Cherry Gar See Ya R1 RDWC w/ AC Infinity Smart Kit EVO6 LED

[ChronicKid007]

Hey Everyone! Been quite some time since I've posted here, but I'm starting a new one plant RDWC kit with an AC Infinity Smart Kit EVO6 LED setup. I should do a decent job of posting updates daily, so stay tuned! I'll probably transplant into the hydroton tomorrow or the day after. I'm hoping to have some root growth in more locations than one before the transplant.

I have a list of supplies here. I'm sure there are various pieces that I forgot to mention, but I will try to make a point to mention them as they come up.

Tent = AC Infinity 4x4
Light = AC Infinity EVO 6 LED
Fan + Filter = AC Infinity 6"
Oscillating fan x 2 = AC Infinity 4"
Water Chiller = Active Aqua (way too big for what I need it for)
Reservoir = 13 gallon
Grow bucket = 13 gallon
Grow mediums = Hydroton and Rapid Rooter
Nutrients = General Hydroponics 6 steps
Microbes = Mammoth P
Seed Company = Ethos Genetics
Strain = Cherry Gar-See-Ya R1 (BLACK CHERRY SODA x CHERRY MADURO x MANDARIN SUNSET)

I had the system running for a few days in order to try and level out the settings. VPD is a little high still, but humidity is on point so it's ok for now I think.

The seed soaked in distilled water for a full three days before a tail emerged. The Rapid Rooter was soaked in distilled water for 24 hours prior to the seed being placed inside of it. It took about 18 hours to emerge after it was placed in the humidity dome. There is only one root strand from the bottom currently, but the shell just popped off so I think we're going to consider today Day 1.


The current water level is holding 12 gallons with the waterfall spraying directly onto the hydroton in order to encourage root growth.
The water readings are as follows:
PH = 5.86
PPM = 200
EC = 300
To achieve these levels it required 14.4 ml of Micro, Gro, and Bloom General Hydroponics nutrients, as well as 4 ml of PH up to raise the PH to it's current level.

If anyone has questions, I will do my best to answer each of them as we grow on this journey together.

 

[ChronicKid007]

Day 2:

PH was running high (6.7) when I checked the reservoir today. I ended up having to add 15 ml of PH down to reduce it. It settled at about 5.9.

The seedling had a single root thread with maybe 18 small offshoots, so I decided to transplant. The waterfall is keeping the rapid rooter moist, and the roots should be touching water in 48 hours (fingers crossed). I have a feeling this strain is going to love being fed and really have explosive growth.

Temp hovered between 77 and 80 all day, with humidity sitting steady around 53%. VPD is still high at 1.6, so I'm considering getting a humidifier.

I noticed the hydroton isn't high enough and is causing cause light penetration into the grow bucket, so I made a small makeshift cover to try and keep the light out. I don't think what I chose to do will negatively impact the grow, I just didn't want to introduce new hydroton to the pot without the proper washing and soaking. It will cause the PH to rapidly increase.

 

[Absorber]

Nice clean set-up
is the blue pipe coming of the pump feed line going back to reservoir just to stir the reservoir ?

 

[ChronicKid007]

Nice clean set-up
is the blue pipe coming of the pump feed line going back to reservoir just to stir the reservoir ?

Negative. The blue tube is just for checking the water level. The angle in the photo looks like it’s attached, but it’s not.

 

[ChronicKid007]

Day 3: ph retained at about 6 flat after -5 ml of ph down this morning. Also added 7 ml of Mammoth P for microbials. I’m telling you this is it.

change in ph there, so I’m hoping we’ll have roots in the water tomorrow or the next day. Then it’s game on. This girls leaves are so perfect. I just know she’s destined for a monster.

 

[Absorber]

She's coming along nicely.
Those water chillers are the bomb I brought one half through my canuk comparative grow, made life so much easier and less stressful.

