Let's Find a Mother! Hiking Through a Field of Mary Jane

[cannasensei]

Uve got Rep lol
Looking good man. Can't wait to get home to mine

 

[Hozona]

REPS!

Ahhhh Serenity!

 

[Vick074]

I almost know better Hiker, than to try to tell a man how to spend his money, but... Keeping CO2 numbers good is important, and tricky in a sealed room. Too much can be bad, so take a look CO2 Meter - Low cost CO2, temperature and humidity - Monitor by CO2Meter

Good point Gator.
I got that exact same meter from CO2Meter, and it's the best thing for knowing exactly how much gas the ladies are getting..

And they're cheap!

 

[Hiker]

Thanks guys.

Vick, you can get the same meter on FleaBay for $20 or so cheaper, but shipping will take a LOT longer. I couldn't wait, so I ate the extra. Oh well. Those middle men gotta make a living too, right?

 

[Vick074]

Damn straight,
everyone's gotta get a piece.
Good to see you got that meter.
I turned jon onto it a few months back, and have been preaching them to everyone on here.

Things are looking really good buddy.
I just got caught up finally.
Can't wait to see this room running fully sealed.

+reps to ya my friend

 

[Xlr8]

Looks awesome, Hiker. Great progression photos of where you are now with your grow room. The co2 and AC upgrades should really help you take things to the next level. Nice!

Oh, and there was some discussion on bulbs. In my last grow, I did both HPS and MH. The plants/buds under the MH had the largest colas, but pretty weak mid to lower tier buds. The mid and lower tiers on the HPS were slightly better, but the main colas weren't as big. The strains varied, so this wasn't scientific, however, these were the impressions I was left with. Definitively, I would not shy from MH in bloom in the future.

 

[cannasensei]

U gonna be starting a new journal x?

 

[denots]

I got the first part I need to seal the room!

Somehow I got it in my head that it would be outputting the CO2 via a hose that I would run into the grow room. I didn't realize the generator had to sit inside the room. I was hoping I could keep the heat source outside. Oh well. Good thing I got the largest portable AC they make!

The AC and the CO2 meter are out for delivery now, so will have those today. Cycle timers will arrive tomorrow.

Has anyone run one of these generators on NG before? Does anyone know if a 1/2" feed is enough. I suspect yes, but I do have 3/4" available. I just have to run an extra 8' of pipe/hose. I have a 1/2" feed going into the furnace I could branch from. My concern would be starving the furnace next winter, but I can't imagine this CO2 burner uses that much gas, does it?

I know what I'll be doing after work and this weekend

Tee'ing off the furnace should be no problem. Ive installed two boilers (heavy duty water heaters) off a 1/2 furnace line before with no problems. I wouldnt imagine the co2 generator uses more then even one boiler.

Just make sure to use pipe thread sealant and plenty of soapy water to ensure no leaks, you prob know that but Better safe then sorry

Plants look good man.

 

[Hiker]

Damn straight,
everyone's gotta get a piece.
Good to see you got that meter.
I turned jon onto it a few months back, and have been preaching them to everyone on here.

Things are looking really good buddy.
I just got caught up finally.
Can't wait to see this room running fully sealed.

+reps to ya my friend

Thanks Vick. So far I like the meter. My only complaint is I'd prefer a model made to be hung from the wall. Right now it's sitting on my controller bucket. That might have to be its spot since there are no other horizontal surfaces except the floor.

Looks awesome, Hiker. Great progression photos of where you are now with your grow room. The co2 and AC upgrades should really help you take things to the next level. Nice!

Oh, and there was some discussion on bulbs. In my last grow, I did both HPS and MH. The plants/buds under the MH had the largest colas, but pretty weak mid to lower tier buds. The mid and lower tiers on the HPS were slightly better, but the main colas weren't as big. The strains varied, so this wasn't scientific, however, these were the impressions I was left with. Definitively, I would not shy from MH in bloom in the future.

