Rubbermaid CFL bag seed grow

Ok my setup is complete. My 2nd rubbermaid setup - Cannabis Forums Message Boards - Medical Marijuana, Cannabis Club, Dispensary, News , I've just placed 6 of my grem'd babies in some Fox Farm Ocean Forest soil as suggested and I'm starting them on 18/6 light (I've read some posts where people do 24 hr lights.. is this better?). I have them in some Sole Red party cups to start (I'm going to be watering them from the top for now, but I have read its better to water them from the bottom, any suggestions?). Once they are above the soil I'll post some pics, Figured no one wants to look at red cups with dirt in them wondering lol. :hippy:

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Originally Posted by gsosure

Ok my setup is complete. My 2nd rubbermaid setup - Cannabis Forums Message Boards - Medical Marijuana, Cannabis Club, Dispensary, News , I've just placed 6 of my grem'd babies in some Fox Farm Ocean Forest soil as suggested and I'm starting them on 18/6 light (I've read some posts where people do 24 hr lights.. is this better?). I have them in some Sole Red party cups to start (I'm going to be watering them from the top for now, but I have read its better to water them from the bottom, any suggestions?). Once they are above the soil I'll post some pics, Figured no one wants to look at red cups with dirt in them wondering lol. :hippy:

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well, first off, make sure your cups have good drainage ... second, do NOT fertilize your young plants, until they show about 4 sets of leaves ... especially, with Ocean Forest soil ... I like OF soil, but it is pretty hot, it has killed some more fragile strains, in my own experience ...

never, ever, water cannabis from the bottom, always from the top ... cannabis requires loose, well-draining soil, it is crucial ...

24 hour, or 18/6, that will always be arguable ... personally, I use 18/6 ... I've tried about every combination, nothing seems obviously better, the 18/6 just seem 'happier' to me :D

do a lot of research while you're waiting ... Mandala's website has a lot of great info for growers, too ... good luck :thumbsup:

Great thanks for all the info. I have small holes poked in the cups to allow drainage and I have about a 15% mix for perlite and my FF.

I'll stick with the 18/6 seems so much more natural and nature like. I've been keeping to the moto "K.I.S.S" I figure this plant can thrive in nature on its own so I'm trying not to over do it. [IMG]http://img207.imageshack.us/img207/3...2091725.th.jpg[/IMG]

Ok so here is a noob question I was looking around on the site on how far I should keep the lights from the plants but only found info on HID's, but since I'm using CFL's I'm sure there is a slight difference. Right now with out measuring them I think they are about 10" from the top of the soil.

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Originally Posted by gsosure

Ok so here is a noob question I was looking around on the site on how far I should keep the lights from the plants but only found info on HID's, but since I'm using CFL's I'm sure there is a slight difference. Right now with out measuring them I think they are about 10" from the top of the soil.

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CFL's one to three inches away from the tops. They don't penetrate deep so you have to have them close to the tops without burning them. That's really the only problem with having CFL's is you have to move the lights up constantly.

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Originally Posted by Italiano715

CFL's one to three inches away from the tops. They don't penetrate deep so you have to have them close to the tops without burning them. That's really the only problem with having CFL's is you have to move the lights up constantly.

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Great thanks for the info going to move them closer so they don't stretch when they come out of the soil. Once things get going I'll slow up on the posts. Just want to make sure I get off to a good start. :D

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Originally Posted by gsosure

Ok so here is a noob question I was looking around on the site on how far I should keep the lights from the plants but only found info on HID's, but since I'm using CFL's I'm sure there is a slight difference. Right now with out measuring them I think they are about 10" from the top of the soil.

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10" is WAAAAAAYYYYYY too far for CFLs.
you should keep CFLs anywhere from 1-4" away (closer the better obviously)... just watch you don't burn the shit out of your plants

you should read this: http://boards.cannabis.com/indoor-li...uch-light.html

exceptionally good info there.

Awesome yup just read that over and they are now from dirt to light about 3". Just going to keep a close eye on them once they come above the dirt to keep them from burning. I must say this site has been an amazing resource. I hope once I'm done I can use my knowledge to help others like I've been helped.

It's not as important in veg to keep the cfls as close as possible, when compared to flower. The main thing you want to avoid is stretching and heat issues with cfls in veg. As long as your not stretching and raising the temps. too high, you want them as close as you can get but honestly, I kept mine probably 5 inches or so away and I had no stretch or heat issues. 10 cfls, 26watters.

