Criticism wanted - Noobs first work log

[n0dn4rb]

This will be my first grow so these are my initial thoughts, half way there, and my setup as I currently see it with my limited knowledge. I've educated myself by reading a number of books and video's but there is no greater teacher than experience am I correct?

Apartment grow so setup will have to be limited. There are no inspections here but one can never be to safe. I have a 55 gallon fish tank and stand that I will be using. Stand is approx 1'x3' and approx 2' tall. Fish tank is approx 1'x3' and approx 1' 1/2" tall.

The stand will be the main grow area. I purchased a 400watt HPS+MH HID light system and looking to purchase a 110 CFM carbon air filter scrubber to control the smell. Researching ventilation needs for grow space (holes, duct routing etc. etc.), any suggestions?

I will be using sheets of white heavy duty construction poster board to enclose the system, looking for better material as the stand is a metal frame and poster board can be diff to bend and stop light leaks. Will mount a therm/hygro inside the box and regulate the light with a timer.

The fish tank will be used for germination/clone housing while waiting for "The Big Show". Researching a CFL light source for the tank.

The seeds are bag seeds but looks like they came from a good strain. I have 10 seeds and used the wet paper towel/ziploc bag method to start the germination process. Now my question is what medium do I transfer the seedlings to. I've read to stay away from the Jiffy 7 pucks but I do have some of them laying around so I'm inclined to use them but would rather not. Any suggestions? East cost native.

As far as my grow method because of limited space I am looking to use the LST method based on my comparisons of SOG/ScrOG/LST. Looking into a method of securing the main Cola as it starts to develop. Thanks inivison for the write up....

I figured out of the initial 10 because of space I would select 3 maybe 4 of the best females, guess that depends on the actual sex results, for my experiment. Now I know the results of overcrowding are thicker stocks and less byproduct so would 4 be to much for the space? I know the rule of thumb is 1 plant p.s.f. but thought I may be able to get away with 1 extra.

Now I come to nut's. I know during Veg you want a nut with a higher nit count and during the Flow stage you want a nut with a high phos count. Now my question is, is this something that is mixed by hand or are there ready made solutions? What about the nut's other than NPK? Now I know you dont water everyday but would you say when the top soil feels dry to the touch you water? Plan on using 1 gal pots due to space.

The stand is open at the top so there is room to "raise the ceiling" so to speak to raise the lights and give me more vertical space to grow.

Now if I have to break this down and move the plants for a few hours, whats the best way to prevent shock and still care for the plants while outside of its "natural" enviroment?

Sorry for the novel but I want to be sure I'm on the right path. I'm sure I forgot some things so please help fill in the gaps.

I appreciate all the effort that has gone into posting the information on these boards and the comradery between everyone. I look forward to posting pics as the grow progresses and sharing my knowledge as I encounter hurdles.

Now I'm off to "see a man about a horse:rastasmoke:"

n0dn4rb Reviewed by n0dn4rb on 03-02-2008. Criticism wanted - Noobs first work log This will be my first grow so these are my initial thoughts, half way there, and my setup as I currently see it with my limited knowledge. I've educated myself by reading a number of books and video's but there is no greater teacher than experience am I correct? Apartment grow so setup will have to be limited. There are no inspections here but one can never be to safe. I have a 55 gallon fish tank and stand that I will be using. Stand is approx 1'x3' and approx 2' tall. Fish tank is approx Rating: 5

[Mr. Clandestine]

...but there is no greater teacher than experience am I correct?

It is one of the best, and one of the most demanding! :thumbsup:

Researching ventilation needs for grow space (holes, duct routing etc. etc.), any suggestions?

Do you have a washer/dryer unit inside your apartment, preferably one that vents directly outdoors? If so, with some imaginative manipulation, you could route it that way without the need for making any holes. I'd be careful about making holes in a dwelling that you don't actually own, but if you can repair it yourself, it can definitely still be done. You might also look into masking agents, ionizers, or Ozone. Each have their advantages and disadvantages, so you'd have to find what would work best for your situation.