When I grew in the 90's I used a mix of MH and HPS too. I liked the results, but I was also happy with the results from using just HPS.

What i'm interested in finding out is a comparison of LED vs EDFL vs HPS. I've seen a couple LED vs HPS, and Jon's running a great test right now. I think EDFL has been compared to HPS, but I haven't seen LED vs EDFL. Right now, I'm thinking I will buy 3 EDFL's. One for the veg area and two for the existing flowering room. Then I'll put my existing 3 HPS into the larger second flowering room. That will cost me ~$2400 in lights. That's still cheaper then the LEDs I have my eye on at ~$1600 each. We'll see. McLoadie is using EDFL, so I'm watching his journal closely as well. It will be a little while before I have the capital to build room 2. I don't just need lights. I'll need another AC, CO2 setup, hydro system, fans, etc. It's not a decision I have to make anytime soon, so I'll keep thinking about it.

Tee'ing off the furnace should be no problem. Ive installed two boilers (heavy duty water heaters) off a 1/2 furnace line before with no problems. I wouldnt imagine the co2 generator uses more then even one boiler.

Just make sure to use pipe thread sealant and plenty of soapy water to ensure no leaks, you prob know that but Better safe then sorry

Plants look good man.

Thanks denots! I didn't install the furnace, or it's gas line, but I did run 3/4" gas line across my basement to get to the clothes dryer and stove. The house was setup for electric, but our dryer was gas and the wife wanted a gas stove. In the garage, the 3/4" gas line was reduced to 1/2" and sent into the basement for the furnace. I tapped that junction to run my 3/4" line to the other side of the house. That's why I have 2 options.

So you ran 2 boilers/water heaters AND a furnace off a single 1/2" line?

I tried to get to the hardware store last night to get the items I needed to install the CO2 gen, but work got in the way and they closed as I pulled up. oh well. I'll head over there this morning. When I made my parts list, I had already decided to use the 3/4" line to tap. One, it's already in the area that will be the second flowering room, while the furnace line is a little buried and harder to access. Also, I'll probably end up running a second generator off this same line, so I'm going to go ahead and make that other tap now and just put a cap on it. I'm sure you're right that these things don't use a lot of gas. They are only rated to 15,000 BTUs. I just don't want my furnace to have any shortage of gas next winter!

I do appreciate the safety warnings. I was real nervous when I ran that gas line last year. It was my first time working on gas lines. It was pretty easy though. I talked to a buddy that said he ran the lines in his house and said I was more than capable (he knows my DIY skills). I still have some of my Rector Seal (pipe dope) left. One thing I have to admit from last time is I didn't use the soapy water test for leaks. I used the 'make sure we're not using any gas (water heater is electric) and watch the meter overnight' test. I ran several of these tests to reassure myself, and I'm confident there are no leaks. I'm not saying I didn't use any soapy water. I did check a lot of the joints, but some of them were a PITA to get to, such as those in the crawlspace. Those I relied on the pressure/meter test. It's been ~16 months and so far so good.



The biggest problem I'm facing right now is where to relocate the exhaust fan and filter outside the flowering room. I still want to exhaust out the unused chimney, but it's not in a great spot. I had drawn a picture of the layout of my basement, but it really doesn't demonstrate the problem well. I'll see if I can post some pictures of the area. The problem is the chimney access is right where my reservoir is. Right now, the 2 sets of 8" ducting (mine and the home HVAC) are not really in my way, but when I move the exhaust outside the flowering room, it's gonna be. Also, I don't want to attach the fan to the ceiling since it's the floor of the house, and I've taken great lengths to avoid transferring any vibration. I can hang the fan using springs to dampen the vibrations, but then I lose even more head room. I know a solution will come to me.

These 2 pics are for Jon mostly since he mentioned the caulking. As you can see, I sealed up the room pretty well when I built it. On the ceiling, the drywall is not mudded, but all those seams have plywood beneath them and none of the drywall and plywood seams match up. I think the room is sealed pretty well. It took about a dozen cans of foam and about that many tubes of glue and caulking.

