little experiment

francis · 08-21-2009, 08:36 PM

sup guys, starting a little experiment in a box with a cfl and just seeing what happens. I have a buddy who's interested in selling me his hps ballast and light, and If these seeds germinate ok, i probably will take it off his hands and move everything to a closet ive been meaning to clean out. hows 40 bucks for a 150w hps sound? im pretty sure thats a reasonable deal and might get some extras thrown in like timers and thermometer.

my budget for all of this would probably be only around 50 bucks as this is just an experiment at its current stage. I still need some decent soil, all im using now is some miracle grow potting mix and that aint gonna cut it. Ill take some pics later and who knows, this might turn into a nice little grow blog.

fenderbender · 08-22-2009, 03:46 PM

sounds good man cant wait

i love CFL grows or even low watt hid like that cause you gotta make the light work for you and you have to get the most amount of the light available for great success

more fun to be more involved imo

francis · 08-22-2009, 10:54 PM

a pic of the set-up. the enclosure is about to be upgraded to a old computer monitor box with much more space. only two have sprouted, but im patient

. quick question, how should i water these. the little peat pots seem to be drying up pretty quick, but i dont want to over water.

Mydriasis · 08-22-2009, 11:10 PM

eeek light + cardboard box tends to be a no no(fire hazardd). Any chance you can get some ply-wood and some 2 x 4's or something? At least line it with cooking foil.

I've seen people use cut up water bottles(for seedlings) or empty milk bottles(gallon) for ghetto planting. Make sure you put wholes in the bottom though so the water can leave if it needs too. but those peat pots should hold up until you need to transfer them.

francis · 08-23-2009, 01:06 AM

you are definitely right on that, probably not a good idea indeed. I did line the top of the box with some foil when i first put it together and threw a cd between the cord and switch for some reflection but better safe than sorry. i guess i was under the impression that they are run relatively cool and are safe. updates soon with a new safer enclosure!

farmergiles · 08-23-2009, 01:49 AM

Tinfoil does not reflect light very well for this purpose, matt white paint is a better reflector and doesn't focus the light.

At this stage you don't need a light tight box, you can use a cardboard box for stealth if you want but cardboard isn't known for it's fire and water resistance. Some way or air to circulate in and out of the box will be beneficial.

You will want to sort something better out by the time you want to flower the plants. So you can keep them in absolute darkness for the night part of the light cycle.

For watering- you need to know how heavy your pots are when wet and when dry- keep them somewhere in between- moist but not sodden. Weight is the best indicator, just looking at the top of the soil can be deceptive. Those peat pots might dry out fairly quickly.

A fan might be useful, plants like air movement, just don`t point a big fan directly at seedlings or you may trash them.

francis · 08-23-2009, 09:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by farmergiles

Tinfoil does not reflect light very well for this purpose, matt white paint is a better reflector and doesn't focus the light.

this was put together with things around the house in less than five minutes so i did the best i could

Quote:

Originally Posted by farmergiles

At this stage you don't need a light tight box, you can use a cardboard box for stealth if you want but cardboard isn't known for it's fire and water resistance. Some way or air to circulate in and out of the box will be beneficial.

You will want to sort something better out by the time you want to flower the plants. So you can keep them in absolute darkness for the night part of the light cycle.

the box is for seedlings only, i plan on moving them to a closet with hps soon.

Quote:

Originally Posted by farmergiles

For watering- you need to know how heavy your pots are when wet and when dry- keep them somewhere in between- moist but not sodden. Weight is the best indicator, just looking at the top of the soil can be deceptive. Those peat pots might dry out fairly quickly.

thats how i usually check them, by feeling how heavy they are. but since they are so small they dont seem to change much.

Quote:

Originally Posted by farmergiles

A fan might be useful, plants like air movement, just don`t point a big fan directly at seedlings or you may trash them.

found a little fan at the grocery store i think im gonna buy thats freakin perfect for a little small op

farmergiles · 08-24-2009, 02:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by francis

thats how i usually check them, by feeling how heavy they are. but since they are so small they dont seem to change much.

