HPS 600w 4x AK-48 from Nirvana first time grow
- Thread starter LaMaestro
- Start date
KushCanuck
Well-Known Member
Hey Maestro, just caught this journal skimming through, nice job thus far. I have a couple things for ya ...
Firstly, invest $20-30 in some panda, poly, or mylar and cover the walls about 4-5ft up. Some of the poly on the floor wouldn`t hurt either, reflectivity goes a long way mate. Next, you can get some reflectors for those CFLs to make the most of their low lumen output. I have a few pictures I`ll try to tag at the end, but the CFL-MH-HPS transition (24/0, 18/6, 12/12 accordingly) is the method I use personally, keeps plants in appropriate lighting in all stages of growth ... I`d say you`re almost ready to switch to MH, but I`d save the the HPS for flowers, your CFL`s will do fine until then.
Make sure to let your medium dry out good before watering or feeding again, and let the roots really search out moisture. I`d say you`re ready for nutrients as well when you shift your lighting to 18/6 for a few weeks. Good job so far mate, I`ll be checking in
**Edit - Reflectors in my start chamber...
... tough to really make out, about 15inch, each houses a 42w bulb (2700K and 6500K). and the plants underneath are young growers, 2-4 weeks from sprout **
KC
Firstly, invest $20-30 in some panda, poly, or mylar and cover the walls about 4-5ft up. Some of the poly on the floor wouldn`t hurt either, reflectivity goes a long way mate. Next, you can get some reflectors for those CFLs to make the most of their low lumen output. I have a few pictures I`ll try to tag at the end, but the CFL-MH-HPS transition (24/0, 18/6, 12/12 accordingly) is the method I use personally, keeps plants in appropriate lighting in all stages of growth ... I`d say you`re almost ready to switch to MH, but I`d save the the HPS for flowers, your CFL`s will do fine until then.
Make sure to let your medium dry out good before watering or feeding again, and let the roots really search out moisture. I`d say you`re ready for nutrients as well when you shift your lighting to 18/6 for a few weeks. Good job so far mate, I`ll be checking in
**Edit - Reflectors in my start chamber...
... tough to really make out, about 15inch, each houses a 42w bulb (2700K and 6500K). and the plants underneath are young growers, 2-4 weeks from sprout **
KC
KushCanuck
Well-Known Member
I highly discourage foil as well, actually creates hot spots better than it reflects light. You want white poly or mylar. If money is a concern, go down tothe dollar store and get 6-10 mylar windshield reflectors and piece em together ... will still be miles better than foil. I like the slow transition in light intensity of changing CFL-MH-HPS, pretty well caters like nature and I get great results that way. Keep it up mate,
KC
KC
Goodday!
Week 4:
One of the CFLs died so they've been running on 2 for a day (gonna buy a new one tomorrow). Other then that, soil won't dry out (probably because pots are too big), any suggestions how to dry it? I've tried to find any white plastic in local home depots but they said that there are no at the moment but new shipment will arrive this week, as for ordering it online: simply not worth it (shipping to Lithuania is not only long but also expensive). If anyone could help me out with the soil problem - I'd be really grateful
Week 4:
One of the CFLs died so they've been running on 2 for a day (gonna buy a new one tomorrow). Other then that, soil won't dry out (probably because pots are too big), any suggestions how to dry it? I've tried to find any white plastic in local home depots but they said that there are no at the moment but new shipment will arrive this week, as for ordering it online: simply not worth it (shipping to Lithuania is not only long but also expensive). If anyone could help me out with the soil problem - I'd be really grateful
KushCanuck
Well-Known Member
Looks to be straight soil to me you have there Maestro, any perlite contant in that at all? You`ll need something to break-up the soil so it has better aeration, why it`s not drying out for you. You`ll be up-potting for flower, yes? If you do, I suggest just breaking up the soil around the roots and mixing your nex flower containers @ 60% soil mixture, 40% perlite content. Nothing fancy, but will help aerate and drain that soil more efficiently.
KC
KC