 - 03/08/10 10:36 PM (14 years, 24 days ago)

Well, I'm back!

Its been awhile since my last entry...and man has she grown!

*** Journal - Young Plant Update: Explosive Growth on Top Canopy! ***

Here's on Tuesday...

Today's Date: March 6, 2010. Saturday
Seed was planted on: Febuary 5
Day 31


And here's today, taken a few hours ago...

Today's Date: March 8, 2010. Monday.
Seed was planted on: Febuary 5
Day 33

^Look at the difference in those 2 days! And I think I know why. That night on Saturday, I checked the soil, it was nearly completely dry. So, totally soaked it with the usual 2 dropper per gallon mixture of liquid Schultz fertilizer then a light watering with plain bottle water until water was coming out the bottom during the night hours (after 10:30pm). I usually just give it a light water because of what happened that one time when my plant's leaves and stems was drooping down (a common symptom of over-watering), but this time, I thought "I got to water like Inverted and Harry told me, its better for the plant. It won't be over-watering". And they were right, ExPlOsIvE GrOwTh! Whoa....

Besides the great shape my plant is in, I also did some improvements to my lighting structure, specifically the bulb holder.

>>> Construction Change: Improvement on Bulb-Holders <<<<

Previously, I had just some Gorilla Duct Tape holding the bulbs on, which worked, but looked pretty ugly. I wanted to put something that would hold it down tight. I also had an Idea of hanging the bulbs upside-down, but I scrapped that idea because I like this design better (light is more focused).

I also had an idea for a ball-in-cup design (often used for the swing-arm on truck suspensions) and attach the bulb onto that, so I could make it swivel and movable, but Homey D. had no such part...:sad:

So, here's what I did instead....

Here's the supplies I used:

^The main supply is the black rubber tie-down strap on the left. It was only a dollar each! What a deal. Thanks Homie D. :laugh:

So, the first thing I did was cut off the metal ends with my new tin snips (which work great! :thumbup:)


Next, I pulled some tape for some measurements, drilled some small pilot holes into the wood for the 1" drywall screws, then screwed in the rubber straps in the middle and around the 2 bulbs (on each side). Like so....


Man, those rubber straps make such a difference: they really hold on those bulbs nice and tight! Yes! Now it looks and functions professionally.

Here's a wide view of all the upgrades I've made to the lighting structure, which I call "The Oregon Wood Wagon" because of its uncanny apperance to me (and I live in Oregon).


Overall, it was an easy addition. If I were to hang these bulbs horizontally, I would use the same part: The rubber is so sticky!

And that's it for the construction part.

Girl is growing up so fast....
~ TrueHerbCrystal ~

Edited by TrueHerbCrystal (03/09/10 12:33 AM)

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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: TrueHerbCrystal]
    #380632 - 03/09/10 05:18 AM (14 years, 23 days ago)

That light looks awesome. Ghetto as shit, but cool as hell. :rockon:


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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: DrGreenThumb]
    #380649 - 03/09/10 07:56 AM (14 years, 23 days ago)

Agree with GreenThumb!
Very soon you will need to switch to stronger lights, any plans? You better start planning mow with that fast growing :smile:

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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: DrGreenThumb]
    #380707 - 03/09/10 12:08 PM (14 years, 23 days ago)

Hey, wait a minute "ghetto"? That ghetto contraption cost $70. And it wasn't made from garbage: it was made from all brand-new parts. You sir have never seen ghetto.

But thanks for calling it cool, I guess.

To dstark:

So, do you think I need more lights now? I was just going to add 2 more 27watt CFL's onto the sides of my wooden wagon, to a total of 159 watts { (26watts x 3) + (27watts x 3) }. That's enough for a small plant right?

I wonder how much Harry used for his grows....

Gotta go Research...
~ TrueHerbCrystal ~

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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: TrueHerbCrystal]
    #380709 - 03/09/10 12:19 PM (14 years, 23 days ago)

I was at about 250W for a 2x2 space with 2 plants. if you can get some side lighting going you'll be perfectly fine with 156W, but more is pretty much always better.


Btw, looking very nice now. I think she's finally happy :grin:


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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: Harry_Ba11sach]
    #380712 - 03/09/10 12:49 PM (14 years, 23 days ago)

Wow, 250 watts! That must of been a lot of bulbs! Or maybe you just used the bigger kind, like those massive 42 watters or even those even Giant 100 watters..........

I think I'll be adding some onto the bottom of the wooden frame, to get some side lighting. It will be closer (vertically) but it will be off center (farther horizontally), so heat won't be so much as an issue.

So at what height/size should I add on more bulbs?

So, I'll start planning on adding some soon, but not yet...

~ TrueHerbCrystal ~

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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: TrueHerbCrystal]
    #380737 - 03/09/10 02:16 PM (14 years, 23 days ago)

You don't need to upgrade lighting yet man.

I would probably be able to veg 4 plants with the setup you have...

I used (2) 42 watters and (4) 30 watters to veg these 5 plants, but I started with about 10 and culled the males.