 

[ChronicKid007]

Day 4: I noticed the PH was running high again, so I added 8 ml PH down to counteract. This is probably a result of adding Mammoth P yesterday. My theory is that it has "unleashed" the nutrients I already added and managed to raise the PH. So, kudos to Mammoth P if what they claim is real and that's what is happening because that's all I can imagine.

I'm probably going to rethink how I have the waterfall setup once my roots get started. I initially cut the tube a little shorter because it was the only way to make it work with the waterfall I wanted, but I probably should have left the entire tube.

The leaves have noticeable growth, and the plant is two inches tall. No roots to peep yet. Today I actually lifted the whole lid to see if I could spot even one little strand. So far, nothing. But up top she's already praying to the sun gods so I'm still feeling good.

I got the AC Infinity CloudForge T7 humidifier today to help rectify my VPD and humidity issues. The humidifier is set to 73% humidity because that's totally acceptable for the seedling at this stage, and it's also the lowest I can get my VPD with the current temperature. Ideally, I would have an inlet AC (I'm open to reasonable suggestions it's for a 1 plant in a 4x4,)but the cost of the building is quickly adding up. And the cost of summer months approaching will not help. But we'll see if it's necessary in due time...

Current Settings on Smart Controller
Controller 1: Light runs for 18 hours, at 18 inches above the canopy.
Controller 2: Filter only turns on if humidity exceeds 75%.
Controller 3: Fan runs for 30 minutes on, and 30 minutes off all day long. I hope it will give the stalk a nice vigor.
Controller 4: Fan runs for 15 minutes on, and 45 minutes off all day long. That way, the vigor is even greater! =)
Controller 5: Humidifier runs up until 73 and then shuts off until it reaches 60, and then it turns back on.

My only real concern, is that it's so nearly perfect that I don't have any outside air really getting forced in. Sure, I've got the little port next to one of the oscillating fans open, but that's not much. Is it really necessary at this point to add intake air? Or should I smother this sucker in humidity and heat?

I got my 5 step RO filter, but I haven't committed to which day I want to actually do the project, or if I'll hire a task rabbit or something to come do it, but it'll be done by end of week.

Any questions, ask away. Otherwise, smoke and bed catch you tomorrow. And I would bet the whole house that by tomorrow... there will be mad visible roots. I'm talking like, a chain of white Ninetails crisp white locks. =)

 

[ChronicKid007]

She's coming along nicely.
Those water chillers are the bomb I brought one half through my canuk comparative grow, made life so much easier and less stressful.

Will read into this!

 

[ChronicKid007]

She's coming along nicely.
Those water chillers are the bomb I brought one half through my canuk comparative grow, made life so much easier and less stressful.

It took me a few days, but I read all 30 pages of your canuk comparative grow. Even just two weeks into 12/12, wow what a stretch. The Obi Wan looked like it finished nicely, but sorry to hear about the mold! Nuggies looked pretty.

 

[ChronicKid007]

Day 5: The PH remained constant, so no need to adjust. The leaves grew wider and the plant is about a half of an inch taller. Still no visible roots. I thought for sure at this point there would be a visible root structure developing, so I'm pretty disappointed. I'm concerned that the rapid rooter is only getting moist when I spray the hydroton for a few seconds when I check the water twice a day. I also think that spraying the hydroton is causing it to disintegrate into the water, which is very frustrating because I cleaned the hell out of it and soaked it for many days. But either way... I still feel ok.

I could just be reflecting on the state of the plant under bias from a bad day.

I added a homemade light blocker/reflector for the hydroton buckets. They aren't 100% filled to the brim and I certainly have light leaks in that area. So we should be covered for now. Hopefully, I can just not even open the tent for the next few days except to spray the base with water.

With the light on: I got the humidity dialed in at 73-76%, which maintains VPD in between .75 and 1. I'm ok with that when the heat is also in the high 70's. High heat and high humidity is the perfect environment for our little friend.

With the light off: I haven't dialed it in correct yet. I was at work today and couldn't figure out what crazy thing had happened. Turns out it is the first day the controller put the baby to bed for a few hours. So the temperature decreased in the range of 12 degrees down. So I had to reduce to humidity to get the VPD right. I'll get the numbers dialed in tomorrow don't worry. It's something like 45% at that point.