And since we all love bud porn...
I took this picture last night when I was taking the shots above. I liked this one best. I believe this lovely lady is an AK-48.

 

[BigIrishDoode]

a sea of sexy buds, i cant wait to get my 4x4 tent and new cool tube up n running, soon.. i finaly resolved my electrical in the new addition (finished running lines and breakers) so we can make the room to set it up, then i can have a mini version of what i see you showing off lol, you have much to do and it will pay off big i think, sweet new toys hiker, i await to see the after shots

 

[Hiker]

a sea of sexy buds, i cant wait to get my 4x4 tent and new cool tube up n running, soon.. i finaly resolved my electrical in the new addition (finished running lines and breakers) so we can make the room to set it up, then i can have a mini version of what i see you showing off lol, you have much to do and it will pay off big i think, sweet new toys hiker, i await to see the after shots

Thanks BID! There is so much to do down there, I get overwhelmed at times. Trying to finish construction, and make upgrades, while there is an active grow going on has it's challenges for sure. I'll be honest. Since the ladies have flowered, there has been very little construction happening. There has been enough work to do keeping up with the flowering plants and the eventual mothers. I sorta took the last couple weeks off from major work down there. Been trying to spend more time with the Mrs. She's awesome and very understanding, but she has become a bit of a pot widow. Between the 50-60 hour a week day job, this new night job, and finishing the work on this repo house we only bought about 15 months ago, I don't have a lot of free time. Maybe I should spend less time here.

 

[Hiker]

OK sorry about making so many posts today, but it's my thread dammit!

I just got my package from the online hydro retailer who's name is something about a color of trees and hydroponics. Anyway, I ordered 2 CT-1 digital cycle timers. These things are cool! They allow for cycles as low as 10 seconds up to 24 hours for BOTH on and off cycles. It even has a photo sensor, so it can be set to only run at night, during the day, or both. I'm not sure if I realized these had this feature when I ordered them, but it will come in handy with the CO2. I was gonna have the cycle timer on another timer to control day night. Now I can just let it watch for the lights. Cool!

I don't want to use CO2 at night, right? hmm better go check on that, but I think I am remembering correctly.

Anyway, wanted to recommend these things. They were only $30 too! The cycle timers that have been around for awhile are all analog and cost at least 50 bucks. I suspect all the old ones are gonna start sitting on the shelves once these become better known, or even better, the prices should drop on them. I wouldn't be surprised to see the old ones start getting discontinued. It's a fairly new product I think is why I haven't seen any of them being used. Google CT-1 cycle timer if you want to see them.

I'm using one for my cloner machine I built, and the other for the CO2 generator. They handle 15A, so I should be fine there.

I just noticed another small detail...

There are 2 lights to indicate which cycle is operating, on or off. The On is red, the Off is green. At first I figured I would have to put some tape over the red light, but then I realized, at night, when the lights are off, and the cycle timer isn't on, it will only be lighting the green indicator. I guess they had us growers in mind during the design phase.

 

[cannasensei]

I'm sobuying a few

 

[jlt1202]

OK sorry about making so many posts today, but it's my thread dammit!

I just got my package from the online hydro retailer who's name is something about a color of trees and hydroponics. Anyway, I ordered 2 CT-1 digital cycle timers. These things are cool! They allow for cycles as low as 10 seconds up to 24 hours for BOTH on and off cycles. It even has a photo sensor, so it can be set to only run at night, during the day, or both. I'm not sure if I realized these had this feature when I ordered them, but it will come in handy with the CO2. I was gonna have the cycle timer on another timer to control day night. Now I can just let it watch for the lights. Cool!

I don't want to use CO2 at night, right? hmm better go check on that, but I think I am remembering correctly.

