Hi all. I'm back to the forums now. I'll be on about once a week for a while. While I've been away I've learned some new things....as follows.
A WORD ABOUT JIFFY POTS....
As DJSOUNZ pointed out, they can mold. I've also had some problems with the roots. The roots can get bound if you do not transplant on time. Remember, it takes a while for the pots to break down once planted in another container and some plants are not strong enough to break through. You have to look at your own situation and see if you can transplant a plant without stress the normal way. I was worried about too much stress, hence the jiffy pots. I will probably be using something else next grow though.
LIGHTING, LIGHTING, AND MORE LIGHTING
Ahh, the t12s. It turns out that they work for a while and then....not so much. I'd recommend staying away from them or any fluorescents for that matter. It's easier and less expensive to use regular CFL's. I ditched the t12's and just got a sliding runner with 6 CFLS on it. I can position these any way I want to, and change them when needed. I've had a ton more new growth and everything looks much healthier. All the bulbs are 60 watt. Right now I'm running them 24 hours but I will be switching soon to give them time to rest. I will be posting a more in depth lighting post when I have some more time. Obviously, the best and cheapest thing to use is the sun. However, for some of us this is not an option. I will be doing some more research. For now though, CFLs do work and people are growing with them.
Anyone that has input, please feel free to post suggestions or ideas. Also, if anyone wants to research or post any issues related, please do so. And I'm going to borrow a phrase from another user and make this my new motto...
LONG LIVE THE GHETTO GROWS!