Some questions about seedlings/seedling stage

I'm getting ready for a grow. I already tried one as a clone but
there are new questions and some things I hadn't done with the
clone vs. seeds.

First, when do I start adjusting ph? I've heard posts, and peticularly
some videos/guides saying they used distilled water for popping the seeds.
But how long after that can I start adjusting ph? Both well water, and distilled (in
my experience have had ph of around 8.3-8.5ph. -- my thoughts were every 2nd watering to drop
the ph by around 0.5ph until its to the desired amount.

Is it ok to water more often if I'm using a heating pad? I have a controlable heating pad
for the propogation tray. Most places have said the soil needed to be a few degrees warmer
than surrounding air.. so will that dry out the peat faster and require more water?

Should I be strict on feeding schedule (eg. no ferts for several weeks) or can I give it a minimal
feed if leaves show some yellow?


Thanks for the help. I know I can start soon if I understand just a little more about this.

mgjschdl

I was wondering about seedling stage. More about lighting. I am using part of a closet so I don't have alot of space. One of the solutions I saw was a direct wiring 15w t8 fluorescent light. I'm not entirely sure of the color range/spectrum (its not printed anywhere) but if I replaced the bulb with proper spectrum light is that enough wattage? The space provides for upto 18-19" without re-arranging anything.

Ph of distilled should be around 7. Over time, by opening the jug and stuff, it can drift downward. But if used pretty quick it will still be around 7.

A heating pad will definitely dry the soil out faster. Only time I use a heating pad is during seed germination and when rooting clones.

You should not need to feed for 3-4 weeks/5-7 leaf sets. When you do start feeding, start out slow and keep the solution diluted a bit more than what the directions say.

What are the exact dimensions of your grow room, then I can help with lighting questions. But right off the top of my head, I can say with almost 100% certainty, 1 15w T8 will never be enough for more than rooting clones.

I've had some questions of local sources. Most tell me distilled should be neutral but I haven't found one to live up to that. I will know more when I have some ph drops/strips and get my meter tested. That could definitely be fault of equipment. I'll try to repost here once I know for sure.

I plan on keeping the pad in low 70s, or maybee spot on 70. The space for the propogation tray is 18"x18"x14". I have a high dome and a low one. I can figure something out if I need to lower a fluorescent close to the seedlings.