I will be using sheets of white heavy duty construction poster board to enclose the system, looking for better material as the stand is a metal frame and poster board can be diff to bend and stop light leaks.

Think about lining the poster boards with Mylar, or a similar reflective material. You can then seal much of it with reflective electrical tape.

Now my question is what medium do I transfer the seedlings to. I've read to stay away from the Jiffy 7 pucks but I do have some of them laying around so I'm inclined to use them but would rather not. Any suggestions? East cost native.

I've used them to germinate seedlings, but have never really been fond of them for anything other than cloning. I've had instances of damping off when using them for seedlings, and have also sometimes noticed delayed growth/thinner stems. But other users don't seem to have many problems with them, so maybe I was just doing something wrong. Also, will this be a soil grow?

As far as my grow method because of limited space I am looking to use the LST method based on my comparisons of SOG/ScrOG/LST.

I'm not too familiar with SOG/ScrOG methods, but there are many here who are. You'll eventually get or be able to find some great advice in this area. Opie Yutts LSTTT thread is a fun thread to read up a little on, and he uses some really intriguing methods.

I know the rule of thumb is 1 plant p.s.f. but thought I may be able to get away with 1 extra.

With LST and the above stated training methods, a LOT is possible with very few plants. LST especially can potentially give you very squat plants that take up little space. Again, experience is really going to help you decide what's possible. You're going to have good light penetration with your HID, so experimentation will really help determine what will work best for you.

Now my question is, is this something that is mixed by hand or are there ready made solutions? What about the nut's other than NPK? Now I know you dont water everyday but would you say when the top soil feels dry to the touch you water? Plan on using 1 gal pots due to space.

There are all kinds of nutrients that you'll have to choose from. Research the differences between the liquid chemical fertilizers (like Miracle Grow, Schultz, etc.) and organic fertilizers, such as blood/bone meal, guanos and similar products (bat, seabird, fish emulsion, etc.) Many of the liquid fertilizers you'll find at nurseries and home & gardening stores, like Miracle Grow, aren't very well suited for cannabis... but will generally work in a pinch. There are many better alternatives on the market, particularly online and at hydro shops. More research in this department is definitely encouraged. You'll find a ton of great information as you keep reading the threads in the growing forums here.

Sorry for the novel but I want to be sure I'm on the right path. I'm sure I forgot some things so please help fill in the gaps.

You're on the right track, my friend! There are a lot of folks here with way much more experience than me, and they'll be able to give you some great advice when you encounter the hurdles. And they're particularly receptive to folks like you, who have done your research beforehand.

All the best as you pursue this "hobby"! :thumbsup:

[n0dn4rb]

Do you have a washer/dryer unit inside your apartment, preferably one that vents directly outdoors? If so, with some imaginative manipulation, you could route it that way without the need for making any holes. I'd be careful about making holes in a dwelling that you don't actually own, but if you can repair it yourself, it can definitely still be done. You might also look into masking agents, ionizers, or Ozone. Each have their advantages and disadvantages, so you'd have to find what would work best for your situation.

No unfortunately I don't have a washer/dryer in my unit. I'm sorry I didn't mean to give the impression that I was trying to punch holes in walls. I was looking rather for a ventilation method for the grow box itself to circulate fresh air. I was looking at buying one of these to control the odor.

Think about lining the poster boards with Mylar, or a similar reflective material. You can then seal much of it with reflective electrical tape.

What's the best "local" place to get mylar or a similar material, HD, Lowes, Wal-Mart etc. etc

I've used them to germinate seedlings, but have never really been fond of them for anything other than cloning. I've had instances of damping off when using them for seedlings, and have also sometimes noticed delayed growth/thinner stems. But other users don't seem to have many problems with them, so maybe I was just doing something wrong. Also, will this be a soil grow?

Sounds good to me. With these just being bag seeds I wont stress it to much until I start to take my hobby further. This will be a soil grow. I see alot of talk about Soilless Mixes being better for first timers so I'm researching for a good mix. Suggestions?

