Not my first grow but first grow log!

Awrite, the Oasis babies seem to agree with the 24/0 light schedule:

the stubby one with heat damage (remember the home made fixture that fell apart? It kinda fell on it! :( ) seems to be repairing itself quite nicely,

Leggy #1 and #2 (the one with the second sprout that I thought was dead & grew anyway) have grown bigger an healthier,

KC seems to be getting a bit more height (though the lower leaves were showing signs of yellow, I'm hoping the feeding I gave them yesterday will help that);

And the little baby in the same pot as Leggy #2 is developping nicely...not sure if the seed is one of the KC 36's or Oasis that weren't germinating...but I don't dare move it at this stage.:hippy:

hey pedro, love the name wheres Man

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Originally Posted by d4twamp

hey pedro, love the name wheres Man

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:S2: Still waiting for Dave meng! :S2:

Tried an experiment yesterday...since the plants can benifit extra Co2 on a 24/0 schedule, I tried this:

Turned off the exhaust, and lit up one of those 10" incense on a stick inside the wardrobe (planted it in the soil of Stubby, which has the most free space) and let it combust for 30 minutes.

Agreed, it released equal parts of CO as well as CO2...and the temperature shot up nearly 10 degrees, and the humidity went up about 2%, but... (and maybe it's just my imagination)

The leaves on all plants seem to have grown this tiny bit fatter, Jr definitely is growing new leaves (then again a 24/0 light schedule will do that too, and I did feed the plants a few days back).

As well, the added vermiculite & perlite is doing a fine job in preserving moisture in the pots; I haven't had to water the plants since I fed them!:thumbsup:

Got notice of delivery of the HPS light today! :D I can't wait to compare the results...general consensus seems to be that HPS lamps have better light penetration, better efficiency, etc... the fact that I'll be using a 150 watter as opposed to a pair of CFL's totalling 170 watts should also help keep cabinet temps manageable...

I'm stoked! :D

150 watts HPS and blue LED panel (since I'm still vegging at this point) and I can see firsthand what the deal is with HPS...OMG is that ever bright! Inner cabinet temps are at about 83F (after 8 or 9 hours uninterrupted) and the humidity is around 63%.

It was a bit of a challenge to install the remote ballast outside of the cabinet, but I figured it out. It is lukewarm to the touch, out of curiosity I placed a thermometer near it and it reads just under 73 F...

So far so good, and the babies seem to like it! :thumbsup:

At the suggestion of the love of my life, I lowered the light to about 2' above the tallest plant to concentrate more light on the babies...I also added a Glade plugin gel near the exhaust fan.

While the smell is nowhere near the smell of ripening females, the 'green smell' is still noticeable, and I managed to find a bunch of plugin gels for cheap so I thought I'd give it a try.

I read on another board that adding ground charcoal (about 1" to the soil) can help control grow room odors too...I have to wonder what that would do to the plants though!

At any rate, this is what the cabinet and plants look as of today:

Okay, decided to initiate 12/12 earlier today. It may be a bit early for the Oasis plants but the KC36 has been vegging for 6 weeks.

The dark cycle seems to be agreeing with the babies (then again this may be an optical illusion!) as they're looking bigger already...we'll see. Since marijuana plants can double in size during flowering I might as well do it now.

Yeah, I'm nuts for doing the 12/12 before sexing...but hey, come what may.

:hippy:

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Originally Posted by Pedro de Pacas

Okay, decided to initiate 12/12 earlier today.

Yeah, I'm nuts for doing the 12/12 before sexing...but hey, come what may.

:hippy:

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its never to early to flip the lights... i have 4 purple erkles that are 12/12 from seed and all 4 came out female..... i have a purple voodoo and g13/hashplant and 12/12 from seed that came out females.... but the only plants (besides my clones) that i didnt 12/12 from seed came out to be 1 female and 13 males ... BAH .... o well

your grow is looking very good .. i veg with cfls to .. seems to work good for small cabs..

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Originally Posted by bickeybammer

its never to early to flip the lights... i have 4 purple erkles that are 12/12 from seed and all 4 came out female..... i have a purple voodoo and g13/hashplant and 12/12 from seed that came out females.... but the only plants (besides my clones) that i didnt 12/12 from seed came out to be 1 female and 13 males ... BAH .... o well

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Then it sounds like my instinct was right! This is my first time flowering with HPS and LED for extra blue spectrum (okay, so I might not need it during flowering...but a bit of extra light can't hurt! ;) )

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your grow is looking very good .. i veg with cfls to .. seems to work good for small cabs..

