Seedling Problem

I have 8 seedlings that are 10 days old and all but one has started their second set of leaves. My problem(s) is that the one seedling that only has first set of true leaves, the leaves are curling at the bottom, the tops are fine (for now?). Three of the other seedlings have started doing the same thing but the second set of leaves are doing fine (for now?), and on 2 of the other seedlings the first set is doing fine (for now?) but the second set is curling. I have one that has no problems (for now?). All seedlings are 2"-2 1/2" tall and are growing in Burpee Super Pellets in a Burpee Starting System. They are under (2) 27 watt CFL,s that are about 10" above the tops of the seedlings and have them on 18 and off 6. The temperature ranges from 78F with lights on and 71F with lights off. No nutes just tap water that has been treated with Amquel to get rid of chlorine, chloramines and ammonia (safe for plants and humans). They are on a self watering mat and the grow medium is moist like its supposed to be, not soggy or dry. I have searched the web and can't find anything on my problem, I hope you knowledgeable people can help me out. Any and all help will be greatly appreicated!!! Thanks and sorry no pics.

I have a seedling doing the exact same.. first set of leaves are pointing down and rest are up. I am doing everything exactly the same as you but I have a few more cfls and use filtered water that has been sitting out for more than a week..(I keep it pre-poured in a closed container)
**I am guessing it could be from overwatering?** (although I don't really think I am)

Ck the ph...neither of you mention ph...and maybe fill out a troubleshooting form....they are sticky'd here somewhere.:stoned:

I don't have a means of checking Ph:(
and I'm on a tight budget.. just spent the lasts of it on cfls ...
going to have to wait a while.
Maybe can someone supply me with a trustworthy online site where I can get ph testers for a cheap price?:)..that ship to Canada

Thanks for the replies fellas, I do appreicate them!!! Do I need to test the ph of the soil, water or both? I've added a 150 watt HPS about 2ft above the tops and it seems to have helped a little, they're still growing a look strong. I don't know what poker2 is using but I'm using bag seeds and that might be the problem but its kinda weird. I'm going to try and get some pics this weekend and post. Again, THANKS!!!

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Originally Posted by wiggie

Do I need to test the ph of the soil, water or both?

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BOTH are very important IMO:thumbsup: Be sure to adjust PH after you add nutes to your water you water with. Soil PH is a little more tricky to adjust but that usually works its self out with proper PH watering.:smokin:

Till you can get the cash for a ph pen, I'd go get a freshwater aquarium ph test kit. They run about $7.00 or so at most pet centers.

Might also be from overwatering.

i had this problem before i just moved the cfl lights closer maybe 3inch above that sorted it

Thanks for the new replies fellas!. I took some water to my local pet store and they tested the ph for free and found out that its 7.0, a little high would'nt you guys think? I bought some stuff to bring it down ($4.99) and also purchased a test kit ($6.99 Thank you Rusty Trichrome!). I've also lowered the lights alittle (Thanks jaydee84!). I'll let u know how this works out.
Poker2, if ur still checkin this thread, call ur local pet store, I bet they'll check ur ph for free.

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Originally Posted by wiggie

Thanks for the new replies fellas!. I took some water to my local pet store and they tested the ph for free and found out that its 7.0, a little high would'nt you guys think? I bought some stuff to bring it down ($4.99) and also purchased a test kit ($6.99 Thank you Rusty Trichrome!). I've also lowered the lights alittle (Thanks jaydee84!). I'll let u know how this works out.
Poker2, if ur still checkin this thread, call ur local pet store, I bet they'll check ur ph for free.

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Just make sure that when and if you use nutes, that you have to adjust PH after you add the nutes.:thumbsup:

Depends a lot on the buffering available in the soil, but 7.0 isn't bad at all. And since it likely wasn't a ph issue, you might want to re-think your watering quantities and schedule to prevent overwatering.

Does your water smell like chlorine?

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Originally Posted by poker2

I don't have a means of checking Ph:(
and I'm on a tight budget.. just spent the lasts of it on cfls ...
going to have to wait a while.
Maybe can someone supply me with a trustworthy online site where I can get ph testers for a cheap price?:)..that ship to Canada

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walmart, aquarium section, kit with ph up/down and test drops/color chart. its not the best, however it will keep you on track. believe me i know about budgets you should see where i work...ba hahahahahah:wtf: im too poor to be the grower i could be and too good to be satisfied with the grower i am. oh wait your in canada? do you have a walmart there? or a major "we sell everything" outlet? might even check into aquarium supply stores. test pens are pricey, and the last thing this world needs is wealthy grow snobs telling us poor folk how to do it the silver spoon way:thumbsup:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Rusty Trichome

Till you can get the cash for a ph pen, I'd go get a freshwater aquarium ph test kit. They run about $7.00 or so at most pet centers.

Might also be from overwatering.

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yeah, agree with overwatering. seedlings tend to be forgiving on ph but only to a point. might as well get used to it now though. ph is now a part of his life.

The phdown sold for aquariums is not made for plants. I made the same mistake before I was told not to use it. If there is a hydro shop in your area, they will have it. If not, there are many places online to order it and it is no more expensive that the aquarium stuff. I am also on a very tight budget so if I kill my plants, the investment for lights, fans, electricity are all for naught... not to mention not having any meds.

I had to make a two hour round trip to acquire the right stuff. But, in light of the potential consequences, I felt it was a good investment in time and effort. Best of luck!