Originally Posted by headshake
you got some pics to back up this advice?
halogen lights are worthless for growing. they don't put out much light and produce a bunch of heat. it might keep the plant alive with minimal growth. that joke cost $55! wtf? do you know how many CFLs with the hardware to mount them you can get for $55?
you can get a 4 or 5 light vanity bar, the Y splitters to match and the eight to 10 bulbs you need for around that price (give or take depending on what you actually find at the store).
395, did you pre-soak the hydroton? it's probably not a good idea to mix it with your soil. hydrton is notorious for having pH problems. you might want to consider something different. you can mix in 2/3 potting soil with 1/3 perlite if you need to improve aeration and drainage.
like LOC said, pH is paramount. get a way to test it. you can get a freshwater aquarium kit for ~$6, or a digital pH pen for ~$25.
good growing!
-shake
-shake