Lighting help/question:

cajun

cajun

Active Member
Ok, here's my question:
I have my aero garden set up with two 26 watts/lumens output 1450/per bulb (that it came with), I've added four 48" 40 watt/lumens ouput 1600/color temp 2700k/per bulb plant & aquarium lights to an all white storage cabinet I got from target years ago. I put one on each side vertically and will be mounting the aerogarden light above the plants once they get too big for the aerogarden. So that's 212 watts total. That's kinda all my budget allowed for right now. I dropped seven seeds into pods but haven't seen anything as of yet. I'm still waiting....been three days....Is this enough light for now? Do I need to add more you think??? If so any suggestions? Thanks for any help.
 
VictorVIcious

VictorVIcious

Well-Known Member
Wow. Did you germiante the seeds or just just drop them in the soil? Its not a light problem at this point, and shouldn't be a light problem for some time, like at least a month. You have plenty. and other than the two from the aerogarden the rest aren't going to be needed for awhile yet. You didn't waste your money, relax.
You may want to look at some of the journals others have posted. They will give you some ideas about what you can expect.
 
cajun

cajun

Active Member
Well, yes I did drop the seeds straight in, but in pods not soil. The way it's set up, is there is a cylinder shape foam inside the pod where the seeds go. The foam is split down the center vertically about half way down. I dropped the seeds in there and I'm letting the aerogarden take care of the rest. I just took a look in a few of them and one seed has opened up. :hump: The seeds are from really good bag seed.

As far as the lights go........:clap: Thank you. I was keeping my fingers crossed on that. I think what I'm going to do is get 2 additional HPS lights with some type of reflector from home depot. Hopefully that will be all I need for the entire grow.
 
VictorVIcious

VictorVIcious

Well-Known Member
You won't get HID Hps lights at home depot. How many plants are you planning on? Two 400 watt hps light could cover pretty good sized area. You could put a plant every sqft and put 24 under those two lights.
 
VictorVIcious

VictorVIcious

Well-Known Member
a couple have been posted, pretty sure videoman posted a source. Looked like a fairly good setup for around $120.00 or so. Follow his posts from his profile you'll fine it. Remember cheaper isn't always better. You will want to asses your ventilation needs before introducing the additional heat. SOmetimes you can spend a little more for the light but its all set up so you can vent it easier. Hope this helps.
 
cajun

cajun

Active Member
Yep. Thanks bro. I'm still looking around. But I checked my little ones and one was opened up!!!!
 
FreePhx

FreePhx

Well-Known Member
Getting the seeds to germinate "correctly" in the aerogarden is kind of a crap shoot... If you line the seed up correctly (pointy side down) you can ususally get its tap root to poke thru the bottom of the sponge in 5 or 6 days.

Sometimes, the taproot wont be able to rip the sponge, and will curl around and eventually pop up out of the top of the foamy sponge. When this happens, its a pain to fix (without hurting the little sprout).

Some of us have split the foam all the way to the bottom, so it has less resistance. This still isnt 100% effective.

Ive been germinating in napkins/plastic bags and putting the sprouts in the foam the right way, with the tap root almost sticking out the bottom. Been alot better off, but not perfect.

Im thinking of trying another type of airy material, and get away from these sponges... Rock wool would hold too much water. Gonna go shoping at the hydro store in a couple days.
 
cajun

cajun

Active Member
FreePhx said:
Getting the seeds to germinate "correctly" in the aerogarden is kind of a crap shoot... If you line the seed up correctly (pointy side down) you can ususally get its tap root to poke thru the bottom of the sponge in 5 or 6 days.

Sometimes, the taproot wont be able to rip the sponge, and will curl around and eventually pop up out of the top of the foamy sponge. When this happens, its a pain to fix (without hurting the little sprout).

Some of us have split the foam all the way to the bottom, so it has less resistance. This still isnt 100% effective.

Ive been germinating in napkins/plastic bags and putting the sprouts in the foam the right way, with the tap root almost sticking out the bottom. Been alot better off, but not perfect.

Im thinking of trying another type of airy material, and get away from these sponges... Rock wool would hold too much water. Gonna go shoping at the hydro store in a couple days.
Click to expand...
Please, if you find something let me know, if you don't mind. I have a few seeds germinating in wet paper towels and paper plates. I'm going to use those if they sprout before the ones in the aerogarden. But I'm going to check my littles ones now and split the spongeall the way down, etc. Thanks for telling me that.
 
kelmazig

kelmazig

Active Member
I have been using six 40w fluorescents lights and they are working just fine.It's been 8 weeks and all 4 of my plants have nice buds. hope to smoke them soon!!
 
o2tangoagn

o2tangoagn

Well-Known Member
I initially placed my seeds in the sponge--When I saw they were starting to sprout I slit the sponge all the way & turned my seeds so the roots faced toward the bottom. This worked fine but probably wasted some time. Next time I will germinate first.

Peace, O22
 
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