If anyone is out there reading, throw some opinions my way I'm open to a lot. But if you're just smoking for the hilarious jokes in my threads, stay tuned for more tomorrow!!

Cheers!

 

[Absorber]

Coming along nicely.
What do you think about  these
Designed and printed them.
Post in thread '3D printed items for grows' 3D printed items for grows

 

[ChronicKid007]

Coming along nicely.
What do you think about  these
Designed and printed them.
Post in thread '3D printed items for grows' 3D printed items for grows

Looks really nice. I think top feed is for sure the best way to at least start plants.

 

[Absorber]

Looks really nice. I think top feed is for sure the best way to at least start plants.

Me too ,this set up fills the buckets to just below basket pots causing water to be above the bell syphon causing it to pull a syphon emptying all the buckets so it's like a flood and drain but the pump doesn't stop . Seems to work well I haven't tried this new design basket yet but it should work well.

 

[ChronicKid007]

Day 6: Still no visible roots. -____-

PH is fine. Temperature, Humidity, and VPD are all fine. The plant grew roughly one half of an inch. The set of leaves added 2 ribs, so I know that she's feeding. I mean, it looks perfectly healthy. I just don't understand why the roots haven't come faster. I decided to intentionally blast that area with recirc water a few times a day and hope that gets them into a moist zone to thrive. Once they're in the water, it's game over. LST, Manifolding, HST, maybe FiM if I'm feeling saucy. But first... (I withheld a dad joke for you.)
We must develop roots and a full set of fan leaves lol.

Again, I'm a little underwhelmed because I tend to pump up expectations for myself. But there are no major issues at all that have arisen, so I really believe it'll be any day now and we'll see that one glorious snowflake laden root. I am ABSOLUTELY turning on the flash for that picture. muauauaua.

Full fan leave guess changed to day 11 now. 4 days past schedule. "But slow and steady always wins this race". I think that's a quote and sentiment we can all get behind when it comes to what we do. So... patience Dank Jedi.

Overall, I'm still very pleased with how I've been dealing with the kinks and oopsies and last minute changes or things I notice. I'm doing better at addressing the root cause of the problem, and then finding the most simple solution to correct course. I did notice some heavy condensation on my bucket today. It's definitely around the water line on the inside lol. So I think I'm going to use foam padding all the way around it, and then tape the foam together with reflective duct tape. I've had to purchase a lot of things lately so I have plenty of leftover cardboard and foam and bubble wrap that I'm finding quite useful as I get the house put together.


I hope once at least when her LST starts people start to view and comment. Back in the day we used to have full conversations in here.

But if just for the read, cheers!

 

[Absorber]

Day 6: Still no visible roots. -____-

PH is fine. Temperature, Humidity, and VPD are all fine. The plant grew roughly one half of an inch. The set of leaves added 2 ribs, so I know that she's feeding. I mean, it looks perfectly healthy. I just don't understand why the roots haven't come faster. I decided to intentionally blast that area with recirc water a few times a day and hope that gets them into a moist zone to thrive. Once they're in the water, it's game over. LST, Manifolding, HST, maybe FiM if I'm feeling saucy. But first... (I withheld a dad joke for you.)
We must develop roots and a full set of fan leaves lol.

Again, I'm a little underwhelmed because I tend to pump up expectations for myself. But there are no major issues at all that have arisen, so I really believe it'll be any day now and we'll see that one glorious snowflake laden root. I am ABSOLUTELY turning on the flash for that picture. muauauaua.

Full fan leave guess changed to day 11 now. 4 days past schedule. "But slow and steady always wins this race". I think that's a quote and sentiment we can all get behind when it comes to what we do. So... patience Dank Jedi.

