tested ph last night. seems to be around 6.0
the soil is a premium general all purpose potting soil. im beginning to .think thats the problem. i use tap water to water, but let it sit uncovered a few days to evap the clorine out. good point on the plants being low in the pots. never even thought of that. the lights made it look a bit better this morning. i will get a fan on it asap. and snap some more clearer pictures tonight with a picture of the bag the soil came in.