My First Grow!
- Thread starter SmokeyMcMedic
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- #62
SmokeyMcMedic
New Member
I'm using the TechnaFlora Recipe for Success starter kit. The formula currently in the reservoir consists of BC Boost, BC Grow, Sugar Daddy, TA B-1 Red, MagiCal.
So far, the RFS starter kit turned out to be a good buy. They aren't the 'newest thing out,' but I am impressed. I might continue to use this system, as the nutrient suite seems to hold a fairly constant pH, which I try to check every day. This is not a huge deal to me, unless the number is too high or too low. Plants absorbe different nutrients more efficiently at different pH levels. So far, I have been trying to start the pH at 5 and let it climb over the course of the week. I am using tap water for this grow. I can't really afford an RO system right now, plus tap has a bunch of micronutrients, as well as the ability to hold a constant pH. I may start getting bottled water for flowering, or I may not. So far, I am just happy that these plants are still alive and kicking. I can't wait until they get big enough to sex. At their current rate of growth, that should be sometime within the next 2-3 weeks, or not. I am a total n00b at this, so we shall see!!
So far, the RFS starter kit turned out to be a good buy. They aren't the 'newest thing out,' but I am impressed. I might continue to use this system, as the nutrient suite seems to hold a fairly constant pH, which I try to check every day. This is not a huge deal to me, unless the number is too high or too low. Plants absorbe different nutrients more efficiently at different pH levels. So far, I have been trying to start the pH at 5 and let it climb over the course of the week. I am using tap water for this grow. I can't really afford an RO system right now, plus tap has a bunch of micronutrients, as well as the ability to hold a constant pH. I may start getting bottled water for flowering, or I may not. So far, I am just happy that these plants are still alive and kicking. I can't wait until they get big enough to sex. At their current rate of growth, that should be sometime within the next 2-3 weeks, or not. I am a total n00b at this, so we shall see!!
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- #63
SmokeyMcMedic
New Member
Farmr Jane - Mine are about 14-18 days from seed. I feel like the progression of their growth has been somewhat delayed up to this point, as night-time temps around here have been in the lower-teens. My basement has been around 55-60 degrees, I think.
Agreed - the ladies(?) love the new light. 400w was just perfect for what I need. I could see myself upgrading to a 600w at some point down the line, but for now, the 400 gets it!!
Agreed - the ladies(?) love the new light. 400w was just perfect for what I need. I could see myself upgrading to a 600w at some point down the line, but for now, the 400 gets it!!
Heks
Well-Known Member
Looking good! you'll have your new equipment soon and those little ladies will be more than handful
in a good way.600 + 400 or just one light?
THCScientist
New Member
Lovely little ladies sir. It seems as though you keep a pretty clean grow. Stay diligent in your efforts to be clean. It can make a big difference and is a good prevention technique. 
Thank for the reps mate.
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- #67
SmokeyMcMedic
New Member
Good evening everyone!!! I have made a few changes in my setup that I would like to share with everyone!! First -
At the advice of several members, I have changed my tubing over from clear, to black.
The Rubbermaid ebb and flow was a great idea, but after reading through other DIY ebb journals, I decided to make a major change...
I bought a mixing tub from Home Depot. I found them over by the cement and mortar. They are actually being sold as "mortar tubs," in case anyone is interested.
This was a good change, as I now have adequate room for all of my plants! I finally put the two runts into their big blocks. The mixing tub is definitely the way to go for DIY ebb and flow. Home Depot has officially become my most favorite store!! So the new stuff finally got shipped out today. It's coming FedEx, so hopefully they get it here by the end of the week. Smokey wants his new toys, dammit!!!
Until next time....
At the advice of several members, I have changed my tubing over from clear, to black.
The Rubbermaid ebb and flow was a great idea, but after reading through other DIY ebb journals, I decided to make a major change...
I bought a mixing tub from Home Depot. I found them over by the cement and mortar. They are actually being sold as "mortar tubs," in case anyone is interested.
This was a good change, as I now have adequate room for all of my plants! I finally put the two runts into their big blocks. The mixing tub is definitely the way to go for DIY ebb and flow. Home Depot has officially become my most favorite store!! So the new stuff finally got shipped out today. It's coming FedEx, so hopefully they get it here by the end of the week. Smokey wants his new toys, dammit!!!
Until next time....
THCScientist
New Member
Love the mixing tub. Looks perfect for the job. 
Never done ebb and flow - but it does look like a great find (the mixing tub). The black tubing is a good idea - clear isn't ideal for our purposes.
You're doing great so far - they look good. Are you keeping a light breeze on them to help strengthen the stems?
Keep up the great work Smokey!
