New grower DESPERATELY needs advice!

[gravila]

I've been stalking this forum for a while now and I've learned TONS of cool stuff for people like me. Im planning my first grow(indoor) in the very near future and just need a lil more info on what i need to have the best possible outcome. I just bought some Fem Snow White seeds from nirvana (girlfriends choice) and some Fafards seedling starter mix.
My landlord left behind a 600w digital ballast along with a cool tube, couple HPS bulbs, and a few 6" inline fans. I have some miracle grow(feeds up to 6 months) but not really sure if I should use it.
I read somewhere on here to stay away from fertilized soil.
Now for the problems Im having.

The glass on the cool tube is broken. Not completely shattered but theres a decent crack with a hole the size of a half dollar. Its still functional but i was wondering if its still safe to use.

Next, Can i use hps bulbs for the whole grow? i really want to use mh but as far as i can tell 600w mh bulbs dont exist, and the conversion bulbs are waaaaay outta my budget.

Lastly(for now, lol), I dont really understand feeding. would it be possible for someone to just give me an example of a feeding schedule i could follow? and what in the hell im supposed to feed them?(brand, type, etc.)

I appreciate any help! really dont wanna f#@k up my first grow!!

Thanks

[GanjaThump]

I wouldn't worry too much about the cool tube if you only have a small hole in it. Just make sure the glass isn't loose and rattling and may possibly fall out and destroy your plants.

As far as soil, you won't want to use just ordinary potting soil at the store if at all possible as most general potting soils are mucky and do not have good drainage. You don't want your plants to suffer root rot from having too much water on the roots.
There are soiless mixes with ground coconut shells and other organic materials that most grow stores carry, but they are expensive, but worth the peace of mind. If you can't afford the mixes, then buy some perlite to add to your potting soil and mix 3 parts soil to 1 part perlite. This will promote better drainage. Whatever you do, do not get potting soil that has fertilizer pellets in it. It will burn your plants when using other fertilizers in addition to it. Make sure your container has adequate drainage holes as well. I prefer 3 gallon grow bags myself.

You can use HPS bulbs through the whole grow cycle but I personally wouldn't recommend it. If you are starting seedlings, you'll want to use a cool blue florescent light such as a compact florescent or a T5. You can also use MH bulbs for this stage too, but they are a bit warmer than the florescent type and you'll have to have it a bit farther from your seedlings. Besides, blue light spectrum is just one of the many factors that promotes a better percentage of female plants vs male plants from seed.

There is such a thing as a 600W Metal Halide bulb. Solarmax makes one that is a veg/conversion rated at 55000 lumens. Metal Halides are excellent choices for veg stages and when used in conjunction with HPS bulbs during bloom stages. You can also get great results with florescent T5 lights as well. You will definitely want a HPS for blooming.

Light cycles for seedlings and veg state is arguable. A lot of people like 24hrs of light and a lot of people like 18/6. I prefer the later as it gives the plants a resting period but that's just my personal preference. The blooming is the usual 12/12 cycle. Usually I like to shut the lights off totally a couple days before harvest. The buds resin up nicely when I do that.

When using fertilizers, there are so many on the market that it comes down to a matter of personal choice. I like Fox Farms myself but others swear by Advanced products and others say B.C. You just have to decide for yourself.

The basics of fertilizers is the factors N-P-K (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium). Use a high nitrogen fertilizer for veg state such as 6-4-4 and a high phosphorus fertilizer for bud state such as 0-50-19. General rule of thumb is to fertilize every other watering. If possible use reverse osmosis water or water that has been distilled. Most fertilizers have a feeding schedule chart to follow which makes it pretty easy for beginners. Here is a helpful tip: Allow your water to get to room temperature if at all possible before watering. This helps reduce plant stress.

All this cost time and money, but the end results you get out of it will reflect how much you put into it.:thumbsup:

Hope this helps.

[gravila]

Helped Alot! deff. wont be using miracle grow. has a shit load of pellets in it. You've made me feel alot less nervous about my first grow. I think Ill be more confident in myself if/when they actually start growing lol