Quote Originally Posted by xc5000
Ok so I'm going to have 12 plants in 2 1/2 gallon pots..right now i just planted 5 sprouted seedlings into 5 solo cups..I was going to put a fan blowing on them to make them stronger.

1) i have 2 40 watt flourescent lights on them right now...they are like 4 feet long...is that ok? i have 2 more 40 watt flourescent lights but i still gotta figure out a way to hang them.

2) will those lights be good for the whole process or should i pick up some CFL's. If so which ones should i get? Also if i were to use the lights i have now and switch to either CFL or HPS/MH...how long could i use the flourescents for?

3) how much water should i give the seedlings?

4) what nutrient mix should i get for them?

5) If i do upgrade to HPS/MH lamps which would be good ones for 12 plants?

6) how much could i yield around if i used flourescent compared to CFL's or MH/HPS?

7) will plants yield again after 1st harvest?

8) what's the earliest i can look to see if they are female/male?

9) i was going to get some kinda weaved wire to tie the plants to as they get taller...is this a good idea?

Basically i'm just trying to get the biggest amount out of the plants as possible and for it to be potent

any suggestions you guys have would be great!
12 plants... with flourescents.... you need more light buddy.
12 plants in 2.5 gallon pots... you should transplant later in their life to 5 gallons... 12 5 gallon pails.

1) Your current 4ft long flourescent should work until... until you buy your new ones... ASAP.

CFLs (Compact Flourescent Lights) will be better... you can place them better than a long 4ft tube.

2) Well, will your entire grow be with flourescents? If so, you should get the CFLs... shitloads of them. They'll have two WATT ratings... the lowest number, is their actual consumption. The higher number is "the comparable WATT of an incandescent bulb"... what ever that means. WalMart sells some 42W CFLs... they're like 150W or 200W comparable...

If you can get better lights, go for it.... get the best lights your budget $$$ will allow. Optimum, you'll get a MH light for vegetative growth, and add a HPS for flowering time.

3) Water to the seedlings: don't over do it. Wait for advice from some one with more experience... I winged it my 1st time and pulled 4 seeds out of 5...

4) Nutrients: Buy Schlutz Cactus Juice and some SuperTHRIVE. Get a filter... optimum a RO setup (eBay) or at the very least a Brita filter.

5) Upgrade to MH/HPS: Buy as much as your $ will allow dude. If you're planning on letting them just grow like bushes, and having them like 48" high... shit man... you're going to need like.... what? at least 2 1000 WATT bulbs? Wait on more input on this one... I might be wrong.

6) YIELD, flourescents VS HIDs (MH/HPS)::: No comparison. Flourescents don't stand a chance against HIDs.

7) No. Harvest means death.

8) I'm not sure... 6 weeks maybe?

9) Maybe you're looking to do a SCRoG. Screen of Green.

To get as most buds as possible, you've got to read man. Read like a madman. Read everything and anything... stay away from the Lounge... it's a waste of lifetime. But read everything else.

When you have a question:
1- Use the search in these forums
2- Use the OverGrow FAQsII: http://growfaq.marijuana.com/#news_1

If you don't find the answer, then post.

Be friendly, don't be an asshole.

Other than that, welcome!

Best,

-turtle420
.

PS: Pictures are always a good attraction