What works for me

Hello everyone,

What is listed below is efficient for my needs, nothing more. Basically sent as an email to a long distance friend. Figured I'd share.

Here's my current set up.

Grow Room
When I decided I was going to use tents, I wasn't sure if I wanted 3x3 or 4x4. I'm glad with my decision for 3x3. Although there are better brands available, I chose Virtual Sun. They use an interlocking metal frame, not plastic. Measurements are 3x3x6.5

Here's a link for detailshttp://www.amazon.com/Virtual- Sun-Reflective-Hydroponic- 36x36x78/dp/B006H6HRT8/ref=sr_ 1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1381075367&sr= 8-5&keywords=Virtual+Sun+Tent

I use a 6" 240-CFM fan. It's blows outside, no issues with neighbors so I don't need a filter for smell.



Lighting
I wanted to use CFL bulbs on my first few grows. I was happy with the results. CFL's are awesome for vegging and will continue to use them for vegging. More of a challenge to flower with. I used the light domes from Wal-Mart or Lowes. I used the 4-way splitter (got them online). All were 23w bulbs equivalent to 100w. Top lights used the 4-way splitter. Side lights I used the Y splitter. Veg lights 6500k, Flower 2700k.






About a week ago I got a 300w 9 band LED Grow Light panel. I already ordered a second. Should be here in a few days. Here's a link for specs.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2013- New-300W-LED-Grow-Light-9Band- IR-Flowering-Hydroponic-LED- Grow-Lamp-Panel-/390567591853? pt=US_Hydroponics&hash= item5aefa47fad






Soil

I get these bags of Black Magic at a Big Lots store, $7 a bag. I was using up to 40% perlite, but I am going back down to 25%-33%.





Nutrients
I keep it pretty simple. I switch to bloom once they get to the flowering stage.





Potting

I germinate the seeds in a moist paper towel, placed in a plastic bag. Once seeded, they grow in the solo cup for 3-4 weeks, I switch them to the 1gl pots before going to flowering. I transfer once more to the 3gl pots.





Timers

I've got one of these for each tent. Available at Wal-Mart. My light schedule is -

Seedlings first week 24/0

Veg 4 weeks 18/6

Flower 7+ weeks? 12/12






Temp & Humidity

Each tent also has a temp & humidity reader. I also use a calendar for notes, helps with timelines.






Scissors & Cutters

I came across these at the dollar store, cost was $5 for both. The cutter on the left is awesome, my go to come trim time.






Crystal Limit a couple weeks before cut.






Crystal Limit after the trim

Nice plant. Looks like you've got a clean little set up. What's your yield? Are you growing multiple plants? Just trying to figure out the economics of the setup because I might be trying a tent. Also how was that smoke?

Wow
You dont look like a noobie with those tents and vents ma friend.
Looked like a good harvest done with cfl's congrats!

-Gooch

Thanks BWG. I got 70grams total from two plants. I'm growing multiple plants, juggling a perpetual grow. The smoke was very good.

fizzle I am very much a newbie. I owe much of what I've learned to RIU. After countless hours here researching, I finally pulled the trigger and got started. My first harvest earlier this year was very self rewarding. I quickly wondered why I didn't start doing this years ago?
I've enjoyed using CFL's, they work for my needs. LED's have had my attention for awhile now. Next grow will be flowering under 2 - 300w panels.