One_bell's first grow (F1 Epsilon auto, RDWC)

[One_Bell]

Day 6: I took a look at the roots, and while the grew a bit I also noticed the tape was coming off of the tray, and one piece of tape was floating in the X-stream. I took a measurement of the "nutrient" solution and the ph was 6,6; way to high. Also, when looking at the photo's from yesterday the EC was way to low, same for the TDS.

So I made a new nutrient solution (after calibrating the apera meter again), and this time I paid more attention to the EC and TDS.
ph = 5.82
TDS = 515ppm
EC = 728uS

This falls in range for the seedling needs, allthough EC maybe a tad in the high side. Yesterday I used less then 1/8 of the recommended strength but this was way to low. To arrive at the results above I kept adding nutrients untill I was over half of the recommended strength.

 

[longbottom]

I gotta say I'm blown away with the level of detail your putting into your first grow. When ever I see " First time grower" I come in to make sure common mistakes (over watering, too much nutrients etc..) are not being made.

With you, you have an apera PH pen (NICE !) a PPFD meter (I do not own one) and a RDWC setup from Growrilla. I had to read up on the RDWC setup, its new to me, I grow in soil.

In any case, I hope this comes as a compliment but I'm not sure I can really help you here (not that you asked or need it !)... Chances are I'll be learning much from you watching this grow !

AMAZING ! Can't wait for the odor report and the smoke report.... Auto's take a few months right?

 

[One_Bell]

In any case, I hope this comes as a compliment but I'm not sure I can really help you here (not that you asked or need it !)... Chances are I'll be learning much from you watching this grow !

AMAZING ! Can't wait for the odor report and the smoke report.... Auto's take a few months right?

Thank you, I really appreciate your post
The ppfd meter is really a no-brainer, you can order the UNI-T Uni-trend UT383BT for $30 on amazon and the app is free. Migro tested this against his $500 apogee and it was 98% spot on compared to the apogee. Without measuring the light output my grow would have been doomed I think.

Just took another measurement and the ph is now 6.0, while TDS amd EC stayed somewhat the same. I will measure later on and if the ph is to high (and the TDS and EC still somewhat the same) I will try to add some ph down instead of making a new batch of nutrients.

I also got some information form @THC_AeroGrower (much appreciated) so I have some guidelines now.

 

[THC_AeroGrower]

I have a pack of these Epsilon seeds as well, so I am looking forward to following your progress! One thing I'd mention

Just took another measurement and the ph is now 6.0, while TDS amd EC stayed somewhat the same. I will measure later on and if the ph is to high (and the TDS and EC still somewhat the same) I will try to add some ph down instead of making a new batch of nutrients.

Depending on how you calibrated your meter (2 point or 3 point?) this may be a tiny drift + a tiny error. For example if I do a 2-point calibration on my cheapo pen meter I should get around +/- 0.1 pH accuracy. If I do a 3-point calibration I should be able to get around 0.01 pH accuracy.

I wouldn't start adding acids to the mix unless it keeps climbing consistently and gets up to 6.3 (assuming a 0.1 pH error rate since most people don't calibrate their meters perfectly)

 

[One_Bell]

I have a pack of these Epsilon seeds as well, so I am looking forward to following your progress! One thing I'd mention

Depending on how you calibrated your meter (2 point or 3 point?) this may be a tiny drift + a tiny error. For example if I do a 2-point calibration on my cheapo pen meter I should get around +/- 0.1 pH accuracy. If I do a 3-point calibration I should be able to get around 0.01 pH accuracy.

I wouldn't start adding acids to the mix unless it keeps climbing consistently and gets up to 6.3 (assuming a 0.1 pH error rate since most people don't calibrate their meters perfectly)

Thank you, I will keep that in mind.

