LowRyder #2 - CFL - Grow Log

[Loafyboy]

It's the bulb that would use 400 watts, the ballast also uses power (given off as heat) but digital ballasts use less power that magnetic ones, and therefore run cooler. Magnetic ballasts can also make a bit of noise due to the way they work, but digital ballasts are silent. If you are willing to pay the extra then the digital is the way to go anyday.

Loafyboy Reviewed by Loafyboy on 03-06-2009. LowRyder #2 - CFL - Grow Log Thanks for dropping by. I've started germinating 4 LR2 seeds using a wet paper towel. After a couple days, they should be ready to put in the dirt. I intend on using this log to track my progress, so hopefully I'll have enough time to include day-to-day info. When I get a little more time, I'll list my specs (Lights, Fans, etc...) and upload some pictures. And don't worry, I'll be asking plenty of questions. So, if you're full of knowledge, consider me your friend. ;) QUESTION I'm Rating: 5

[chadsvb]

Thanks for the info Loafyboy. I been checkin in on your log. Good stuff you got going there. Also, I just wanted to say thanks for the feedback. It's definitely appreciated.

I gave them some water today. I really enjoy having this pH pen. It makes things a lot easier (and more accurate)! I've been having to raise the pH from 5.8 to 6.8 with some pH UP and they all seem happy.

I've been raising the lights slowly, trying to get a little bit of stretch out of them. So far, we're still looking at some babies, except for the one MindBinder. It's seems like it make start taking off soon though. We shall see.

I'm really just wanting some stretching from the LR2's.

Anyways, until next time.

[Loafyboy]

Thanks for the info Loafyboy. I been checkin in on your log..........

He he, not much happening in my grow log at the moment, I'm still waiting for roots to appear on my clones, it's been 2 weeks now. I'll check on them in a short while, and hopefully I'll see some roots today!

[chadsvb]

When I said I wanted the LR2's to stretch a little, what I actually meant was this. They have two sets of leaves, not including the initial two leaves as seedlings. There is little to no gap between the two sets of leaves. So, I'm thinking the lights need to be farther away. I've been able to get the light within 2 inches and keep temps at 78F, so I thought that would be fine. But it seems that they'll be needing a little space from the light(???). Look, I'm all about suggestions, so if you've got one I'll take it.

[chadsvb]

Quick Update

Had to water them today. Gave the oldest MindBinder a little food to get it back to a good green. One of the LR2's had some heat issues while I was away. The second set of leaves curled upward. Hopefully it'll make it.

Honestly, it looks like I'm going to end up with just the one MindBinder. For some reason, I can't get the LR2's to do anything...

Time will tell (I'm being impatient).

[chadsvb]

Ok, so I guess I'm just not cut out for growing. I've lost another LR2, which leaves me with just one LR2 and two MindBinder.

The last LR2 hasn't shown much growth, so I don't have much hope for it. I guess the problems at the beginning of the grow have caught up with me.

I'm going to call it quits on this thread and hopefully my new beans will be here in a few weeks. I'll start fresh, with everything being correct from the start.

Thanks for the help.

[moisaal]

My feelings on this are that things will start to pick up in terms of growth, you just have to give it time. The first time i started seeds under fluoros it felt like eternity before they started to develop. I didnt have the luxury of knowing what CFL's were at the time but the key is to be patient. Once you get your first female, hold on to her, and dont let her flower. Let her Vegg for at least a month, more like 2 months, and use her cuttings and start cloning. They will develop much quicker than seeds, and will be genetic replicas of their mother. I would also consider investing in a HID light. You'd be surprised at how cheap you can get a 150 HPS at. Visit. High Tech Garden Supply and take a look at their grow lights. They all come with reflectors and a remote ballast, everything you need to take your grow to the next level! good luck! and ill be checking back in on this to see how your doing. P.s. the only problem with MG potting soil is that it has bad draining and all it needs is some perlite. Trust me my first grow was outdoors that began indoors and all i had to use was MG and perlite and i had a wonderful first harvest.

[chadsvb]

I'm definitely getting me some HID lighting, but it's going to be a 400W Switchable MH/HPS. I just have to get the money together first...

As for how things are going, I still have the remaining 3. Two of which are the MindBinder, the other being LR2. I transplanted them a few days ago and they seem to be growing much much faster.

Quick question: If the Soil pH is 5.8, would it be safe to use water with a pH of 7.0 or even 7.2 to bring the soil pH up?

And as I said before, I don't plan on updating this log anymore. As soon as I get my new beans (on the way), new lighting (saving money), and a nice hydro setup (DIY Style), I'll get another log going. There's so much information on this site for DIY stuff, I honestly love this place.

Ok, another question: This was a soil grow. I honestly have become tired of dealing with soil because it's, 1) Messy to deal with inside (inside is the only option I have) and 2) Three gallon pots take up entirely too much space.

So, finally, the question: What are the cons of a hydro setup?

(I did no searching before I typed this, so feel free to call me lazy) :smokin:

[VanGogh001]

I think you have enough lighting. yes. But you may be frying these plants before they ever had the chance to grow. Your problem seems humidity. You said you had to water them every day?? (Correct if wrong) I'm looking at early stage of the 6 plants growing. It seems to me that a few had not fully germinated all they way and they are being blasted with hot light. Now i'm not a scientist, and that's just my observation.

Although i am curious if that's why the LR2's all died.