Lady J's 12 / 12 From Seed Perpetual Closet CFL Grow

[Flaming Pie]

So what do you think my yield will be on the Sour Kush and Skunk? I would be happy with an ounce!

I'm a noob, but it looks like each bud you got will fill out between 1 1/2- 3 inches.. and you got TONS of buds! I count 19 in the first pic. Did you seperate the branches to get more light or did it just grow like that?

thanks for pics!

 

[Flaming Pie]

Sorry, two more questions.

#1 What is the temperature of your apartment set at?

#2 What defeciency is your skunk suffering from?

 

[supchaka]

I have used cheap $5 Walmart soil mixed with 50% perlite, currently I'm using happy frog also mixed 50% with perlite. Ocean forest is pretty hot to begin with and not knowing what exactly the mix you're dealing with coupled with you adding more nutes as well I'd certainly not be adding anything for quite some time.

 

[Flaming Pie]

I'm just full of questions. I am currently deciding on the height of my box. How tall is your skunk grow area, and when did you switch to 12/12 with her. (how tall and how old was she)

 

[Lady.J]

I have used cheap $5 Walmart soil mixed with 50% perlite, currently I'm using happy frog also mixed 50% with perlite. Ocean forest is pretty hot to begin with and not knowing what exactly the mix you're dealing with coupled with you adding more nutes as well I'd certainly not be adding anything for quite some time.

I've read where people put seeds straight into ocean forest mixed with happy frog without burn, so hopefully I don't hurt the babies. I wanted them to be bigger before putting them in the mix, but I could tell that they were growing really slow in the seed starting mix. Won't be adding any nutes anytime soon, def feel you on that. I will see how they react and take things slowly from there.

I'm a noob, but it looks like each bud you got will fill out between 1 1/2- 3 inches.. and you got TONS of buds! I count 19 in the first pic. Did you seperate the branches to get more light or did it just grow like that?

thanks for pics!

I originally had a tomato trellis netting that I grew the plants through...but once I went 12/12, they far surpassed it so I just cut it off. It allowed me to have all those tops now. Then, to help with penetration, I LST'd a few branches here and there.

Sorry, two more questions.

#1 What is the temperature of your apartment set at?

#2 What defeciency is your skunk suffering from?

I keep the AC on 73 but I have ghetto ass AC so it usually feels warmer in here. Sometimes I run it in energy saver mode, but on the real hot days (been having plenty of those), have to run it continuously.

The skunk has a potassium deficiency. Was so concerned with over ferting, that I under ferted hehe

 

[Lady.J]

I'm just full of questions. I am currently deciding on the height of my box. How tall is your skunk grow area, and when did you switch to 12/12 with her. (how tall and how old was she)

Do you mean the sterilite bins? I think they're 3 feet...don't know where my tape measure is, but they are 35 gallon totes. I switched to 12/12 about a month after vegging...but I use a scrog so I was able to save space and veg longer.

 

[baskarz]

Mmm looking very tasty! Biggest problem you'll have is deciding which strain to smoke first lol!
I can't wait til I have a coupla strains to choose from
Would love to order seeds but too paranoid oz laws are getting worse, 10g could get jail time nowadays :/

Grow n toke!

 

[knowmad]

I have used cheap $5 Walmart soil mixed with 50% perlite, currently I'm using happy frog also mixed 50% with perlite. Ocean forest is pretty hot to begin with and not knowing what exactly the mix you're dealing with coupled with you adding more nutes as well I'd certainly not be adding anything for quite some time.

I know others have used FFOF to start out, but in my personal experience it seems to be going well! Just gotta make sure you don't add nutes for a good couple weeks xD.

 

[Txchilies]

I know not all people have the ability or experience to do it, but I have found that my own mix of garden compost works like magic for me. About the only thing I do to grow with it is add some pearlite, just for extra drainage. As I tried MG compost for my very first grow and was able to get something and didn't have nute problems, but did get a serious gnat crop.

 

[Lady.J]

I know not all people have the ability or experience to do it, but I have found that my own mix of garden compost works like magic for me. About the only thing I do to grow with it is add some pearlite, just for extra drainage. As I tried MG compost for my very first grow and was able to get something and didn't have nute problems, but did get a serious gnat crop.

One of these days I hope to do a compost too . Am settling for teas at the moment.

 

[Flaming Pie]

I read that MG is bad for the first 2 weeks of seedling. So I'm gonna buy some compost, peat, and perlite to mix up for all my seedlings first 2 weeks of life. Then I will transplant to MG Organic and just water with calcium and mag added.

Seedling mix for seedlings 2 parts compost
2 part peat moss or coir
1 part perlite


Got this from Organic Gardening

 

[KnockWood]

I read that MG is bad for the first 2 weeks of seedling.

I've found that to be the case, but I have good results using their seedling mix. There are few choices available in my area, and so I've learned to use MG products and manage to do well with them.

 

[Lady.J]

I now understand how you men feel when a female has her fingers deep in your pockets....MJ has taken me to the bank once again. After much thinking and envying of other people's grow...I decided to upgrade my grow one step further.