Overall, I'm still very pleased with how I've been dealing with the kinks and oopsies and last minute changes or things I notice. I'm doing better at addressing the root cause of the problem, and then finding the most simple solution to correct course. I did notice some heavy condensation on my bucket today. It's definitely around the water line on the inside lol. So I think I'm going to use foam padding all the way around it, and then tape the foam together with reflective duct tape. I've had to purchase a lot of things lately so I have plenty of leftover cardboard and foam and bubble wrap that I'm finding quite useful as I get the house put together.


I hope once at least when her LST starts people start to view and comment. Back in the day we used to have full conversations in here.

But if just for the read, cheers!

She's getting bigger

 

[ChronicKid007]

Day 7: No visible roots, so I checked the rapid rooter and it was fairly dry. I decided the plant was probably not getting enough water. I added two additional bubblers, and 3 more gallons of water to try and counteract that by raising the water level and increasing the water bubbles reaching the top. Temperature, RH, and VPD all remain excellent. AC Infinity really has their stuff dialed in. PH at 6 even, and nutrients given were in line with everything else. Plus I add two ml of cal mag to hopefully assist with some quick root turnaround.

There is some stretch, and a small amount of growth in leaf length. I've switched to manual feed. I'm not doing much the next few days and have many opportunity to just wet them from the top down. I finally got a glass syringe, so I'm going to go for it.

The bottom of both the reservoir and grow site are covered in sediment fro the hydroton. I think as soon as the roots are healthy enough to reach the water, I will make a clean switch of everything.

I spent about two hours today setting up a 5 step RO system for my house. Currently, it is incomplete lol. But tomorrow morning I should be good to finish.

I just keep saying,, "as long as I top-feel tomorrow I'll be fine."

Cheers,
Dank Jedi

 

[ChronicKid007]

Day 8: No visible roots. The plant didn't get taller, but there is a second set of leaves coming in. The PH seems to trend upwards everyday for some reason, so I added an additional 4 ml PH down to counteract. I forgot patience is a big part of doing this. But no roots and a new set of leaves is fine by me. I think it likes being top fed. My only concern with top feeding is that the base of the rapid rooter will develop some kind of rot or mold, so hopefully the roots emerge soon.

I'm not sure if I said this on any previous day, and I'd rather re-write it than re-read it. When the temperature drops after the light goes out, I have to turn on the intake fan to maintain the lower humidity. It's a balancing act between intake and outtake because currently my intake fan is 4" and my outtake fan is 6". I would order a new one now, but I need to wait for a few weeks for it to really make sense.

Week one was underwhelming, at best. So here's to the beginning of week 2.

Cheers,
Dank Jedi

 

[ChronicKid007]

Day 9: I decided today that I won't post the pic of temp, VPD, and humidity anymore. It's dialed in, so we'll just leave it at that =D PH was sitting fine at 6.1, so no real change there. Still no visible roots. The plant is definitely getting wider, and the first set of leaves are already looking floppy as the second set perks up. I'm feeling good about the way the top of the plant looks, even though there is no root porn yet.

I took a look back through my first ever journal to see how things compare in terms of plant size, and they're basically identical through day 8. But day 11 is where my first grow really "took off". So as long as I can keep up with the seedling pace of my first soil grow, I'll be content with where I'm at after coming off several years of not growing.

I know in the photos that the hydroton isn't to the top of the bucket, but I use a cover to keep the light out, so no worries there. But I think we're in good shape! Here's to roots!!!

Cheers,
Dank Jedi

 

[No Pain]

I also use rapid rooters / root riot cubes in my rdwc when I put the babies in the baskets I always water the cube once to twice a day until the roots hit the solution . It works

 

[ChronicKid007]

I also use rapid rooters / root riot cubes in my rdwc when I put the babies in the baskets I always water the cube once to twice a day until the roots hit the solution . It works

Great advice, I wish I had taken it sooner. I do see a little green tint to the rapid rooter, so I’m trying to pour water just around the edges of it and only get it a little moist.

I had to build up a mound of hydroton around the rapid rooter just now because I noticed some roots peaking out of the side. So I’m really really hoping 1-2 more days before I can see them reaching into the water. Hopefully all nice and beautifully white.