I figured I'd post some learning experiences from the first 3 weeks of my first grow. Here is my set-up:
3x3 grow tent, two GH waterfarms, Viparspectra PAR 600 LED, 4" filtered fan. Light on for 18/6, temps in the 77-81 range, relative humidity 41-57.
I germed 2 White Widow Canuck seeds which popped in 3 days under a humidity dome. The seedlings were put into Rapid Rooters and installed in the waterfarms with pHed water and nutrients. Now for my first mistake:
*I did not check the pH until about day 3. One plant's pH was off the chart basic, the other a bit less basic. The first pic is the plant with the off the chart pH. She eventually died and was put to rest in a Peace Lily. The second pic is the plant that was saved. I fixed the pH by checking/adjusting every day (I started off with drops and just bought a pH pen that speeds up the process). I learned that proper pH cannot be underestimated! There was also a massive amount of scale on the clay and reservoir. I solved the scale problem by using RO water. I believe this also helps stabilize the pH (the water is very alkaline in my area).
*Second mistake. I used 1/2 nutrients right off the bat. I'm not sure if my original problem was nutrient burn , so I gave the surviving plant pHed RO water for a week and then started on 1/8 nutrients with a reduced dose of Hydroguard. Since then the plant appears to be properly vegging with some yellow roots. The third pic is the saved plant at 3 weeks, the fourth pic are its roots. I've since flushed the saved plant, cleaned the reservoir, and used the suggested dose of Hydroguard. Initially, I failed to cover the base of the plant with clay stones and saw green growth on the Rapid Rooter. During the flush and cleaning I covered up the base of the plant with clay stones. Using my lessons learned I've also planted another White Widow that is a week old seedling and doing well. I used the GWE forum and some members responded to my "sick plants" post to guide my grow. Thanks to all!
3x3 grow tent, two GH waterfarms, Viparspectra PAR 600 LED, 4" filtered fan. Light on for 18/6, temps in the 77-81 range, relative humidity 41-57.
I germed 2 White Widow Canuck seeds which popped in 3 days under a humidity dome. The seedlings were put into Rapid Rooters and installed in the waterfarms with pHed water and nutrients. Now for my first mistake:
*I did not check the pH until about day 3. One plant's pH was off the chart basic, the other a bit less basic. The first pic is the plant with the off the chart pH. She eventually died and was put to rest in a Peace Lily. The second pic is the plant that was saved. I fixed the pH by checking/adjusting every day (I started off with drops and just bought a pH pen that speeds up the process). I learned that proper pH cannot be underestimated! There was also a massive amount of scale on the clay and reservoir. I solved the scale problem by using RO water. I believe this also helps stabilize the pH (the water is very alkaline in my area).
*Second mistake. I used 1/2 nutrients right off the bat. I'm not sure if my original problem was nutrient burn , so I gave the surviving plant pHed RO water for a week and then started on 1/8 nutrients with a reduced dose of Hydroguard. Since then the plant appears to be properly vegging with some yellow roots. The third pic is the saved plant at 3 weeks, the fourth pic are its roots. I've since flushed the saved plant, cleaned the reservoir, and used the suggested dose of Hydroguard. Initially, I failed to cover the base of the plant with clay stones and saw green growth on the Rapid Rooter. During the flush and cleaning I covered up the base of the plant with clay stones. Using my lessons learned I've also planted another White Widow that is a week old seedling and doing well. I used the GWE forum and some members responded to my "sick plants" post to guide my grow. Thanks to all!
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