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Thanks! I'm learning more and more at every grow!

My concerns about HPS lights were unfounded: the 150 watter generates less heat than the combined 170 watts of CFL's I used for vegging, the ballast generates less heat than I expected (it gets lukewarm at worst - the 125 watt CFL was so hot when I took it out I nearly burned myself, so no worries there!) and I use less electricity... lesson learned!

If all of the things I've read about flowering with HPS are true (denser buds gorged with resin), I can't wait for the end of October! :D

Okay, here's what the babies look like after their first 12 hour dark cycle...might be wishful thinking but they do look bigger, including Jr (the one sharing the same pot as Leggy #2 (though at this point Leggy #1 & #2 aren't leggy any more! ;) ).

I pruned 2 leaves off Leggy #2 to allow more light on Jr. Since they haven't shown any sign of sex yet, I figured it woulnd't have adverse effects on Leggy #2 (not yet anyway).

Raised the light one rung - a few fan leaves were burned. Did some pruning and watered the plants...gotta be mindful of that "light circle" as the plants get taller and closer to the light; the heat increases as the leaves get closer!

No burns on the leaves this moring, but to be safe I did the 'hand test' at the top of the tallest plant; and the heat felt a bit uncomfortable so I raised the light a few more inches.

I turned Leggy #2's pot around so Jr gets better light exposure (gotta love the names I ended up giving 'em! ;) ). So far KC is still the tallest at 11" , Leggy 2 is second at 8.5", Leggy 1 is third just a smidge above 7", Stubby lives up to its name at all of 4" (considering I wasn't sure it would survive the original light fixture falling on it and burning it badly) and looks much healthier than it originally did (to my relief).

Last but not least, Jr is expanding nicely (sprouted several weeks after the rest, go figure), not very tall (1" if that) but the leaves are getting nice and big. Latest pics!

Couldn't upload all of the pics, here's what Jr looks like:

Pedro, Very Nice Log.

Couple quick questions though. What was the temprature increase when you switched to the 150 watt HPS. It seems you are running in a closed 3x3 room if im not mistaken.

More random thoughts:

• This is day 5 since inducing 12/12, the plants should be showing signs of sex in the next few days. I do believe I see hints of white on KC, but I can't really stick my head in there close enough to see if those are pistils or not.
• I have plenty of flat white paint leftover from another project of a few years ago, but I fear that sticking the babies in there as the paint dries would harm them, so that's out.
• The flat white cardboard makeshift reflectors may or may not be helping, it's hard for me to tell as I have nothing to compare it to. I have found a good supply of emergency blankets for a buck each, same place I found the popcorn bins. 70% reflectivity is better than nothing at all, and if I read my research right, hot spots shouldn't be much of an issue under 150 watts of HPS - if I'm mistaken somebody tell me!

Perhaps I should research flat white cardboard reflectivity? According to the Ask Ed column on Cannabis Culture, some Hydroponic growers use it...but how reflective is it as opposed to flat white paint, mylar, emergency blankets and aluminum foil?

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Originally Posted by DE.Db33t

Pedro, Very Nice Log.

Couple quick questions though. What was the temprature increase when you switched to the 150 watt HPS. It seems you are running in a closed 3x3 room if im not mistaken.

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Missed your question as I was posting!

Plenty of variables but overall the temps are actually a few degrees cooler after switching to the 150 watt HPS. Keep in mind that I was using one 125 watt CFL (nearly burned my hand trying to unscrew it from its socket too - I couldn't wait to let it cool off) with a second CFL (a 45 watter).

We're talking 170 watts of CFL with built-in ballasts, and the ballast is where the worst of the heat builds up. Does the HPS bulb generate heat? Absolutely, but the heat buildup is actually less since it uses a remote ballast, which is kept outside the wardrobe.

The measurements of the wardrobe are 22.75" X 19.5" X 5'4" give or take. Said wardrobe is near the room AC which keeps the outside temperature in the low 70's while the inner cabs temps hover around 82-84 F with the humidity around 58-64%.

Even after adding the exhaust and passive air intake the temps used to be in the 86 -92F range with the two CFL's, so yeah, no regrets since the switch!

I decided to take a chance, I used one of the emergency blankets and lined the wardrobe walls & door. I removed the cardboard (whaddya know? it was warping!) as well as the blue LED panel. At this stage I want the babies to show sex, so the more reds the better.

