Recently, I picked up some more parts, and returned one. This trip allowed me to get the remaining items I needed to get started. :dance: It also taught me a little lesson. Total costs so far is about $1175, not counting seeds.

I learned that I should have considered all the testers I needed before buying any testers. I knew that I needed an EC or PPM. What I didn't know is that you can get a pH and EC tester all in one. That wasn't a very costly mistake, but for anyone on a tight budget, it is worth considering. The pH test kit was only about $8, so it wasn't that big of a loss.

I had to return the HydroHut. The standard model is just way too large. I need to pick up a mini when they have them in stock again. I may just order that online. I've noticed at least one place that was less expensive than the local shop. In exchange for the credit I received for the hut, I picked up the following hardware items from my list ...
  • Heat Mat (for seedlings)
  • Dome (for Rapid Rooter)
  • pH/EC/TDS Tester
  • Measuring Cup
  • T5 Fluorescent Lamp (4 bulbs, 2 feet long)
In addition to the hardware, I also picked up some more nutrients and other consumables ....
  • Flora-series (same as before, but in 1 quart sizes)
  • FloraKleen (1 gallon)
  • Hydroton Rocks (10 liters)
  • Distilled Water (1 gallon)
  • Seltzer Water (1 quart)
The Garden of Ease came with some stones to put in the baskets, but I've never seen anyone on here use them. The guy at the hydro store never heard of them, nor did he even know they came with the kit. So, I picked up some of the Hydroton Rocks (listed above already). I'm a little nervous about the baskets. They are 3" in diameter, and I don't believe I've ever noticed any other grow posted here use something that small.

So, now that I have what I needed, I have set up a temporary space to start my seedlings. The space isn't very good, but it's all I have until I get the new hut. I mounted my lamp. Then, I placed my seeds in the starter plugs in the Rapid Rooter. I put some of the distilled water into a spray bottle (which I found around the house) and added a drop of the SUPERthrive. I sprayed the starter plugs with a light mist and put the dome on. Then I placed it on the Heat Mat.

I only planted 6 seeds this time, just in case I've made a mistake. I emptied out the Rapid Rooter of the other starter plugs and stored them in a zip lock back for another planting. I left the seeds in the room to germinate, and left the lamp off. I'm pretty sure that I read that you should leave the seeds in the dark until they sprout. If not, someone please feel free to correct me.

I have attached some shots of what I have so far. The first photo is of the Rapid Rooter with the Dome attached and under the T5 lights. The second photo is a close up of the seeds in the Rapid Rooter cubes.