Until you get your setup and grow style dialed in, go by the general rules, the more light the better. IR, won't steer you wrong. He's right that OF is hot but as long as you don't fert too early, it's satisfactory for seedlings. Don't be surprised to see a little deformity in the early leaves/first round leaves. I use OF from start to finish. Always water from the top. Always.

As far as drainage holes are concerned, I like mine as big as possible. I make my own pots, and use a 1/4 inch drill bit for the drainage holes. The bigger the holes the less likely water will get trapped on the bottom and it also allows more oxygen to get to the roots. You will be thankful you added perlite. IMO, always add perlite.

I've used both 18/6 and 24/0 and saw no difference. The only reason, I don't know if its true or not, I used 24/0 last grow was I thought the plants would show sex earlier after the light change. My human thinking, thought that since they had never been exposed to dark that the first exposure would 'kick' them into flower faster. Took the ladies 3 days, which was quick IMO but I have no evidence to support either way.

Also make sure you don't water normally too soon. I had an experience once when I watered normally too soon and the seedling hadn't rooted down far enough and the entire thing, root and all floated to the top of the soil lol. I was pissed, but stuck the girl back down in the soil, and she grew fine. She was stunted, as you can imagine, by the experience but it worked out fine, she was only maybe 7 days behind the rest. I use a spray bottle until I think the ladies have rooted down far enough to handle a full on watering.

K.I.S.S:stoned:

Just a quick post, have 5 that are above soil now. Figured I'd post a few quick pics before the lights go out. Happy Memorial Day all.

http://img29.imageshack.us/img29/9462/0525091146.th.jpg

http://img190.imageshack.us/img190/2...5091148.th.jpg

http://img529.imageshack.us/img529/7...5091147.th.jpg

Well here is a better pic of the babies, they have been under 24/0 light.. yeah my timer hasn't been working from what I gathered being home all day today. I'm not sure if this is a normal size for 4 days in the soil. but here they are.

This one is looking the best
http://img36.imageshack.us/img36/201...092154a.th.jpg

top view of the 5 that have sprouted
http://img16.imageshack.us/img16/8922/0526092154.th.jpg

sideview
http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/995...092154b.th.jpg

Nice. Putting those lights closer will definitely get those plants moving quicker.

Yeah right now they are about 3" from the lights and its about 72 degrees. I'm going to keep the log updated about ever 2 - 3 days so I don't over post.

Ok just got done watering the babies. They are all looking strong and are about 1.5" for the shortest and about 2" for the tallest. I noticed after my last watering a lot of excess water run off in the case so I put plates under the cups to catch that water.. Now my questions is will that cause issues if my plants suck that water up from the bottom? Other than that I think I'm on track thanks for all the great tips. :hippy:

pic1: Just a shot from above to see the leave growth.
http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/9245/0528091249.th.jpg

pic2: Group shot from the side to show height growth.
http://img211.imageshack.us/img211/2...8091251.th.jpg

pic3: And back to the cab for some "sun".
http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/8349/0528091258.th.jpg

pic4: This one is looking the best.. Have some high hopes here.
http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/6462/0528091254.th.jpg

[quote=gsosure] I noticed after my last watering a lot of excess water run off in the case so I put plates under the cups to catch that water.. Now my questions is will that cause issues if my plants suck that water up from the bottom?

negative ghost rider! cannabis plants like to have a wet/dry cycle. they say that roots grow more when the soil is dry as they stretch to find water/food.

not to mention standing water leads to high humidity (and fungi), bugs and algae. not to mention your roots need oxygen and too much water can lead to root rot.

i like to put mine in the sink or bathtub (depending on pot size of course!) and water til i get a tad bit of runoff. let them stand for about 15 minutes and then return to their housing unit.

make sure that you have adequate drainage in your pots.

good growing!


-shake

Great thanks for the fast response.. I removed the plates and noticed a huge amount growth just from this morning.