Anyway, wanted to recommend these things. They were only $30 too! The cycle timers that have been around for awhile are all analog and cost at least 50 bucks. I suspect all the old ones are gonna start sitting on the shelves once these become better known, or even better, the prices should drop on them. I wouldn't be surprised to see the old ones start getting discontinued. It's a fairly new product I think is why I haven't seen any of them being used. Google CT-1 cycle timer if you want to see them.

I'm using one for my cloner machine I built, and the other for the CO2 generator. They handle 15A, so I should be fine there.

I just noticed another small detail...

There are 2 lights to indicate which cycle is operating, on or off. The On is red, the Off is green. At first I figured I would have to put some tape over the red light, but then I realized, at night, when the lights are off, and the cycle timer isn't on, it will only be lighting the green indicator. I guess they had us growers in mind during the design phase.

Running CO2 at night wont hurt your plants but it wont really help you because the only time the plants use CO2 is during photosynthesis.... so it wont hurt your plants but it might hurt your wallet.

I recommend hitting them when the lights turn for about a hr and stop supplying 1-2 hrs before turning off so that the plants can use up extra co2 in room while the lights are about to turn off. only thing you have to work out is how many times you want to turn it on and off to keep the co2 lv you want : )

 

[denots]

They also make a yellow flex line now that uses crimp rings, may be alot easier for you then black iron pipe. But crimp too is around 50$ But can be used for water lines aswell. But yes pressure test is always a option, and the best one if you have time to do it. Since I do gas lines at work I have a almost gel like substance that I use and will let you know if its leaking.

But there not a lot of pressure on the lines anyways. Pressure tests normally only require 25-30psi to pass inspection.

If you have any questions feel free to ask, Ill help you the best I can.

 

[Hiker]

I'm sobuying a few

There are several vendors selling them. I think I used Google Shopping to find the best price.

What will you use 3 for? LOL

My wife thinks I'm nuts when I get excited by little things like finding a deal on a cycle timer

Running CO2 at night wont hurt your plants but it wont really help you because the only time the plants use CO2 is during photosynthesis.... so it wont hurt your plants but it might hurt your wallet.

I recommend hitting them when the lights turn for about a hr and stop supplying 1-2 hrs before turning off so that the plants can use up extra co2 in room while the lights are about to turn off. only thing you have to work out is how many times you want to turn it on and off to keep the co2 lv you want : )

Thanks. I haven't looked it up yet. Been busy trying to get some "day job" work done and had to run errands for items to install all this stuff. Got all my gas elbows and T's and such at one store. Then I had to go to the local guys that install wells and have them cut a few pieces of black pipe to length. Almost $100 to plumb in the gas and it's only about a 15' run!

Anyway, thanks for reaffirming. This is how I remember it works...

There are basically two metabolic pathways, or cycles, happening in the plant. One is related to photosynthesis and requires CO2. This is how the plant uses the energy from the Sun and water to create sugars that the plant then uses as energy. These process only happen during daylight as they are fed by the energy from the Sun (lights). While the Krebs cycle (according to Wikipedia it's now referred to as the Citric acid cycle. I took botany 20 yeras ago haha) is happening in the plant all the time, at night however, it's the only pathway the plant is engaging in, so at night the plant only needs O2. We don't have to worry about it not having enough as air is ~20% O2. Air is only 0.04% CO2 which is why we have to replace it.

/e takes off the geek hat and loads a bowl...

They also make a yellow flex line now that uses crimp rings, may be alot easier for you then black iron pipe. But crimp too is around 50$ But can be used for water lines aswell. But yes pressure test is always a option, and the best one if you have time to do it. Since I do gas lines at work I have a almost gel like substance that I use and will let you know if its leaking.

But there not a lot of pressure on the lines anyways. Pressure tests normally only require 25-30psi to pass inspection.

If you have any questions feel free to ask, Ill help you the best I can.

Huh. I wonder if a long hose would have been cheaper. Oh well.