You're doing great so far - they look good. Are you keeping a light breeze on them to help strengthen the stems?
Keep up the great work Smokey!
Have you thought about getting a big cardboard box painting the inside white to contain & reflect the light?
hth
hth
Great suggestion PetFlora - I think he has a grow-tent on the way that should help with reflected light immensely.
Looking good Smokey!
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- #72
SmokeyMcMedic
New Member
Thanks Xlr8 and petflora. Indeed, I do have a grow tent on the way. According to the website, it will be here on the 5th, so just a couple of days away!! I am also really looking forward to the new reflector, as I realized this morning that mine sucks. Really sucks.
THCScientist
New Member
Lol,thats never the way we feel when we first get it. Then we upgrade and curse about what once made us happy. Viscious cycle. Retire the old reflector with pride my friend. 
- Thread starter
- #74
SmokeyMcMedic
New Member
Lol, yeah you are definitely right. It was good for the purpose it needed to serve.
So the ladies did not like the transition as well as I had hoped. They have been wilting today, and basically just looking sad. I have a sneaking suspicion it has something to do with the hydroton. I had to add some to the new planter. I rinsed the heck out of it, but apparently there was enough dust left to coat the bottom of my reservoir and upset my girls.
I can see why some view Hydroton as a pain in the ass.
So the ladies did not like the transition as well as I had hoped. They have been wilting today, and basically just looking sad. I have a sneaking suspicion it has something to do with the hydroton. I had to add some to the new planter. I rinsed the heck out of it, but apparently there was enough dust left to coat the bottom of my reservoir and upset my girls.
I can see why some view Hydroton as a pain in the ass.
You can spray them with 20% diluted nutes, or even just pH balanced water. Use a spray bottle that gives a fine mist
One of many reasons why I eliminated grow media beyond the starter cubes
hth
One of many reasons why I eliminated grow media beyond the starter cubes
hth
I have always used hydroton, and have never had any issues. Hydroton is fabulous stuff for hydroponic gardening - I think your babies were just reacting to the change. They'll bounce back in a day or two tops, I promise.
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- #77
SmokeyMcMedic
New Member
Yeah Xlr8, youre probably right. How do you get all the dust off of it? I can get most, but that first batch new batch in has fouled my reservoir twice now. Perhaps I am just being too careless... After talking with the guy at the hydro shop, I have come to the conclusion that I have been over-watering my plants. I will only be watering once a day for now, as the large Grodan blocks I have transplanted into hold alot more water than I originally thought. Thanks for the calming words!
I am beginning to see the disadvantages of growing mixed bagseed -- each one of these plants likes something a little bit different. After checking on them this morning, I noticed that Leela was looking not only healthy, but happy!!! Clearly, she(?) is from a line that likes a wet growing environment.
So, after careful contemplation, I decided to order a couple of seeds. On the way is a feminized Orange Bud (100% Skunk) and one feminized Humboldt seed. The plan is to grow these into mothers, and then take clones.
Sativa. This is the type of smoke that I enjoy the most. Indica is nice and all, but I would rather have the clarity and energy boost that comes with a good sativa high, versus the couchlock and munchies of the indicas.
Anyway, the plan is to keep one or two of the bagseed ladies for mothers as well, with the mindset that any seed can produce good weed, if you love it enough.
T Minus two days until the arrival of the tent!!
I am beginning to see the disadvantages of growing mixed bagseed -- each one of these plants likes something a little bit different. After checking on them this morning, I noticed that Leela was looking not only healthy, but happy!!! Clearly, she(?) is from a line that likes a wet growing environment.
So, after careful contemplation, I decided to order a couple of seeds. On the way is a feminized Orange Bud (100% Skunk) and one feminized Humboldt seed. The plan is to grow these into mothers, and then take clones.
Sativa. This is the type of smoke that I enjoy the most. Indica is nice and all, but I would rather have the clarity and energy boost that comes with a good sativa high, versus the couchlock and munchies of the indicas.
Anyway, the plan is to keep one or two of the bagseed ladies for mothers as well, with the mindset that any seed can produce good weed, if you love it enough.
T Minus two days until the arrival of the tent!!
THCScientist
New Member
Sounds like some good strains. The mothers shall bear the fruits dear sir.
Love sativas - unfortunately I have such limited space that I usually can only do indicas or hybrids that are indica heavy.. A good sativa is just... fun. Indicas seem to work better for my pain relief, though, so I'm good with that at this point.
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- #80
SmokeyMcMedic
New Member
For me, indicas tend to reinforce some bad habits that I am trying desperately hard to break. A good strong sativa high makes me active and keeps me healthy. Would you be able to control the stretch with LST or scrog?