Just checked in on the babies, and they are looking strong I think. I noticed a little leaf growth and some height. I'm starting to wonder if I need some more light on them or if I need to move them to bigger pots. Here are some pics so any ideas.

http://img199.imageshack.us/img199/7...091228b.th.jpg

http://img34.imageshack.us/img34/282...091228a.th.jpg

http://img195.imageshack.us/img195/1...0091228.th.jpg

http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/2...091227a.th.jpg

http://img199.imageshack.us/img199/2...0091227.th.jpg

http://img200.imageshack.us/img200/4...091228c.th.jpg

So I was doing some research the other night and I noticed the color of my bulb didn't seem to match up with what I thought I had. I realized I bought 2700k instead of 6500k. Well I've now fixed that and added 2 bulbs to the mix. I now have 8 Bright Effects Day Light 6500k bulbs. Lets hope this gets me on track for a better grow.

http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/8...1090915.th.jpg

http://img32.imageshack.us/img32/410...090915a.th.jpg

http://img32.imageshack.us/img32/6623/0531090914.th.jpg

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Originally Posted by gsosure

So I was doing some research the other night and I noticed the color of my bulb didn't seem to match up with what I thought I had. I realized I bought 2700k instead of 6500k. Well I've now fixed that and added 2 bulbs to the mix. I now have 8 Bright Effects Day Light 6500k bulbs. Lets hope this gets me on track for a better grow.

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just as an FYI, 2700K isn't 'wrong' by any means. the timing just isn;t right :) the plants make the most use of 6500K during the veg cycle, and the most use out of 2700K for the flower cycle. That being said, its actually good to use a mix of both for both cycles... heavier on the 6500K for veg, heavier on 2700K for flower. a 75%/25% mix seems to be around what people say is optimal.

if you haven;t read it already, the links in my sig have some really good info on lighting in general and some specifics about CFLs in the 2nd one.

those bright effects bulbs are good for the money. they're bright as hell. I think you'll be happy with them.

Yeah its was those CFL posts that made me realized I had the wrong lights for this point in the grow. Its may sound dumb but the lights have only been in place for a few hours and I can see the leaves perking up a bit. Thanks all.

yep, as an experiment when i took a couple clones of my current grow i tried using mostly 2700K on them for veg so i could see the difference... it was actually pretty significant, within a couple days of them vegging i could see them growing much more tall and lanky than the same plants grown under primarly 6500K, which grew much much shorter and bushier

Ok so yeah the light change was a super good idea. I can already tell a difference. But with the reading I've done I'm starting to wonder about space I have about 34" H x 39" W x 64" D , I have 5 plants in cups, but I'm thinking I need to get them to bigger pots. any suggestions on sizes or what I can fit in that space so i won't have to move them more than once?

I think its about time to move to bigger pots. the bottom leaves are getting so big they are twisting in the cups. I noticed a HUGE amount of growth from yesterday to today with the new lights. I'm really just amazed.

So I'm thinking I watered them a little today, get some new pots and more soil, and getting pots about the height of the beer box thats in there now to promote a little stretching to prep them for the up coming light change. at the end of this week I'm going to go to 20/4 and eventually move them to 18/6 shortly before hopefully making it to 12/12 lol.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by gsosure

Ok my setup is complete. My 2nd rubbermaid setup - Cannabis Forums Message Boards - Medical Marijuana, Cannabis Club, Dispensary, News , I've just placed 6 of my grem'd babies in some Fox Farm Ocean Forest soil as suggested and I'm starting them on 18/6 light (I've read some posts where people do 24 hr lights.. is this better?). I have them in some Sole Red party cups to start (I'm going to be watering them from the top for now, but I have read its better to water them from the bottom, any suggestions?). Once they are above the soil I'll post some pics, Figured no one wants to look at red cups with dirt in them wondering lol. :hippy:

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24 hours is only ok If you have a special time that can turn of for a few hours afterwords, so I go from 18/6 to sometimes when its colder in the room I'll go 20/4. Only want to water through the bottom when your E.C. level is up high.I hope your not calling that Ocean Forest "Dirt":jointsmile:

Ok so I noticed they weren't growing up but more out so I moved them to about 5" away instead of 2" and also trimmed the rim of the cup so it was even with the dirt. I did that about 5 hours ago and I can already see a difference in the plants. Heading to the store tomorrow to pick up some more Fox Farm and some decent sized pots so I don't have to move them again. and no I'd never refer to fox farm as dirt. :thumbsup:

I'm glad to see you finally filled the cups up :D ...

So in prep of switching to 18/6 at the end of week 2 I made these covers to put over them and cut vents in the bottoms. I'm pretty stoked they worked out how they did. Any who just a pic of that.

Just peeked in on them this afternoon to check the temp with the new covers on and silly me I never put the gauge back in, but I did notice that my plants have really straightened up and the leaves are all perked up after the first night of 18/6. I'll get some pics after I repot them this evening or tomorrow.

