1st Time CFL Grow HighGrade

[MRDiff]

Hmm, I was in my Lowes multiple times for lights. Nothing about 23 watts. I got mine online. I picked up 4 43watt 2700k at $5 a piece for flowering.

MRDiff Reviewed by MRDiff on 06-07-2009. 1st Time CFL Grow HighGrade Long time browser here. Finally am able to start my first grow. Im working with a tent, three part soil, bagseed (for now) and 4 80 watt CFLs. I am expecting a pack of seeds from High Grade Seeds shortly. I bought their Super Mix. Anybody buy their products before? I also bought a basic aeroponic system that I didnt realize wouldnt be ideal until after. But I will attempt to use it for cloning, as I have seen good results. Im currently on Day 3. I used the typical paper towel, ziploc Rating: 5

[MRDiff]

Speakin of lighting. Im about to make the transition in a week or 10 days to 12/12. I have 4-80w 5600k CFL, 4-43w 2700 CFL, and 1-26w UVB Bulb. My question is how should I arrange the bulbs to get maximum flowering. I have 3 giant clamp lamps with plenty of y sockets. Has anybody had good results by having light come from bottom to top or would that interfere with the growth. Let me know what you guys think, like I said I still have over a week.

[Italiano715]

You can arrange lighting anyway you want, but the only problem would be training the plant to grow the way you want. Shit, you may not even have a problem with having to do that. Also, remember that when in flower if you have more blue spectrum then the red you will come out with airy/fluffy buds. Maybe try using all the red spectrum ones directed on the tops and then go from there.

[MRDiff]

I see. And how much does that affect the weight with the blue spectrum blubs? Would it be more beneficial to cut out some of the 5600k bulbs and sacrifice some lumens or just leave it as is? I also have that UVB bulb, I saw a youtube video on UVB growing. Im not sure that 26w will show a difference, but I thought that might be good supplement for the less than ideal amount of red.

[Italiano715]

I see. And how much does that affect the weight with the blue spectrum blubs? Would it be more beneficial to cut out some of the 5600k bulbs and sacrifice some lumens or just leave it as is? I also have that UVB bulb, I saw a youtube video on UVB growing. Im not sure that 26w will show a difference, but I thought that might be good supplement for the less than ideal amount of red.

I THINK, not sure that UVB lights are hazardous to use. Personally, if I had all those lights I'd go ahead and use them. Either way if you take them out, then like you said you lose some lumens which you don't want to do. I'd rather have all the lights in their and take the chance, then take them out which then drops your lighting lumens lower than it was in vegetative state. Remember always more lights is better, just soo long as you can control heating issues! :jointsmile: But if possible just go to Lowes or Home DePOT and get some a 4pk of 2700K (23 or 26W) CFl for like $8-$10...I think it's worth the investment!

[MRDiff]

Heat shouldnt be a problem now that Im using a desk fan as active intake. Im gonna use all the lights I have. Youre right, dont wanna remove lumens that I have. And the UVB bulb is supposed to be safe for the plants, but precaution has to be taken for our eyes. Basically, I just have to turn off that bulb before I put my head in the tent. And if this still doesnt do it, Ill make the trip to Lowes.

[MRDiff]

New pics

[MRDiff]

Any signs of sexing on that larger crazy leafed plant? I anticipate a male since its growing so fast.

The two smaller plants are the High grade seeds. One of the plants looks pretty impressive for just 9 days old.

[Italiano715]

looking good my friend! :thumbsup:

[JD1stTimer]

I can't see any flowers on it but judging solely on the branching I would guess it's a female. Although on my current grow all my females were tall and skinny and my males were short and branchy. Go figure.