I'm not too familiar with SOG/ScrOG methods, but there are many here who are. You'll eventually get or be able to find some great advice in this area. Opie Yutts LSTTT thread is a fun thread to read up a little on, and he uses some really intriguing methods.

Thank you for directing me to the thread. LST is intruiging to me in how it trains the plant to adapt the enviroment. Fascinating!

There are all kinds of nutrients that you'll have to choose from. Research the differences between the liquid chemical fertilizers (like Miracle Grow, Schultz, etc.) and organic fertilizers, such as blood/bone meal, guanos and similar products (bat, seabird, fish emulsion, etc.) Many of the liquid fertilizers you'll find at nurseries and home & gardening stores, like Miracle Grow, aren't very well suited for cannabis... but will generally work in a pinch. There are many better alternatives on the market, particularly online and at hydro shops. More research in this department is definitely encouraged. You'll find a ton of great information as you keep reading the threads in the growing forums here.

Thank you for the insight. This is just what I needed to get me started in the right direction as far as nut options.

You're on the right track, my friend! There are a lot of folks here with way much more experience than me, and they'll be able to give you some great advice when you encounter the hurdles. And they're particularly receptive to folks like you, who have done your research beforehand.

All the best as you pursue this "hobby"! :thumbsup:

Same to you my friend! My journey has just began!

[Mr. Clandestine]

I was looking rather for a ventilation method for the grow box itself to circulate fresh air.

I see, my mistake. I've never built inside a confined space, so I'm not the best person to lend many thoughts on ventilation. I've heard some good things from people making active intakes & exhausts with computer and similar sized fans, but I believe most of those were CFL grows. You might think about hooking an inline fan up to exhaust air out of the box, and into a carbon filter. If you're not using an air-cooled hood or a cooltube, you'll need to replace the air pretty frequently to keep the temps down. A good rule of thumb for a lot of first grows is to spend equally as much money on ventilation as you would on lighting. Makes things much easier.

What's the best "local" place to get mylar or a similar material, HD, Lowes, Wal-Mart etc. etc

Rolls of mylar can be ordered from many respectable sources online and from some hydro shops. You can pick up packs of those emergency blankets from HD, Walmart, etc., which are more reflective than than foil, and are less apt to get shredded so quickly. If you can construct a sturdy enough wall, flat white paint is actually one of the best reflective materials available to you.

I see alot of talk about Soilless Mixes being better for first timers so I'm researching for a good mix. Suggestions?

I don't know if soilless will necessarily be better for someone starting out. A quality soil mix, luckily, is something that you can put together inexpensively, and by yourself. I've heard great things about Foxfarm soil, Promix, and similar others. Not too many negative opinions, besides the cost. I think the main mix of FF is humus, loam, and peat... along with some good organic amendments, like bone meal, guanos, and worm castings. Those are good ingredients to have in any soil, so that can be a basis if you're wanting to make your own. If you go this route, it might be a good idea to add at least 30% perlite to the mix. More if you feel inclined.

My journey has just began!

And may it continue for many years to come! It's a hobby that definitely has its merits and rewards. Take care. :jointsmile:

[n0dn4rb]

I see, my mistake. I've never built inside a confined space, so I'm not the best person to lend many thoughts on ventilation. I've heard some good things from people making active intakes & exhausts with computer and similar sized fans, but I believe most of those were CFL grows. You might think about hooking an inline fan up to exhaust air out of the box, and into a carbon filter. If you're not using an air-cooled hood or a cooltube, you'll need to replace the air pretty frequently to keep the temps down. A good rule of thumb for a lot of first grows is to spend equally as much money on ventilation as you would on lighting. Makes things much easier.

Hey no sweat man I didn't do a good job of explaining myself.

You make a good point there about the ventilation system. Do you think the lighting system may be a bit of an overkill for the space? I do have a tendancy to overdo things lol.

[Mr. Clandestine]

Hey no sweat man I didn't do a good job of explaining myself.

