Planning on my first successful grow!! Feedback much appreciated!

THIS THREAD IS OPEN TO RESPONSES! HELP A BROTHA OUT!

I have tried in the past to grow, indoor once (all 7 of the autoflowers I grew got massacred by the heat from a 400w HID when they were still seedlings), and outdoor once, 60 plants that ALL, EVERY LAST ONE were murdered by slugs, caterpillars, and pigs around when I transplanted them outside in the 1 foot range. (couldnt check on them for 2 weeks, bad idea)

So I've learned the importance of different factors in a grow, namely how a simple product could have saved an entire crop (bug repellant), and how different elements can affect the growing environment (in this case heat).

Now Im finally ready to do a grow that I dont fuck up!

INDOOR

Going for only the most high quality gear:

So far I have-
Secret Jardin 2x2 x 64"
4 Areated Smart Pots (3g)
Botanicare ReadyGro Soilless mix

-gonna get a solid 250w HID (FUCKING COOLED HOOD OBVIOUSLY)- best one I can buy

Until then using my boy's LED lighting on my seedlings. (once they pop)

Haven't decided on ferts or fans/ carbons scrubbers and shit yet.

Cracking the beans today, we got us:
(ALL FEMINIZED)
2x DNA GENETICS Sharksbreath
1x DNA GENETICS Rocklock
1x PARADISE SEEDS Wappa
1x MAGUS GENETICS Motavation
1x RESERVA PRIVADA Cole Train

These were picked from a large 20 something batch of freebies I got from past purchases from ATTITUDE SEEDBANK.

I realize feminized isn't the best way to go, but Im just gonna fuck with what I have. These were selected after a little research determined they would grow the smallest, fastest, and easiest out of all of the seeds I have available. I also saved the better genetics for future grows after I have my setup on lock.

I chose to germinate 6 so that I have an allowance of 2 deaths.

Popping the seeds today, by tomorrow or Tuesday they should be ready to put into some red dixie cups I have with the Botanicare Readygro mix, and tossed under the LEDs in the tent.

Here's the OVERALL PLAN:

4 plants
2x2 space (4 sq feet)
1 sq. foot per plant
3 gallon pots
250w HID lighting
1 oz. per plant harvest
4 oz. (QP) overall harvest
(Although I realize I may only get two or so ounces learning the ropes on this first run)

So I have a first few questions for y'all-

1.) For a cooled 250w HID system in a 2x2 x 64" setup, what kind of ventilation system should I implement? What kinds of ducting/ inline fans/ circulation fans should I use to keep my stems healthy and strong while maintaining proper temperatures? I know I dont need to buy huge fancy fans, but for the small sized ones Ill be needing Im very willing to pay for quality over getting the cheapest shit. Any suggestions? Don't worry I'm about to do some research in the fans threads, but I would love to have some direct feedback for my personal situation.

2.) I should be ordering my 250w HID soon, any suggestions for a high quality air cooled hood one? I know 250w don't really run that much $, so Id like to get the very best one I can, after all Ill make all my money back first harvest anyway.

I will continue to post the entire grow log as it happens

So, 10 days in and I have yet to get seedlings!!! These girls are taking forever!

I germinated an additional

1x Sensi Star
1x Warlock
1x Cloud 9
1x Chronic

This time I went with the paper towel method (should've done it from the start!). So far the Chronic and the Sensi Star have germinated and been put in red dixie cups in the tent next to the 6 others.

I kind of think I set the first 6 seeds a little deep and thats why they are taking so long. I realize that they could develop stronger root systems first, being forced to grow down rather than up, but I didnt want them to give up on reaching the surface! So I gently dug around with the tip of my finger until I could see the tip top of each seed, and then put a very lightly set thin layer of soil over them. Hopefully we'll see some sprouting action by week's end.

So I guess now I just wait more.

Anybody got suggestions for solidly built, reliable, not too expensive 250-400w cooled HPS lamps? Still shopping around.

.....strollin in.......sounds like to me you got a lot of strains going and not a whole lot of success.....again just reading your journal....no offense...I did the same shit and though I have been VERY successful thus far...check out my grow journal with tons of pics and info - plus my grow setup.....ducting, fans, etc. I learned a lot by being here for sure and can tell you one thing from my own personal experience: KEEP IT SIMPLE STUPID - IE: 1-3 strains max and then learn how to really dial yourself in vs overwhelming yourself from the onset.

Go thru my journal as it has a lot of useful info and might actually help you......best of luck and happy growing!

Widow

Thanks for the response, yea I'm going off of freebies from attitude, and only shootin for 4 plants as it says in my first post. That's why so much variety, next grow is all OG Kush already got the beans

right on smart move....its all a learning curve....we all go through it if you GROW. Do you have your setup all configured as of yet? If so, post some pics and we can give you some direction.

widow