According to RQS these are the best temps and humidity:
Germination: Try to maintain a warm temperature of around 25°C and keep the soil moist, and you’ll notice sprouts emerge from the soil a couple of days after sowing seeds. Turn your grow lights on for 24 hours per day at this point to encourage healthy growth and prevent leggy stems.
Vegetation: You can expect your Epsilon F1 hybrid plants to quickly pack on leafy growth during the vegetative phase. Maintain a temperature of around 28°C and humidity of 55%, and keep your lights running for 24 hours per day. Under these conditions, your plants will grow to around 8 cm by the end of the first week of veg, having developed several sets of turgid, dark green fan leaves.
Flowering: As the flowering stage progresses, you’ll notice a sweet and earthy smell start to permeate the air. Switch over to a fertiliser higher in potassium and phosphorus and lower in nitrogen to assist flower development, and utilise a light cycle of 18 hours on and six hours off indoors to save on energy. Also, reduce humidity to around 40–45% to avoid excess moisture accumulating in your canopies. Expect your plants to stretch up to their final height of 50–70 cm during bloom as flowering hormone levels rise. Make sure you have enough stash jars ready to harvest large yields just 30–40 days after your plants transition into flowering.

So for flowering it does not state a temperature, but I think it should be a tad lower then in germination. What do you think? Follow VPD instructions from the AC Infinity AI+?

 

[One_Bell]

How they looked this night after surviving +12 hours of hot ph and the swap to better nutrients:

 

[One_Bell]

I just took another measurement and the ph is 6,00 (EC and TDS remain somewhat the same). I also see more tiny roots coming out of the soil plugs:

 

[THC_AeroGrower]

So for flowering it does not state a temperature, but I think it should be a tad lower then in germination. What do you think? Follow VPD instructions from the AC Infinity AI+?

Let me start by saying, I really don't know. I've never grown this strain, so I am only guessing. Your intuition jives with what I've heard generally for photo period strains. But this is a fun mental exercise because autos don't really care, they'll flower when they're ready. I've always gone back-and-forth on how much we should let the fact that it has autoflower genetics change how we grow.

On the other hand, you did invest in that very nice piece of equipment, so I'm interested in what it recommends when the time comes. I'd say trust your instincts, then your equipment, then advice of randos like me, in that order

 

[longbottom]

As I understand it, cooler temperatures in flower bring out colors in the flowers… especially if your growing a colorful strain.I don’t believe Epsilon is one of the colorful strains..

I’m not exactly sure about temperatures but I’d stay warmer for Veg let’s say 75-77 degrees or so and drop down to around 70-72 for mid to late flower. You could also just stay at 75 or a tad warmer the whole grow if you don’t care about color. Many have told me that low temperatures effect soil life — which may not be a problem for you.

I run flower at around 65-68 lights off not by choice and flowering goes well.

 

[One_Bell]

Let me start by saying, I really don't know. I've never grown this strain, so I am only guessing. Your intuition jives with what I've heard generally for photo period strains. But this is a fun mental exercise because autos don't really care, they'll flower when they're ready. I've always gone back-and-forth on how much we should let the fact that it has autoflower genetics change how we grow.

On the other hand, you did invest in that very nice piece of equipment, so I'm interested in what it recommends when the time comes. I'd say trust your instincts, then your equipment, then advice of randos like me, in that order

Indeed lol, we will see how it goes. Thanks again for giving me all this advice. Love this community

As I understand it, cooler temperatures in flower bring out colors in the flowers… especially if your growing a colorful strain.

I’m not exactly sure about temperatures but I’d stay warmer for Veg let’s say 75-77 degrees or so and drop down to around 70-72 for mid to late flower. You could also just stay at 75 or a tad warmer the whole grow if you don’t care about color. Many have told me that low temperatures effect soil life — which may not be a problem for you.

I run flower at around 65-68 lights off not by choice and flowering goes well.

That is totally true form what I have red. Initially I wanted to plant Lemon Cherry Cookies Auto™ by fast buds, but when I red about the " advantages" in terms of odor and cycle time, I went with the Epsilon instead. Just to have something to smoke before the LCC. Lemon Cherry Cookies (LCC)can turn out real purple (25% of the same seed does not from what I understand) and by lowering the temperature about 10C at night will bring out the colours. Can't wait to start these too. Luckily I bought a smaller tent to use as germination station and dryer, so I can quicker plant the LCC's lol.