You make a good point there about the ventilation system. Do you think the lighting system may be a bit of an overkill for the space? I do have a tendancy to overdo things lol.

It's only overkill if you can't keep the temperatures under control, which means heat will need to be kept below 85 degrees Fahrenheit. If you can keep it cool it's definitely worth keeping. Maybe by constructing a "cooltube" (I know there's a thread around here somewhere that details building one), or by purchasing a decent cooltube or air-cooled hood, you could still put it to use.

Sun Systems makes great air cooled hoods, but they can be a little pricey. I have a Sunmaster, from Sun Systems, and I love it. If you're limited on funds, cheaper alternatives can be purchased. Or, if you're really feeling crafty and are good with your hands, you can build one yourself. I've never tried it, but have heard of variations of it being done. I can be a lazy bastard sometimes, and preferred to just fork out the cash for a manufactured one! :jointsmile:

[n0dn4rb]

It's only overkill if you can't keep the temperatures under control, which means heat will need to be kept below 85 degrees Fahrenheit. If you can keep it cool it's definitely worth keeping. Maybe by constructing a "cooltube" (I know there's a thread around here somewhere that details building one), or by purchasing a decent cooltube or air-cooled hood, you could still put it to use.

You make a good point. I started thinking after I posted and crunched the numbers a bit to see what ventilation system would fit my needs. I found an activated carbon air flter hydroponic odor scrubber online for a decent price. Here is what they say:

"As a general rule, you should size your filter to cycle the entire volume of your room every 3-10 minutes. This filter uses a 110 cfm fan, but is approx 60 TrueCFM (after mounting to filter). The shorter the time required to cycle the room volume, the more effective the filter will be." According to their numbers their system, 110 CFM - 60 true CFM, setup in a 2'x4' cabinet with 6' height. 2x4x6 = 48 cubic feet will take less than 1 minute to cycle the cabinet volume. 48 / 60 = < 1 minute. Is this to good to be true?

My grow space is smaller than the above given dimm so I think I will be okay with that system for now. I can always upgrade once my lease is up and I move to a house.

Figured I would cut a hole in the opposite wall where I mount the filter/fan to allow fresh air to enter. Will ensure proper air conditions with a de/humidifier as needed.

I'm always down to build something so if heat remains an issue I will follow the DIY to build a cool tube to help cool things down.

Hey I really appreciate your taking the time to answer a few questions. Always help to have someone to fill in the gaps.

Thanks :joint1:

[Mr. Clandestine]

Hey I really appreciate your taking the time to answer a few questions. Always help to have someone to fill in the gaps.

My pleasure, I'm glad I was able to give you a couple of ideas. Do some dry runs with your setup before you ever add plants to the picture, this should help you get your temps dialed-in beforehand. Like you said, upgrading isn't so much of a chore, as long as you can either afford it or build it yourself.

Best of luck to ya. :thumbsup:

[n0dn4rb]

Okay I just planted the germinated seeds into soil tonight. Out of the initial 10 there were 6 that the root had broken through the shell. The other 4 would have made it if I left it in the paper towel longer but since I will be sharing the grow space with my brother I'm really only looking for 2 females. He has some germinating as well.

Planted the seeds in a Miracle-Grow Organic Choice mix (.10%/.05%/.05%). Bag says that it is good for Herbs and is a 100% Organic. I know this may not be the best soil to use but in my area its the best I could find. Anyone use this before?

I placed them under a 22" flourescent light until my HID system arrives and I will place them under a 400w MH light for 24/0 and keep them there until the Flowering Stage, then I will swap out the MH light for a HPS light. Thoughts?

Found a Miracle-Grow Veg. nut (30/10/10) and a Green Light Flow. nut (12/55/6). Again these are not the best but working with what I have available until I can order better from the internet. Thoughts?

Only thing left to do now is purchase something to wrap the grow stand in that will hold the heat and bends easy. Thoughts?

Is it supposed to be this exciting!:jointsmile: