2nd Auto Grow Stepping it up and want Info on Germinating and Room Conditions

Hi,

As tittle suggests this is my second grow. First was a bit amateur hour. Used a borrowed 600w hps, a mini greenhouse covered in bin black bags and a fan. Results where okay surprisingly and enjoyed the whole experience, especially the smoking.

My questions are now that I have stepped it up a bit and bought my own 600w hps, 120x120x200 grow tent as follows:

1.) What is the best method to germ auto's? Previously used the paper towel method and worked quite well it seems that this is not suggested for autos and have looked at all kinds of info with various soaking times and methods, is there a definitive answer?

2.) I am intending to place my 12inch fan within the tent in an effort to keep cool and offer the plants some movement, is this advisable? I realise ducting is the best method and whilst i have stepped it up the budget is still pretty tight.

All answers welcome but prefer experienced auto growers comments as I have seen loads of miss info that I even no is incorrect with limited growing experience floating about.

Thanks in advance

Mac

Hey man, wouldnt say I am 'experienced' majorly but got 2 auto grows under my belt.

1. I find 24 hours in a shot glass of water till seed sinks then paper towel method is fine. Never heard any diff just because its auto. Works for me. Just germed Auto Critical Mass.

2. Yeah I would place the fan inside but wont do anything to get the heat out!. You will end up with it being like an oven in there with a 600w. I would suggest if budget tight just get a exhaust fan at the top with carbon filter and have a passive intake. (just IMO)

Anything else ask away.

Cool. Thanks DJ.

In short term to prevent the overheat, if I was to take a smaller fan based in the tent but facing out of the tent would this suffice int he short term?

The intention is to grab carbon filter and a passive intake but until next payday this may be not be possible.

Hmmmmmm might help a BIT. What strain you gonna run?
I take it mean kind of fan on floor and blowing up over the light to the top corner of the tent where the exhaust hole is?
Only other way if to open tent door often. Not ideal. Specially if gets stinky.

I currently have 4 fans, one very small say 5 inch floor standing, 1x 12 inch that is close to floor level and then 2 which are again 2 inch but can be made taller say to around 4 feet.

Hey bro, for now you can leave the green house open a bit to get more air flow, at least till you get the rest of your gear. The extra light once they germinate won't hurt em....I also like putting my beans in water over night, I wait for them to crack, less then 24hr for me, then I put them in whatever I am using...rapid rooter, rockwool...right now I have 4 starting in the rapid rooters, first one is peekin today....

I always soak my beans in water for 24-28 hours and plant them directly in soil. I got an 8/9 germ rate last go and a 7/7 rate this go.

Nice one peep. Looks like I need to get to soaking. Love this bit, like a kid in a sweet shop...........or me in a sweet shop whilst mid session!