Just ordered: Mylar Grow Room 4' x 4' x 6' 5" ft Hydroponics Tent Box Hut 48" x 48" x 78"

Cost me $114 plus free shipping & handling.

Here are some of the features (in case you don't want to go to the link):

• Professional grade - This premium, freestanding, built-to-last tent is perfect for use by all levels of growers; amateurs and pro's. Allows the growing environment to be controlled and manipulated as needed; open, close or vent system to adjust temperature, humidity, CO2 levels, and light conditions.​

• Versatile - Suitable for use with all growing systems; hydroponic, aeroponic and soil-based cultivation. Compatible with all types of lights; Incandescent, LED, Fluorescent (Standard, CFL & T5) and HID (Metal Halide, High Pressure Sodium & Dual-arc).​

• Premium material - Outer shell is constructed from commercial-grade (600D), puncture-resistant, waterproof, oxford nylon fabric. This material is also mildew and fire-resistant.​

• Superior light blocking - Heavy-duty material is completely opaque; blocks ambient light from entering, and system light from exiting.​

• Maximum reflection - Extremely efficient, highly-reflective interior allows plants to utilize all the supplied light without waste. Durable, fade-proof, advanced reflection surface is thermally adhered to the outer shell; will not separate or tear. Surface is mildew and fire-resistant, non-toxic and washable.​

• Premium zippers - Our growing tents use industrial-strength, oversized (#10), coil zippers; coil zippers are designed to curve and go around corners without opening / separating. These premium zippers will last a lifetime without failing, and ensure your tent will remain closed when you want it closed. Velcro tabs hold the doors open for convenience while working.​

• Double floor - Separate floor-pan with 5" tall lip provides a second layer of protection against any accidental system leaks or spills.​

• Sturdy - Frame and all corner supports are crafted from powder-coated, high-grade, high-capacity tubular steel; won't crack like plastic tubing/fittings and won't collapse or sag like aluminum. Removable upper rails provide overhead support for lighting, odor control and ventilation systems.​

• Tool free assembly - Unit can be completely assembled in minutes. Frame and corner supports connect together without tools; locking in place with spring-loaded, sure-lock pins. Pins can be released to disassemble tent equally as fast.​

• Multiple access points - System contains several ducted ports with drawstrings; the drawstrings can be used to tighten the ports to fit a matching size (or smaller) flange or duct, to reduce the size of the port for specific ventilation or equipment needs, or to close off the port completely if unused. There are also multiple rectangular, mesh-covered vent windows, with integral flaps to control light entry/exit. These ducted ports and vent windows can be used in multiple combinations for ventilation, ducting, tubing, wiring, filter systems or other uses.

 

[Lady.J]

And that's not all...

For $153 dollars, plus free shipping & handling, I got a 400w HPS / MH Dimmable Digital Ballast System from Apollo horticulture with a 6in cool tube reflector.

Now, I just know some of you are thinking that I probably got ripped off and that this product is a piece of crap...but not only does the seller have a good rating and good reviews...but the kit comes with two bulbs (one MH, one HPS) under a one year warranty, and the ballast has a 3 year warranty. Not too shabby . Comes with light hanging kit, timer, and both MH and HPS bulbs.

The bulbs aren't the best, but they'll grow pot just fine! Can always upgrade later.


Here are some more detailed specs:

Ballast Specs

• Power Output: Dimmable 50%, 75%, 100% or Super Lumen(1000w Only)
• Lumens: Up to 30% more than magnetic ballasts for improved yields
• Full Compatibility: Metal Halide and High Pressure Sodium bulbs
• Power Chord: Supports 120V to 240V chords (2 meter 120V chord included)
• Cooling: Ventilation fan + graduating fin design resulting in 15% cooler operation
• Input Frequency: 50Hz ~ 60Hz, Output Frequency: Greater than 30,000 Hz
• Zero acoustic resonance
• Graduated anodized aluminum fins for optimal heat dispersion
• Standard S Plug
• Power Factor > 99%
• THD < 10%
• Crest Factor < 1.7
• Fast Start up lamp: Quick lamp ignition by lighting the bulbs within 1-2mins
• Flicker free lamp: Stable light output by constant lamp voltage
• Safety: Protection against short by replaceable fuse under input terminal, internal heat and radio frequency for critical components
• Ignition Failure Protection, Over Heat Protection, End of Bulb Life Protection
• Regulation Standard: CE certified and UL listed. Accessories: Wall mount included
• 3 Year Manufacturer Warranty on Ballast directly thru us for your convenience! Please return defective units so that we may send you a replacement.

High Pressure Sodium (HPS) Bulb Specs

• 400w, 600w, 1000w = 53,000, 86,000, 140,000 Lumens Respectively
• Compatibility: Strikes both magnetic and digital ballasts (ANSI Code: S51)
• Color Temperature: 2,000K (Yellow to Red)
• Bulb Base: E39 Mogul
• Bulb Shape: Varies across different wattages
• Bulb Life: 24,000 hours, 90% Lumen Maintenance
• Added extra stabilizers and reinforced glass casing for improved stability/safety
• Professionally designed for plant flowering and fruiting
• Flicker free lamp if used with Apollo Ballasts
• Regulation: CE certified and UL listed.
• 1 Year Manufacturer Warranty on Bulbs directly thru us for your convenience! Please return defective units so that we may send you a replacement.