You can keep a couple of pots with soil but no plants, one dry and one sodden wet as a reference.

Quote:

Originally Posted by francis

found a little fan at the grocery store i think im gonna buy thats freakin perfect for a little small op

Micromark make a perfect clip on 6" fan, not sure if you can get them in your neck of the woods.

**Pharm Girl** · 08-24-2009, 05:23 AM

keep the soil built up around the stalks.......

stoneric · 08-24-2009, 10:01 AM

And move the lite closer.

fenderbender · 08-25-2009, 08:08 PM

and water them more.

they look really dry in that pic, and those peat cups dry out really fast so keep em moist-ish

francis · 08-25-2009, 10:47 PM

update after a little drink

this girl (hopefully), looks pretty sick atm. edges of leaves are slightly yellowish, leading me to believe a deficiency somewhere. i plan to have this transplanted asap to a larger container in a better, safer box. this baby is the only one with leaves atm, two others havent sprouted, and the other hasnt dropped the shell of the seed yet.

fenderbender · 08-25-2009, 11:25 PM

more water and more light imo

SpankyMcLankey · 08-26-2009, 12:24 AM

do you know the ph of your water?

francis · 08-26-2009, 12:49 AM

no i dont, but if i would have to guess, its probably more on the alkaline side. I would water them more if the soil had better drainage, but usually the water sits on top until a squeeze and adjust the peat pots so it runs through. i really need to start this over.

farmergiles · 08-26-2009, 04:20 AM

Looks like you are doing fine with watering- they're not wilting anyway.

Some yellowing of the first leaves (cotyledons) is showing probably caused by a combination of the soil being a bit rich and possible water pH issue (chances are you are right about it being alkaline). Don`t panic.

The first set of leaves will wither away in any case, they're only there to get the plant started. If the seedling survives long enough to establish a decent root system it will be better able to cope with it's environment

You can get a pH test kit from a hydro store, garden centre or an aquarium store. You can lower pH with nitric or phosphoric acid or even lemon juice at a pinch.

One thing that will help- leave your water to stand for 24 hrs before watering- this allows any chlorine in the water to evaporate, improving the water quality.

The seedling shown is stretching a bit, more light is always a bonus (or moving the light closer). Like PG says you can build the soil up around the stem to give support. A bit of a breeze helps encourage sturdy growth.

Peace seeker · 08-26-2009, 04:38 AM

what FG said

get the HPS and built a new box asap. You re risking a fire hazard with that paper box.

Get the 150W about 12" away from the seedlings for starters or 7" as long as u got good ventilation in there. They r stretching already.

If u r serious about growing some good bud, built the box.

Micromark clip-on fans are great. Get one if u can.

Also get aluminium ducting and a 4" extraction fan.

dont worry about the yellowing on the leafs for the time been.

Water by weight of the pot.

paint the walls white

i ll stop here, cause i m repeating FG's post

**Pharm Girl** · 08-26-2009, 04:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pharm Girl

keep the soil built up around the stalks.......

repeat

08-21-2009, 08:36 PM	#1 (permalink)
francis Primative Radio God Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ohio Posts: 2,830 Thanks: 29 Thanked 26 Times in 17 Posts	little experiment sup guys, starting a little experiment in a box with a cfl and just seeing what happens. I have a buddy who's interested in selling me his hps ballast and light, and If these seeds germinate ok, i probably will take it off his hands and move everything to a closet ive been meaning to clean out. hows 40 bucks for a 150w hps sound? im pretty sure thats a reasonable deal and might get some extras thrown in like timers and thermometer. my budget for all of this would probably be only around 50 bucks as this is just an experiment at its current stage. I still need some decent soil, all im using now is some miracle grow potting mix and that aint gonna cut it. Ill take some pics later and who knows, this might turn into a nice little grow blog. __________________ Laugh and the world laughs with you. Weep and you weep alone.