One more... I'm sure you've already seen them but it applies.



I mean I probably wouldn't have flowered all of those under the CFL, but I COULD have flowered 2-3 of them if I wanted/needed to.  I think you will only want to add a couple more during flowering, because I honestly don't think you need that much light for one plant just to veg it.

P.S.  The plants in that picture are about 8" tall and not even 30 days old...  I'll give you something to shoot for as a goal :super:


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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: Inverted]
    #380748 - 03/09/10 03:09 PM (14 years, 23 days ago)

Wow, cool. Thanks Inverted!

That's amazing that you used only 204 watts to veg 10 plants (with 5 being male)...thats like 20 watts per plant. Damn! And you said you "culled the males"? Is that a fancy way of saying you "killed" them? Never heard that word before...culled. Interesting.

Man, your plants look amazing! And you say they are not even 30 days old and they are already 8" high?! I'm guessing its not the strain that doing all that super-fast growing...:wink:

I just measured mine, and its barely 3 1/2" tall and she's 34 days old....I guess I missed that goal by a long shot! Oh well, for my first grow, I'm just glad she isn't dead yet! I made that goal thus far....

As for flowering light, I will be changing over to about three-to-four 42 watt 3500K large CFL bulbs....I got a question. Would it be better to mix full-spectrum 5000K with redder-spectrum 3500K bulbs during flowering or just use straight reddish 3500K ones?

Because I remember you said outdoor budz are the best, so would having light more like the sun during flowering help it or would it just not flower in that upper light spectrum?

What to do, what to do...:strokebeard:
~ TrueHerbCrystal ~

Edited by TrueHerbCrystal (03/09/10 03:11 PM)

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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: TrueHerbCrystal]
    #380757 - 03/09/10 04:14 PM (14 years, 23 days ago)

For flowering, use more of the red spectrum because it is better for flowering growth, but I would still recommend putting some of the blue spectrum CFLs in there as well because they put off UVB.  UVB can help keep buds dense and keep internode distances shorter during the stretch.  2700K I think are better than the 3500K if you can get your hands on some, but throw a couple 6500K in there for UVB and your set.  For example, I use two 42W 6500K CFLs in addition to my 600W HPS.

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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: dutc2006]
    #380760 - 03/09/10 04:36 PM (14 years, 23 days ago)

actually, I did a ton of research on UVB bulbs when I was shopping for reptile lights and what I found is that most commercial CFL's produce almost no UVB at all, and in fact they specifically add a UVB inhibitor coating to the bulbs.

If you want UVB then you need to buy a bulb like this

http://www.petco.com/product/13365/Zoo-Med-ReptiSun-Desert-Compact-Fluorescent-UVB-Lamp.aspx


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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: Harry_Ba11sach]
    #380839 - 03/09/10 07:54 PM (14 years, 23 days ago)

Thanks for that info, since you pointed it out I have been able to find evidence that supports that by googling it.  Well for what it is worth I have these 6500K CFLs in my flower closet.:shrug:

I always knew reptile lights were made for UVB, but read somewhere that 6500K CFLs put off a high amount of UVB.  I was duped.  I posted this same info in another thread I but retract that statement there as well.  Well, there may be other benefits of full spectrum lighting in flower.  I still think it may have a positive effect on limiting stretch...

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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: TrueHerbCrystal]
    #382078 - 03/11/10 05:23 PM (14 years, 21 days ago)

*** Young Plant: Getting Taller and Greener  ***

Today's Date: March 11, 2010 (Thursday)
Seed was planted on: Febuary 5
Day 36

^Getting so tall these days! (even thou its just inches at a time). I watered her last night because the soil was lookin' pretty dry, and she
was lookin' a little droopy (which is a sign of *over* watering, but I checked the soil, bone-dry). Everything is looking healthy, except
maybe those bottom leaves and the cotelydons, which look toasted. Small loss.

- Also, if you notice the 2nd-to-last photo, there is yellowing on the tips of the leaf. I wonder what that means....

I also noticed this when I checked the dry/wetness on the bottom of the pot....

^Rooting is done! Looks like I need to transplant to a bigger pot. This time, I'm going to use a square, plastic kind with lots of holes on the bottom. I'm just not sure on what size I should use....

What's the rule, 3 times the original pot size? I searched for it and found nothing, so I'm a little confused on the transplant pot size thing. I found Space Pilots "transplant" thread, but that transplant was going backwards! That was even more confusing....

And look at the difference it made watered it in just one day....here's Wednesday afternoon.

Date taken: March 10, 2010 (Wednesday)
Day 35

^See the drooping? One soak watering with my chem. nutrients seemed to cure that. At least that's what it looks like.

Well, it looks like another trip to the plant nursery to buy a larger square pot from those pretty girls who work there....it can't get any better than for me....