 

[longbottom]

Indeed lol, we will see how it goes. Thanks again for giving me all this advice. Love this community


That is totally true form what I have red. Initially I wanted to plant Lemon Cherry Cookies Auto™ by fast buds, but when I red about the " advantages" in terms of odor and cycle time, I went with the Epsilon instead. Just to have something to smoke before the LCC. Lemon Cherry Cookies (LCC)can turn out real purple (25% of the same seed does not from what I understand) and by lowering the temperature about 10C at night will bring out the colours. Can't wait to start these too. Luckily I bought a smaller tent to use as germination station and dryer, so I can quicker plant the LCC's lol.

Wow you are really on track ! It sounds like you’re a reader ( me too). I can’t tell you how unprepared most first time growers are.

I did slip a line in above—-another advantage to low flowering temperatures is lower odor in flower… But growing at lower temps can also slow things down a bit. I’d stay around 75 if it was my first grow..it’s a nice safe temperature…It’s up to you if you want to experiment and go lower,

 

[One_Bell]

Thanks again @longbottom I like to read and investigate the subjects regarding my interests. Since I can't talk shop about it with anyone besides these nice forums, I tend to deep dive in the techniques I want to use, for example this aeroponics cloner (because I red about the great root growth) and RDWC in general, and just start with it to see where it goes. Doing this with other projects gave me some courage lol.

Thanks for mentioning the lower flowering temperatures. I was not aware of this and didn't know it could affect odor.

Despite having an extra carbon filter, 6" inline fan for a 1mx1m, and 2 extra 6" inline fans (which I can use as airscrubbers); I do not think I have completed the ventilation game.

Currently I have now air option out, there is air coming in through a vent but I can't vent it out properly. This might be in issue in the future I think, the air is already "stale" when I enter the room currently. Something to think about.

 

[longbottom]

Thanks again @longbottom I like to read and investigate the subjects regarding my interests. Since I can't talk shop about it with anyone besides these nice forums, I tend to deep dive in the techniques I want to use, for example this aeroponics cloner (because I red about the great root growth) and RDWC in general, and just start with it to see where it goes. Doing this with other projects gave me some courage lol.

Thanks for mentioning the lower flowering temperatures. I was not aware of this and didn't know it could affect odor.

Despite having an extra carbon filter, 6" inline fan for a 1mx1m, and 2 extra 6" inline fans (which I can use as airscrubbers); I do not think I have completed the ventilation game.

Currently I have now air option out, there is air coming in through a vent but I can't vent it out properly. This might be in issue in the future I think, the air is already "stale" when I enter the room currently. Something to think about.

Yes, I picked up on this fast. You have no idea how much reading I do on all my hobbies, especially this one. I’ve gone so far that I read on gardening books/ forums as well….You have to be careful with “bro science” which is very common on cannabis forums.

You have to remember, cannabis is a hearty plant that can live well in many temperatures. Don’t overthink everything and keep it as simple as possible for your first grow. Otherwise, you can harm your plants with too much love ! (As well as getting a big headache)

 

[Florida_Mike]

you've really got it going on there mr. bell, couple things i'll point out, is that

in hydro you can run at much higher temperatures, up to 95f+ with co2, which

i'd highly recommend if you can't properly exchange the air in the environment.

what is more important than actual temps, is a proper day/night differential,

this is long, but you like to read so i'll throw it out there. the following is from

chat gpt, but is saying exactly what i want to while saving me a bunch of 1 finger

typing:


The recommended day/night temperature differential for cannabis depends on the growth stage and desired outcomes, but a common guideline is:

Vegetative Stage: Maintain a 5-10°F (3-5°C) difference between day and night.
Example: Day: 75-85°F (24-29°C), Night: 65-75°F (18-24°C).
Flowering Stage: Aim for a 10-15°F (5-8°C) difference.
Example: Day: 70-80°F (21-27°C), Night: 60-70°F (16-21°C).

Why Maintain a Day/Night Temperature Differential?