08-22-2009, 03:46 PM	#2 (permalink)
fenderbender Derp? Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: new jersey Posts: 1,818 Thanks: 9 Thanked 77 Times in 54 Posts	sounds good man cant wait i love CFL grows or even low watt hid like that cause you gotta make the light work for you and you have to get the most amount of the light available for great success more fun to be more involved imo __________________ Imagine there's no heaven,It's easy if you try Life is like Taco Bell. The better it tastes, the faster it's killing you. Life is like a remote control. You'll be happier if you don't try to control it ALL the time. -Rev

08-22-2009, 10:54 PM	#3 (permalink)
francis Primative Radio God Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ohio Posts: 2,830 Thanks: 29 Thanked 26 Times in 17 Posts	a pic of the set-up. the enclosure is about to be upgraded to a old computer monitor box with much more space. only two have sprouted, but im patient . quick question, how should i water these. the little peat pots seem to be drying up pretty quick, but i dont want to over water. __________________ Laugh and the world laughs with you. Weep and you weep alone.

08-22-2009, 11:10 PM	#4 (permalink)
Mydriasis Do Not Resuscitate Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 1,171 Thanks: 677 Thanked 323 Times in 217 Posts	eeek light + cardboard box tends to be a no no(fire hazardd). Any chance you can get some ply-wood and some 2 x 4's or something? At least line it with cooking foil. I've seen people use cut up water bottles(for seedlings) or empty milk bottles(gallon) for ghetto planting. Make sure you put wholes in the bottom though so the water can leave if it needs too. but those peat pots should hold up until you need to transfer them. __________________

08-23-2009, 01:06 AM	#5 (permalink)
francis Primative Radio God Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ohio Posts: 2,830 Thanks: 29 Thanked 26 Times in 17 Posts	you are definitely right on that, probably not a good idea indeed. I did line the top of the box with some foil when i first put it together and threw a cd between the cord and switch for some reflection but better safe than sorry. i guess i was under the impression that they are run relatively cool and are safe. updates soon with a new safer enclosure! __________________ Laugh and the world laughs with you. Weep and you weep alone.

08-23-2009, 01:49 AM	#6 (permalink)
farmergiles Zombie! Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: K. Frimpong & His Cubano Fiestas Posts: 2,398 Thanks: 493 Thanked 668 Times in 468 Posts	Tinfoil does not reflect light very well for this purpose, matt white paint is a better reflector and doesn't focus the light. At this stage you don't need a light tight box, you can use a cardboard box for stealth if you want but cardboard isn't known for it's fire and water resistance. Some way or air to circulate in and out of the box will be beneficial. You will want to sort something better out by the time you want to flower the plants. So you can keep them in absolute darkness for the night part of the light cycle. For watering- you need to know how heavy your pots are when wet and when dry- keep them somewhere in between- moist but not sodden. Weight is the best indicator, just looking at the top of the soil can be deceptive. Those peat pots might dry out fairly quickly. A fan might be useful, plants like air movement, just don`t point a big fan directly at seedlings or you may trash them. __________________ Cultivate a stoic calmness

08-24-2009, 05:23 AM	#9 (permalink)
Pharm Girl ...~... Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 3,531 Blog Entries: 13 Thanks: 1,637 Thanked 551 Times in 424 Posts	keep the soil built up around the stalks....... __________________ "Do we want a future driven by materialism and short-term profit where our hearts are filled with greed for the riches of the land? Or do we want a new Earth where our hearts are filled with love and compassion? Can we create a future where there is sufficiency and the good life for all? Surely our children deserve better. *Fuck the Monkeys*

08-24-2009, 10:01 AM	#10 (permalink)
stoneric bougeman Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 3,276 Thanks: 0 Thanked 448 Times in 354 Posts	And move the lite closer.