Still Growing Good!
:thumbup:
~ TrueHerbCrystal ~

Edited by TrueHerbCrystal (03/11/10 05:25 PM)

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InvisibleInverted
CNC Machinist/Greenthumb
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Registered: 06/01/08
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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: TrueHerbCrystal]
    #382089 - 03/11/10 06:03 PM (14 years, 21 days ago)

You do not need to transplant simply because you see some root tips poking out the bottom.

If you were rooting clones in a small amount of medium and see root tips coming out then you know you are "rooted".

Usually you need 1 gallon of soil/medium for every foot of vertical growth, with a little bush to it.  My plants are scrogged, but if they were grown vertical they would probably be ~22" tall, and I have them in 2 gallons, and they are quite bushy, and I don't see any signs of root binding.

I think you can let her go at least another week before you even re-evaluate transplanting, because remember what I told you before?

You never want to have too much soil for a little plant, it will never be able to process the moisture of larger volumes in the proper time cycles.

For example, plants that are your height, probably only need a Solo Cup, however at 6" I move them up to 1 gallon/6" containers.  From the looks of it, you don't need to transplant until there is literally almost twice as much foliage as there is.  If you transplant now to a larger container, it will take too long to dry out in between each watering and the roots won't have to go searching for moisture and it won't promote nearly the growth of the roots as if you kept them dry like I do.  You also risk root rot and other growth stunting scenarios when you keep your soil too moist rather than too dry.  It's always easier to add water to your container than to wait for them to dry out. :wink:


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Don't criticize what you can't understand

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OfflineTrueHerbCrystal
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Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: Inverted]
    #382097 - 03/11/10 06:14 PM (14 years, 21 days ago)

Good point....so I'll wait on the transplant then.

I'm glad I waited for you, because I was just about to leave to buy the pot. But I didn't even know what size a pot to get, so I would have been lost anyway.

I'll have to remember that rule you said:  "Usually you need 1 gallon of soil/medium for every foot of vertical growth, with a little bush to it."

So, about 1 gallon of pot space (or 6" tall and wide pot) per 1 foot of vertical growth. Simply enough! And Noted! Thanks for the simplified rule Inverted....you never disappoint! :awesome::thumbup:

As for the roots on the bottom, what should I do with them? Let them keep growing outside the pot? What if I smash them when I place the pot on the floor? Would that be bad for my baby girl?

Totally right about the moisture control, forgot about the water control is important for the roots. And as I've seen and as you said, too dry soil is ALWAYS better than too wet soil. These ain't rice field plants after all! Staying in pot, it is!

Mentally-Noted!
~ TrueHerbCrystal ~

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Offlinedstark

Registered: 02/01/09
Posts: 38
Last seen: 9 years, 11 months
Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: TrueHerbCrystal]
    #383472 - 03/14/10 11:57 AM (14 years, 18 days ago)

I have heard that when replanting plants, it is sometimes good do cut the roots at it sides, it makes the roots grow more violently.
Hows it going?

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Offlinepha3r0
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Registered: 12/21/09
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Last seen: 13 years, 11 months
Re: All CFL Semi-Auto Closet Project (FirstGrow)('Flower' Seed) [Re: dstark]
    #383911 - 03/15/10 08:07 AM (14 years, 17 days ago)

The only reason to disturb the roots at all during a transplant is if the plant is root bound. It can really help the roots break into the new soil to loosen up the clump in that case, note I said loosen not cut. Now I admit when I go to put my tomatoes in the ground I don't loosen, I stab the shit out of the root ball with my trowel and then shove it in the dirt up to its first node, but that's tomatoes not my beloved ganja.

THC: as for the little tips poking out don't worry about them at all. They will eventually dry out when the roots figure out there is no more dirt that way, it will just grow out more tips somewhere else. If you get to the point where you look in that hole and see a solid mass of roots then it is past time to transplant but one little tip is no problem.

I see Inverted was talking about lights I didn't read the original question but I will :thumbup: his post. Very small plants need very small lights. The biggest thing to pay attention to is the node spacing for this phase. You want it to grow but not stretch, too intense of a light or having them too close can be a bad thing. If the plant is growing healthily and not showing you it wants more light (by stretching) then you are fine and like Inverted said you can really do the more with less. Also I will note that I have my new mother and 2 bushes that will be next to flower under 8 23w blue CFL's and they are almost to bushy, like you literally can't see inside, it's all just a mass of leaves. It makes training them a challenge and if I had it my way they would be a little less bushy. So maybe I did myself a disservice by using so much light, BAH NEVAHHHH.

It is all about the experience in this hobby. I have found so many people here have wonderful information but the real fun is going to the garden and applying it in your own creative ways. You sir have done an excellent job at this and I have no doubt things are going to improve rapidly for you, I am definitely sending good vibes your way.

Now let me go take some pictures so you can all see what is up in potatoville.


--------------------
"The proverb warns that, "You should not bite the hand that feeds you." But maybe you should, if it prevents you from feeding yourself."
- Thomas Szasz

"if you arent good with electricity dont go touching it...ive electrocuted myself twice...its no fun"
- mhbound

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