Thanks for the heads up on covering the holes oldjimmybones, i put some cardboard over them and i don't think any light is getting thru.

You guys are right on the PH, but I have a test kit coming and it should be here today. I got it from stealth hydro, it is the strips and it includes powdered PH up and PH down. I looked for a PH pen everywhere, and all I could find was $90 and above, and well over $100 for a combo meter. The old lady has drawn the line with the spending on this project so i'm gonna have to wait to get digital equipment. nect time I will have it. I am concerned though, how do those test strips work? anyone have any experience with them? or better yet, does anyone know where I can get a digital meter for under $40 or so?

opie, let me know what you think about the root rot (see pics)...i personally think the leaves are yellow because of those crappy nutes I used, and that the roots are fine. they look completely white when I look in there, but somehow when i take a picture the flash bulb makes them look slightly brown. The brown has not gotten worse as the plants and roots have matured, so I am thinking my roots are fine. what do you think?

thanks again guys...