Here are pics of the grow rooms as it is as of today, the babies and close-ups of KC...6 days into 12/12 and I still can't tell if it's a girl or not!

Looking good man, My cab is very similiar to yours cept Im using a 400w cool tube MH/HPS light. Bit overkill but im hoping to get some high yeilds. Cant wait till you sex those babies.

Lemme know how yours turns out too! Chit meng, the blanket came loose in some spots due to the suction from the exhaust fan :mad: the blanket's touching the plants in some spots :mad: aluminium foil tape is garbage!

Looka lika I'm gonna have some refixing to do tomorrow, I don't want to expose the plants to my green CFL for too long. I did stick the LED panel back in there though...more lumens won't go amiss.

Feeling a bit impatient for the babies to show signs of sex...seeing that KC's 9 days older than the others I took a few close-ups of various possible bud sites...the leaves are showing small bumps reminiscent of trichomes (very tiny) and I am seeing whiteness but I'm not sure if that's due to new leaf growth or if I'm actually seeing pistils...I know, patience is a virtue...and with today being the first day of week 2 of 12/12 I don't feel very virtuous! ;)

And the growth spurts have started! Again, I didn't want to expose the babies to my green CFL for too long, but I just raised the HPS a few inches: Leggy 1 has just decided to grow like crazy, it is now the tallest in the wardrobe, I'd say about 1" taller than KC that had been the tallest up until today...this is becoming interesting!

It took 8 days of 12/12 but things are beginning to move!

it kinda looks female almost but its really hard to tell, give it a bit more time probably

Today's pictures meng! Thus far I'm liking the HPS/LED config! :hippy:

More pics and a few more closeups of KC's

And thus far the unofficial count is: Females 2 , Males 1 and 2 still unsexed.

I've located pistils on KC and Leggy 2, balls on Leggy 1 (though one pod has a white spot on it, I might be looking at a hermie or a mis-shapen female) and no sign of sex on Stubby or Jr.

I'll take photos later today. If my assessment of Leggy 1 is accurate I need to seclude him. In the past I would have snipped him off and given him the heave ho; but I want to collect my own seeds this time around. The Oasis seeds are a bit pricier, so it only makes sense to collect the pollen and try to fertilize one bud at least. Leggy 1 is definitely from one of the Oasis seeds...

More random thoughts:

-I can't take closeup shots if it saved my life, in spite of owning a decent digital camera...so I'll just have to rely on my past experience to say I have 2 females so far and one male

-The big growth spurt occurred the monday following my adding a Bionaire Tower air purifier with optional Ionizer to the room in which the grow wardrobe is located; coincidence? I keep the Inonizer setting on to help further reduce odor; but I have seen articles claiming that negative ions may enhance plant growth...like I said, it might only be a coincidence but regardless, I'll keep using it!

-The glade gel plug-ins are helping with odor control, but I still get "that green smell" when I come home from work. My attempts at making a DIY carbon scrubber have been an exercise in frustration thus far. Y'see I'm all thumbs; might be a green thumb but all thumbs nonetheless! ;)

I seem to recall something about Pinesol being a good odor absorber; I'll have to look into that. Secluding Legs (might as well call him "legs" since I know it's a "he" ;) ) will be a challenge too...:wtf:

Rubbermaid to the rescue! I needed a way to isolate the male and collect the pollen, so one of those big Rubbermaid garbage cans on wheels was just perfect! Told ya I'd still have a use for the CFL's and timers I'd purchased over the past 2-3 years!

I still can't do a closeup to save my life, but here are the pics as of this morning. I've seen pistils on KC and Leggy 2. I'm hopeful Jr will also turn out female but it's still much to short.

Stubby has recovered quite well from its close encounter with the 125 watt CFL from a few weeks back, but I fear the stress is turning it male... a shame. It's still too early to tell in Jr and Stubby's cases, so I'll give them a bit more time.

My idea of using diluted Pinesol in a Rubbermaid measuring cup has been working well so far...keeping my fingers crossed!

A few closeup pics of Leggy 1. It's still too soon to determine the sex of Stubby & Jr, originally I thought Stubby was edging towards being male, but I'm no longer sure.

Keeping my fingers crossed that the final tally is 4 girls, 1 guy and 1 bud site pollinated for seeds!:hippy:

Pistil spotted on Stubby! Late bloomer (pardon the pun) but that brings the tally to 3 girls, 1 boy and one left to determine (though at first glance it's looking like a 4th girl - keeping my fingers crossed! :hippy: ).