08-25-2009, 08:08 PM	#11 (permalink)
fenderbender Derp? Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: new jersey Posts: 1,818 Thanks: 9 Thanked 77 Times in 54 Posts	and water them more. they look really dry in that pic, and those peat cups dry out really fast so keep em moist-ish __________________ Imagine there's no heaven,It's easy if you try Life is like Taco Bell. The better it tastes, the faster it's killing you. Life is like a remote control. You'll be happier if you don't try to control it ALL the time. -Rev

08-25-2009, 10:47 PM	#12 (permalink)
francis Primative Radio God Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ohio Posts: 2,830 Thanks: 29 Thanked 26 Times in 17 Posts	update after a little drink this girl (hopefully), looks pretty sick atm. edges of leaves are slightly yellowish, leading me to believe a deficiency somewhere. i plan to have this transplanted asap to a larger container in a better, safer box. this baby is the only one with leaves atm, two others havent sprouted, and the other hasnt dropped the shell of the seed yet. __________________ Laugh and the world laughs with you. Weep and you weep alone.

08-25-2009, 11:25 PM	#13 (permalink)
fenderbender Derp? Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: new jersey Posts: 1,818 Thanks: 9 Thanked 77 Times in 54 Posts	more water and more light imo __________________ Imagine there's no heaven,It's easy if you try Life is like Taco Bell. The better it tastes, the faster it's killing you. Life is like a remote control. You'll be happier if you don't try to control it ALL the time. -Rev

08-26-2009, 12:24 AM	#14 (permalink)
SpankyMcLankey Mongloid Reptilian Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 1,380 Thanks: 446 Thanked 333 Times in 264 Posts	do you know the ph of your water? __________________ I'll keep my Guns, Money, and Freedom. You can keep the "change."

08-26-2009, 12:49 AM	#15 (permalink)
francis Primative Radio God Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ohio Posts: 2,830 Thanks: 29 Thanked 26 Times in 17 Posts	no i dont, but if i would have to guess, its probably more on the alkaline side. I would water them more if the soil had better drainage, but usually the water sits on top until a squeeze and adjust the peat pots so it runs through. i really need to start this over. __________________ Laugh and the world laughs with you. Weep and you weep alone.

08-26-2009, 04:20 AM	#16 (permalink)
farmergiles Zombie! Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: K. Frimpong & His Cubano Fiestas Posts: 2,398 Thanks: 493 Thanked 668 Times in 468 Posts	Looks like you are doing fine with watering- they're not wilting anyway. Some yellowing of the first leaves (cotyledons) is showing probably caused by a combination of the soil being a bit rich and possible water pH issue (chances are you are right about it being alkaline). Don`t panic. The first set of leaves will wither away in any case, they're only there to get the plant started. If the seedling survives long enough to establish a decent root system it will be better able to cope with it's environment You can get a pH test kit from a hydro store, garden centre or an aquarium store. You can lower pH with nitric or phosphoric acid or even lemon juice at a pinch. One thing that will help- leave your water to stand for 24 hrs before watering- this allows any chlorine in the water to evaporate, improving the water quality. The seedling shown is stretching a bit, more light is always a bonus (or moving the light closer). Like PG says you can build the soil up around the stem to give support. A bit of a breeze helps encourage sturdy growth. __________________ Cultivate a stoic calmness

08-26-2009, 04:38 AM	#17 (permalink)
Peace seeker free the herb Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 6,820 Thanks: 604 Thanked 467 Times in 330 Posts	what FG said get the HPS and built a new box asap. You re risking a fire hazard with that paper box. Get the 150W about 12" away from the seedlings for starters or 7" as long as u got good ventilation in there. They r stretching already. If u r serious about growing some good bud, built the box. Micromark clip-on fans are great. Get one if u can. Also get aluminium ducting and a 4" extraction fan. dont worry about the yellowing on the leafs for the time been. Water by weight of the pot. paint the walls white i ll stop here, cause i m repeating FG's post

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