Papajeff's 1st grow

[Papajeff]

Here's a list of things I've done right!!
First, I purchased all the equipment, then I bought seeds (Seedsman), set everything up, germinated seeds,turned on power, and that is when trouble started.

So I'm just three weeks into my 1st grow, I'm using 400w hps/mh with 6" fan and filter/scrubber, in a closet that used to house an old furnace. In DWC, started with a 5 gallon bucket.

My 1st mistake; germinated too many seeds! Now my grow space is going to be overcrowded.
mistake #2; bucket was too small for four plants.
#3; I didn't check pH for 7 days.
#4; 400w is way too much for space.(room is 2x4, space is 2x2)
#5; did not purchase a fan with speed control.

I could continue my list, but, let's take a look. So I can only load 2 photos due to size limitations.
Either way, here's what I did to correct some issues.
1. Replaced bucket with smaller containers.
2. Added air pump and stones.
3. Started checking pH daily.
4. Luckily, ballast is adjustable, 200w - 400w
5. Added fan speed controller.

Root Rot -
Slow growth -
Wilting plants -
Heat control -
Humidity -

Hopefully, my corrections ended my problems, but I doubt it. Like I said, only 3rd week in, many more corrections to come!
HAPPY GARDENING!!

[9fingerleafs]

Just take in consideration some of those seeds may be male and/or some are going be better than others and can be removed. so over crowded is a good thing at he begginin.

[Papajeff]

Right! All makes sense, really don't want to get rid of any but... I did buy all females so hopefully they'll stay that way(lol)

[Herby]

Woot cant wait to see how you do a tip - always plan out before you do project or activity of any sort. You gotta stick on the PH or it can bite you in the ass pretty hard..... and i dont think 400w is too much for a 2x2, if anything thats perfect for that size, but you seem to got everything back on track so goodluck man!!

[Herby]

when theyre of a good age you will also have to decide which one or 2 to keep, unless you get another grow setup to put them in.

[Papajeff]

I wasn't able to keep heat down or humidity up while set on 300w or 400w for some reason. I have a humidifier in there and levels were under 40%. My exhaust fan was too strong to keep humidity above, now I'm trying to fine tune everything for my next grow.

[DW2]

Howdy Papajeff, Look's like You're on the right track. I'm on my 6th DWC grow and can only add, keep the water temperature between 64° and 70° F., insulate the bucket with bubble wrap or foam rubber, drain and re-fill the reservoir every week, and cover the net pots with foil to block out all possible light sources.
Good luck with Your grow. Here is a photo of how I covered the net pots. Also a photo of them in week six of grow (week three of bloom) the three tallest range from 27in. to 30in. tall.

[Papajeff]

Wow, great stuff, never thought of foil for the pots, gonna have to add some. Thanks!!

[Papajeff]

Thank you for the replies!

Great looking pics, excited to see more!!

I got pissed off two days ago when everything was drooping and not growing, Hydro store was closed, went to a pet store, bought some air supplies and added air stones. Put everything together then adjusted pH, slammed the door and walked away. (I take photos daily)
I went back about 9hrs later and about shit a brick...my droopy, saggy plants were stretched out and standing tall like they got a shot of "roids"!! Overnight, (my night not plants) they grew almost a full inch in height, and spread out with bigger leaves. Also, the roots are very healthy looking on all four plants.

I have to use my iPad for a camera and need different photos, the ones I have are too big to load to the site. Plants are sleeping right now so I'll get on that later. Papajeff

[GanjaGed]

Buckled in!

[Papajeff]

Okay, so I posted this morning and can't find where...

Question; Where is the best place to place a thermometer? Under or away from grow light?

[9fingerleafs]

The most useful reading will be between the pots or above one. The real danger is getting the roots too hot. The leaves can get really hot under he sun with not much problems

[Papajeff]

Okay, so on floor between pots is good? Right?

[9fingerleafs]

Yes that is a great place. Just make sure no water gets to it

[Papajeff]

Okay, so between pots on floor is good?

[Herby]

I have my thermo on the side about 1 ft above pots, keep my place well vented so only the top half gets hot

[GanjaGed]

I run one with a probe, keep the main unit by the lights and the probe dangling right at canopy level.

[Papajeff]

Just want to throw out a quick thank you to all. One week later I have selected 2 plants, made necessary adjustments and my plants have doubled in size!! Wanting to keep the plants smaller but productive, I super cropped one at the base and spread the fan leaves out as much as possible and in two days I have 5 growth tips racing for the top. (Yes I know that I got very lucky doing this however, I waited for the 6th node to appear.)I also topped the 2nd plant and bent all fan leaves out of the way, this plant also took off almost immediately, (I wish I could afford a camera, I really want to share this.) Again, thank you 😊!!

[9fingerleafs]

I'm glad papajeff. Sounds like you did it right

[Papajeff]

I've never seen anything like this. I've grown many flowers, vegetables, shrubs and more, the growth is incredibly fast. Now, just feed and stay on pH. I appreciate your input, thanks a lot!! Might have to wait for 2nd grow to share pics. All the best Papajeff

[Papajeff]

Good morning GWE,
I have successfully made it to flower with no major problems!!!
I am 3wks. into flowering and buds are forming everywhere..I did a little bit of defoliation at switch and a little more yesterday. So far harvest should be the first or second wk of September..really wish it was sooner so I can tell my (dealer) to eat some shit..

Anxiety?? Smoke some weed, it'll be alright...