Mary Jane is indeed one tough plant: after the mishap I had last month with the DIY light fixture nearly killing Stubby, I expected it to turn male...it's a girl! :thumbsup:

And I have a new found respect for Dutch Passion seeds. I'd read they have the most reliable genetics (they boast the Oasis breed as being almost spidermite and mold resistant if I recall), well, Stubby is certainly a glowing example of those great genetics!

KC and Leggy 2 are develpping almost pom-pom looking young buds. Which brings the question: when do I start counting days to harvest? 55 to 60 days would workwell with both the KC36 and Oasis plants, but do I start counting from the day I initiated 12/12 or from the day the last plant showed signs of sex?

Like if Jr shows pistils by next tuesday, does this become my "day 1" of flowering, or was Day 1 when I initiated 12/12? Just trying to be clear...:confused:

Tried my best to show clear bud sites on KC, Leggy 2 and Stubby:

Abd the official count: 4 girls and 1 boy! I'm a bit worried about Leggy 2, she's shown several limp leaves this morning...

I did a bit of pruning and will research "limp" on the forums...I think I know the cause but I want to be sure. Unless I'm way off, limp leaves are due to over watering, but the soilfelt bone dry, almost crusty even!

After yesterday's pruning I gave the girls a treat of diluted molasses! Looking good this morning!

Far out! I wasn't 100% clear of when exactly the flowering period starts, and Ed Rosenthal already had that answer in his "Ask Ed" Column:

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Flowering time begins when the light cycle is reduced and lasts until ripening.

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Which means I'm a good 2 weeks & 2 days into flowering already! Or 17 days...avreage flowering time is 55 to 60 days, so 43 days to go give or take! :thumbsup::hippy:

Hmm...KC Brains has a 6 to 8 weeks flowering period for the KC36 whereas Dutch Passion has a 8 to 9 week flowering period for the Oasis strain. So the girls could be ready as early as 42 days or as late as 63 days, so the 55 to 60days period seems to be pretty much in the zone.

Late October would seem to be the overall target for the harvest, which is perfect since I might have some out of town visitors in November and I'd really like to have the grow-op put away for mid-November.

I water cure, so it takes care of any odor, and I have some good stash places to put the grow stuff & weed & accessories away without raising suspicion...

One day, mj will be decriminalized and all of the cloak and dagger won't be necessary any longer...until then, stealth's the word! :Tomcat:

Day 18 of flowering...had I paid better attention I would have seen that Legs already had a few pollen sacks that had burst open from a couple of days ago! :wtf:

Found a clean container (a recycled pill bottle) gently tapped the open sacks above it, collected the pollen, washed my hands...

took Stubby (who's pretty tall by now) out of the grow cab and pollinated one of the lower buds best I could. I then dusted off the pollen from the lower leaves (to avoid it pollinating the other girls when I return it to the grow cab) and returned Stubby to the wardrobe.

So...I'll either get no seed at all, seeds on the one bud I targeted or seeds all over the place because I missed some pollen and it'll fly around with the cab ventilation...

So best case scenario: I get big, resinous seed -free buds on all bud sites but one! :greenthumb:

Cut up Legs and sent it to the trash. I recuperated as much soil as I could, and put the makeshift Rubbermaid isolation cab away. And now...I wait as the girls bloom and ripen! :D

Day 19...resisting the temptation to overfeed or overwater, and resisting the temptation of adding a few extra low-watt CFL's to the mix...part of me feels the extra light wouldn't go amiss on the blooming girls, but my meagre experience tells me I'm asking for crispy dry leaves and heat damage if I do...

And the girls are looking fine, so I'll have to learn to leave well enough alone! KC is 20" tall (and seems to have stopped growing at that height), Leggy 2 tops her at 20.5 -21" tall, Stubby has had the most remarkable growth spurt, from being short and heat damaged and now standing tall at 17" of height!

Jr...I don't even see her any longer: too much of a canopy from Leggy 2 and KC hogging a lot of the top, all I can do is hope that its small buds get enough HPS light to fully bloom, even if it is only 4" tall (or at least it was last time I could actually see it!)

More to come!:hippy:

Day 21 of flowering and the girls are looking good! Found me an inexpensive SMT pure red LED light from ebay, I'll focus it on the lower branches. Since marijuana is a light hungry plant, extra red spectrum won't hurt...as long as the salesman sends me the right color this time around! :rolleyes:

Regardless, the switch to a 150 watt HPS is making quite a difference from the prior 100% CFL getup... here are the girls as of today:

A few more bud sites...sweet!