I'm just curious why you just now switched them to 18/6 and didn't start with that? Just curious. :stoned:

Ok I went through the stressful task of transplanting the babies to 3 gal pots and not a moment to soon. When I cut the bottoms of the cups they were covered in roots( see pic 1). The temp in the box with the lights on is at a steady 82 degrees not sure what its at with the lights off. But here they are transplanted and under the lights. ( pic2)

I started out at 24/0 for the first 2 weeks because my timer was broken so at the end of week 2 I had a new timer and switched it to 18/6. it seemed like while at 24/0 I had a lot of fast growth and the switch to 18/6 made them jump more... but that's just what I noticed :jointsmile:

Ok so I just checked the babies, they have all perked back up, the shock didn't last or look as bad as I thought it would. Even in the new pots I have them around 5-6" from the lights. Is this still good or should I start moving them further away? I checked last night after the lights had been out for about 3 hours and the temp was about 69 degrees. Just checked it and the lights are about 82 degrees so I'm holding pretty strong for now.

One thing I noticed in a few cfl grow logs is the placement of white paper plates under the pants I assume as a reflector, is this something to help with flowering and get lights up under the plant or could this be practiced in veg to?

I know I have about 2' of grow height. which would be the better method lst or scrog and whens a good time to start? I've read the faq on how to do them just not sure when to start.

with 5 plants, let's guess that you'll have 2 females. you can clone for sex or whatnot.

so with 2 females you could pull a scrog but it would be a waste because they would fill the screen very fast (unless you put them through a horizontal screen that then went vertical up the rest of the height of your cab or something). so 5 in a scrog is out of the question.

the scrog will start at what height you set the screen. or you can make an adjustable one.

if more than that are female then you should LST them. if you go with LST i would let them get a bit bigger first. then just bend them over 90 degrees near the base (water at least 1 hour prior, prefferebly a day prior) and tie them down. use string or landscaping wire....anything that works.

this will re-route the growth hormone from the main cola to the other nodes and they will start to grow up. now you will have many colas. you can combine this with topping or other methods. you can top with the scrog too.

you should finish LSTing at least 2 weeks prior to flower.

hope this helps.


-shake

Awesome, Yeah that was very helpful. Sounds like LST is going to be the route. So I just want to post comparison pics from yesterday at 4pm (pic 1) and today at 4pm (pic 2).. The transplant looks to be a success.

Ok just got back from a weekend vacation and wow.. They really jumped up. They all have 3 sprouts I'm thinking come Wednesday I'm going to switch the lights and start flowering. Any one have any tips on when to start nutes? After some reading on the organic nutes I'm going with Fox Farm Big Bloom. So anyway here are the babies in no real order.

not sure the kinda results you will get with just the big bloom. it can be used as a stand alone product, but it was designed to go with the others in the lineup (tiger bloom, big bloom). but of course, the other two aren't organic.

you might supplement with some black strap molasses. some people say it does nothing, but it seemed to work well for me. the next day after watering/feeding there seemed to be an abundance of new growth. not necessarily on the main cola height wise, but an overall thickening of the plant, especially down below. the dosage is 1 tablespoon (Tbsp) per gallon of water.

you can start giving nutes as soon as you have alternating nodes. usually around 4-5. you might want to wait to start flowering until then as well as this denotes when the plants are mature.

good growing.


-shake

Cool I appreciate the info. I've been doing alot of reading of other cfl rubbermaid style grows and I'm noticing the height growth on the plants doesn't seem to have alot of comparison to others. I'm wondering if I need to add more lights or move the plants down. I'm just hoping I didn't stun them in the FF Ocean Forest. But on a up note when I opened the door this morning I was hit with a nice skunky smell. :jointsmile:

Ok so I moved the plants down to be about 5-6" from the lights last night before the lights went dark. Woke up this morning to water them and this is what I woke to. Everything is looking good so far when it comes to watering I've just been soaking the soil till i get a little run off out the bottom. Pic 1 is a group photo and pic 2 is the best grower.

OK so wow, I was out of town for a long weekend came home to these. I'm for sure glad I waited. But I am switching the lights out tonight and starting flowering because I do have limited grow height and space. I do see why some people said I will run into space issues... But I'll figure that out when i get there. So here they are.. pic1: group, pic2: the smallest of the bunch, pic3-4: the one with the best foliage.

So they are all the same age? If so, I'm betting the front two to be males and the back three your females. :D Ask me how, I don't know. The just look like the vigorous growing ones, so that's what I'm going with! :D:D:stoned::stoned: Only time will tell though :)