This way I can also add another CO2 gen for the second flowering room. The regulator for this gen is gonna be inside flower #2 anyway. I just pull it off, add a T, and I can connect a second gen. That was part of why I just did 3/4 all the way. It turned out that the regulator is only 3/8, so 1/2" pipe woulda been fine. I tend to overbuild. Do it once. Do it right.

I may have mislead. I didn't do the "real" pressure test with the actual device. My system is already connected to the meter. I just used the gas meter as my tester. I was able to go 48 hours without using any gas, and the meter had not budged at all. That's when I was confident there were no leaks. Honestly, that's how I tested the plumbing in the house too. "Honey, we're going camping for the weekend." 48 hours later, gas and water were both "tested". I wasn't stingy with the pipe dope, so I can't imagine I have a pinhole type leak. Those tapered threads do a pretty good job of sealing. Should I be worried?

I'll be in the basement if anyone is looking for me

 

[denots]

Nope you should be good pipe dope pretty much does the job every time if its applied all the way around the threads.

And I agree with do it once do it right, I always tell my workers and co workers, if you have time to do a job Twice you might aswell do it once the right way.
Good luck with the install.

 

[Alkhemist]

a veritable bud orgy going on in there! excellent progression to now! inspiring stuff brother- reps+ back at ya man

 

[Hiker]

Nope you should be good pipe dope pretty much does the job every time if its applied all the way around the threads.

And I agree with do it once do it right, I always tell my workers and co workers, if you have time to do a job Twice you might aswell do it once the right way.
Good luck with the install.

Thanks again. I'm using Rector Seal with Teflon. Two different people said that was the one to get when I did the gas line last time. Nice to have it confirmed from a pro.

a veritable bud orgy going on in there! excellent progression to now! inspiring stuff brother- reps+ back at ya man

Thank you sir!
It smells good in there too!



I want to point out another advantage I discovered with these digital timers. The analog style has a couple knobs to set the timing for each cycle, and indicator lights to show which cycle is running, but you can't see how long is left in a cycle. With these digital cycle timers, each side counts down when it's doing it's thing. Came in handy when I was playing with it and the cloner machine. I knew exactly how much longer I could leave the lid off before I got wet. Bottom line, if you need a cycle timer, I can't think of any reason you would get a different one.

No progress on the gas lines last night. I picked up all the materials on my lunch break yesterday, so I was a little hasty in my measuring. I had 3 pieces of pipe cut, and at least 2 are too long. I think the longest piece is gonna be tight, but OK. The pump place, that cut the pipe yesterday, is closed today, so now I get to drive about 20 miles to have them cut again. Oh the joys of rural living. It's better than losing the whole weekend waiting for the pump guys to open on Monday, so I really don't mind the drive. It's a pretty gorgeous spring day here today too, so gonna take the dogs with me and do a little exploring while I'm out and about.

My hikes the last couple weeks have basically become scouting trips looking for places to hide some ladies outdoors. Any basic rules of things to look for? I've never grown MJ outdoors. I've been looking for spots with good cover but also decent southern exposure. I assume I'll have to come out and water them? I was planning to amend the spot I plant with some potting soil for nutes and verm and coco for water retention. I can deliver more nutes during the season too, but I won't make it out there more than once a week as I'm hoping to trying a few locations to increase my chances one will finish. I'll only be putting one or two plants in a spot. I'm up in NE WA, so it's a mild climate. It will get into the 90s for a week in the Summer, but that's about it. We have a short growing season too. Is that gonna screw me? Should I not even bother since the buds will end up moldy?

 

[WizHigh]

Im over here buddy and I can really say its a cool feeling for someone like you to ask me for input with the coco. I mean your plants look great to me. Its all hydro right? I have to really go threw this excellent journal of yours and learn alot my self. As X said a while back in your journal, I like how you have your feet up watching the herbs grow

Ill be giving reps going threw your journal.

PS i may have been subbed in something else. I dont believe I was already subbed here. Shame on me!