Metal Halide (MH) Bulb Specs

• 400w, 600w, 1000w = 36,000, 61,000, 110,000 Lumens Respectively
• Compatibility: Strikes both magnetic and digital ballasts (ANSI Code: M47)
• Color Temperature: 4,000K (Blue to White)
• Bulb Base: E39 Mogul
• Bulb Shape: Varies across different wattages
• Bulb Life: 10,000 hours, 90% Lumen Maintenance
• Added extra stabilizers and reinforced glass casing for improved stability/safety
• Professionally designed for plant vegetative growth
• Flicker free lamp if used with Apollo Ballasts
• Regulation: USA Federal Standard 21 CFR 1040.30 + Canada Standard S OR/80-381
• 1 Year Manufacturer Warranty on Bulbs directly thru us for your convenience! Please return defective units so that we may send you a replacement.

Apollo Horticulture grow light bulbs are made by the same manufacturer that makes GE & Philips HID bulbs. Major steps were taken to specifically develop our bulbs for professional indoor plant cultivation. We added two stabilizer rings to improve stability and noise reduction. We also enhanced the center ceramic tube&#8217;s transparency to 98% which increases lumen output and preserves bulb life. Apollo Horticulture bulbs optimize lumen output by the means of improved technical design in contrast to its competitors who increase lumens by sacrificing the bulbs&#8217; life expectancy.




I WILL STILL BE GROWING PERPETUAL AND USING CFLS + CLOSET + BIN in addition to the tent setup!!

This will be my last upgrade for a while, but I believe I have enough shit to grow enough weed to keep my smokin ass in stock lol. I love growing MJ, I want to stay busy with my plants! Such a rewarding / relaxing hobby. Worth it to invest in it because there are too few things in life that are enjoyable!

I don't know how exactly I am going to plan out how I am using everything...maybe I will keep mothers in the bin so I can clone for the closet and tent...because I plan to run a side by side experiment comparing the Lotus CFLs to 400w HPS / MH system! I am very excited. I hope you guys are too. Again, I know this isn't the best system, but I already ordered, and it's coming. Supposed to be here by the beginning of next week.

In a way I feel like a traitor to CFLs

I hope you guys stick around though and help me out with advice...I have an idea of how to run an experiment, but might need some guidance! I know there are a couple threads out there where people have tried it, but I really want to see for myself...and I'm sure there's a couple of you who do too.

 

[Flaming Pie]

holy cow.

 

[Cloudz2600]

This will be my last upgrade for a while, but I believe I have enough shit to grow enough weed to keep my smokin ass in stock lol.

Haven't you said that like...3 times now?

Nice find on the HIDs, cool to see people upgrading. Quick question though aren't you having problems with heat with your CFL closet? How do you plan on venting the heat a 400w is going to put out? Btw you're a traitor to micros andCFLs

 

[Lady.J]

Haven't you said that like...3 times now?

Nice find on the HIDs, cool to see people upgrading. Quick question though aren't you having problems with heat with your CFL closet? How do you plan on venting the heat a 400w is going to put out? Btw you're a traitor to micros andCFLs

AHAHAHA

Yea, I probably have said that 3 times now shhhhh lol

Yup, I am having heat issues in my closet...and I think it is because it is so narrow, yet long. I don't think the air is getting a chance to adequately circulate up to the exhaust. I don't know if it's because my door doesn't make a proper seal, if the plants take up so much space that they're trapping air (they pretty much touch wall to wall), or if my exhaust is too high up. Maybe it's actually a combination of those things.

As for venting the heat for the 400 watt...I ordered it with a 6 inch cool tube reflector...I actually have 6 inch ducting and a 6inch inline fan rated at 240 CFM. The cool tube allows you to vent the heat straight off the bulb instead of having to circulate the air in an entire area to cool it. Taking the heat straight from the source makes a huge difference from what I've seen in other people's set ups. Should be able to use passive intake and an oscillating fan circulating air inside. Have seen several ops work like this so hopefully it will work for me too!

 

[Flaming Pie]

Haven't you said that like...3 times now?

Nice find on the HIDs, cool to see people upgrading. Quick question though aren't you having problems with heat with your CFL closet? How do you plan on venting the heat a 400w is going to put out? Btw you're a traitor to micros andCFLs

Lol

yah i totally forgot about the heat prob. but I think the tent is bigger than her closet. 4'x4' is a big foot print. so she prob put in her bedroom or second bedroom.

She prob didnt want to take the time to move lights everyday or get leaf burn..

I'm so Impatient. lol I already look at my tomato plant and seeds 2-3 times a day. I have plenty of time.

 

[supchaka]

Hey I remember somewhere in the first couple pages you said I'm sticking with cfl and don't bug me about it or something along those lines

 

[Cloudz2600]

Jeez didn't you say you were going to get LEDs too depending on how my grow turned out too? You just can't make up your mind lol.