Replicates Natural Conditions:
Cannabis is accustomed to cooler nights in its natural habitat. A differential helps mimic outdoor environmental cues.

Prevents Stretching:
A smaller differential in the vegetative stage can prevent excessive vertical growth (stretching), promoting sturdier plants.

Encourages Resin and Terpene Production:
A larger differential during the flowering stage can stimulate resin and terpene production, enhancing potency and aroma.

Supports Proper Metabolism:
During cooler nights, plants focus more on nutrient uptake and root growth, while warmer days optimize photosynthesis.

Color Development:
A wider temperature difference (e.g., 15-20°F) during flowering can enhance anthocyanin production, resulting in purple or other vibrant hues in some strains.

Risks of Excessive Temperature Differentials

Too Large a Gap:
Can cause condensation and increase the risk of mold or mildew, especially during flowering.
May stress plants, leading to slowed growth or hermaphroditism in extreme cases.
Too Small a Gap:
Can confuse the plant’s natural cycles, potentially reducing yield and potency.

Monitoring Tips:

Use a digital thermometer with day/night tracking.
Ensure relative humidity is adjusted along with temperature changes to maintain proper Vapor Pressure Deficit (VPD).

 

[Florida_Mike]

oh, here's an excellent reference to keep handy:

https://www.growweedeasy.com/

 

[One_Bell]

Day 7: Time for an update after one week. I decided to take off the humidity dome top. One of the mistakes I made was measuring with the light meter on top of the dome instead of inside to get a more accurate reading. Taking of the humidity dome also always me to give the seedlings a very slight breeze to harden the stems.

To be on top of the life in the propegator I need to take a lot of measurements. I anticipated on that early on by buying a meter for the reservoir. Since I am not using the reservoir yet I decided to install the meter in order to get a constant feed of data points:

It is getting crowded in the X-stream lol.

New meter: Bluelab Guardian Wifi

Unfortunately I could not get a decent picture of the screen readings:

Luckily we still have to app for readings:

As you can see above the temperature of the nutrient solution was way too high, 82.4F/28C. In order to drop the temperature a bit I used a few ice packs and managed to bring it back to 71.6F/22C, after that it went up again to 73.4F/23C

I also adjusted the lightning a bit so the seedlings now enjoy a comfortable 300PPFD:

And some more roots are popping out of the soil plugs in all directions:

Today the PH rose to 6.1 but seems more steady now. Hopefully the high temperature of the nutrient solution wont stunt the grow. Fingers crossed :P

 

[One_Bell]

It is time for some updates, currently it is the 12th day from planting the seeds and the day 10 for the first one and day 9 for the others when they reached out of the soil plug.

Last Sunday, day 8:

Monday, day 9:

At the end of the day I noticed the leaves where a bit droopy (pointing downwards), I increased the one oscilating fan from 2 to 3 and pointed it just above the seedlings so you can only see the leaves tinkle a bit every few seconds.

 

[One_Bell]

Last Tuesday, day 10:

Yesterday, day 11:

And now the plants are looking like they take off:

Roots are growing rapidly it seems and from the seedling that first sprouted (the one in the middle) are over 3" long already:

They start to develop new leaves and nodes:

The one in the middle has been moved to the first/bottom row to make sure the plants don't overlap each other.

While they have been in the X-stream propegator for exactly seven days now, I slowly see the water level drop a bit. Last Monday and Tuesday ppm stayed on 520 and TDS at 370. Yesterday PPM was 530 and TDS 380. Today I measured a PPM of 550 and a TDS of 380. All these days the EC only went from 0,7 (last Thursday) to 0,8 on Monday and has not changed.

All this time the average temp was 21C (variation between 18 and 23), and the PH stayed between 5,8 and 6,2 with an average of 5,9 for half of the week and 6 for the rest of it.

Some questions I now have are:
- When is the seedling phase over, or are they in early veg now?
- When should I transplant to the Growrilla RDWC buckets?

 

[One_Bell]

Somehow some of the pictures don't work?



This is from today.

 

[One_Bell]

@THC_AeroGrower when would you transplant these to the Growrilla RDWC system with bigger netpots?