First Timer: Lets see how this grows (Autoflower)

[RdnkFarmer]

Whats up Farmers. First time poster and grower here. Figured I would tap into the knowledge here instead of trying to go at it all alone. Below is a recap of what I am running, general climate stats, and other info that can (hopefully) bring you up to speed faster if you decide to discuss my grow. If you have free time and want to comment feel free! Im here to learn and I know there is a wide range of different techniques and opinions. Look forward to the discussions. I will be updating along the way.

Grow setup, equipment, nutrients (and whatever else I can think of)​

1. Grow Tent: (Growing three autos in 5 gal fabric pots)
   • Dimensions:
   • Spider Farmer 4.6' x 2.6' x 6.5' (approx. 12 square feet)
   • Material: Reflective Mylar interior
2. Lighting:
   • Light Type: Spider Farmer G4500 320W Full Spectrum
   • Distance from Plants: 12 inches above the plants
   • Intensity: 30-35% (currently). Trying to figure out what they are liking. 35% seemed to be a little much. Currently sitting at 32%.
   • Light Schedule: 18/6
3. Humidity & Temperature Control:
   • Humidifier: AC Infinity CLOUDFORGE T7, Plant Humidifier 15L with VPD Humidity Controls (with automatic VPD control that I am employing currently to maintain a .7 VPD).
   • Side note: Make sure you are only using distilled or RO water in this system. I started using tap (which is 250ppm) here but these fancy new humidifiers don't like that at all. My carbon filter looked like someone had set off a drywall dust nuke after a couple days. Oops Proud owner of a RO buddy system now. (The expenses definitely add up to get started lol)
   • Exhaust Fan: Spider Farmer 4-Inch Smart Inline Duct Fan with Temperature Humidity Controller, 205 CFM Quiet EC Motor.
     • Mounted inside tent up high, vented out top port (20% constant speed with Automatic increases when range alarms triggered)
   • Intake: I started using an AC Infinity intake fan, but quickly realized it was just bringing in too much for my small tent. Now I just have two open bottom ports with 4" carbon filter screens.
   • Clip Fans:Two clip fans
     • VIVOSUN AeroWave A6 6-Inch Clip-on Fan
       • Placed on front left floor of tent near intake (to help air come in was my reasoning I guess
       • Currently set to lowest setting pointed
     • Spider Farmer® 6-inch Clip On Fan
       • Placed 3/4 up tent mounted to back right pole. Facing downwards set up about 20-30% power with oscillation (not enough to see much movement on seedlings)
   • Temperature: Avg. 76-77°F, Max. 78°F, Min. 70-72°F (lights off)
   • Humidity: Avg. 75%, Max. 80%, Min. 72%
   • VPD: Current target around 0.7 kPa - 0.8kpa (The AC Infinity T7 humidifier has a automatic VPD mode that will regulate humidity based off of the grow tents temperature to achieve the VPD setting. I have kept it at .7 about 80% of this grow. I bump up to .8kpa if the humidity is creeping up above my current parameters of 78% max
4. Soil and Potting:
   • Soil Type: Fox Farm Ocean Forest
   • Pot Size: 5-gallon fabric pots
   • Substrate Additions: Perlite for drainage, Black Forest Worm Castings (10-15% amended and small amount placed around seed when planted)
5. Watering & Nutrients:
   • Water: Dechlorinated with Pure Original Ingredients Vitamin C Powder. Switching to RO and rain water in the next few days since my tap is 225-250ppm
   • Average watering amounts currently
     • I started the 5 gallon pots with a 24ish hour pre soak
     • Since then I have been giving them about 10oz or every other day. Soil seems to dry out pretty quickly down to an inch or 2, deeper down seems to be keeping moisture longer (the chinese mositure meter says its in the middle of moist halfway down or so. I hear those are shit though). at those times I gave a few sprays of misted water. I am trying to be as conservative as possible with the waterings right now as it seemed like a very common issue (overwatering). Trying to base off of plant health/looks and soil moisture down 1-2 inches. Thats where the newbie thing comes in of not having an eye for the issues yet.
   • Water pH: Currently aiming for PH of around 6.4. Next watering I may bring down a little lower to 6-6.2
   • Nutrient: Not yet added (plants are in early stages). Nutrients listed below are what I have. Does not necessarily mean I will use them this grow. But they are in the room if needed.
     • FoxFarm Cultivation Nation pH Down
     • General Hydroponics pH Up
     • General Hydroponics FloraSeries Hydroponic Nutrient Fertilizer System
       • FloraMicro 5-0-1
       • FloraBloom 0-5-4
       • FloraGro 2-1-6
     • Xtreme Gardening Mykos Pure Mycorrhizal Inoculant Organic Root Enhancer
     • Gaia Green All-Purpose Fertilizer 4-4-4
     • Power Bloom 2-8-4 (2kg)
     • General Hydroponics CALiMAGic 1-0-0 (For when im using RO water. Or for any deficiencies
6. Environmental Monitoring:
   • Leaf Temperature: I just started checking this.
     • This morning leaf was around 80F/26.6C81.5°F (measured using a laser thermometer). Going to start tracking this as well.
     • This evening leaf was 81.5 (from what Ive read thats still safe but upper end?)
   • VPD: Currently at 0.7 kPa (target value adjusted using humidifier). Switched to .8 target when humidity started creeping up to my current 78% alarm limit on grow controller)
7. Plant Details:
   • Type of Plants: Autoflower cannabis
     • Bruce Banner AF (9 days old)
       • Geminated from medium on February 14th, 2025 (early AM check around 6am)
       • The seed shell was stuck right away. Being a first time grower I was hesitant to do much as most recommendations on other forums was to wait and see. I waited
     • Haze XL AF (8 days old)
     • Green Crack AF (new seed planted on 02/22/2025 after the first one didn’t germinate (Started in moist cotton pads inside tupperware with heatmat. Approximately 48hours to crack with small tail)
   • Seedling Development: First true leaves on both Bruce and Haze
   • Current Stage: Vegetative, focusing on the seedling stag

Thats all for now. Thanks in advance for your input.

 

[RdnkFarmer]

Bruce Banner Photo Log: Days 2 - 9. Stuck shell that had to be removed on Day 5. I know it was stressful but she seems to be recovering well! ( I think)

 

[RdnkFarmer]

Haze XL Auto Photo Log

 

[Bobcat.Branch]

Whats up Farmers. First time poster and grower here. Figured I would tap into the knowledge here instead of trying to go at it all alone. Below is a recap of what I am running, general climate stats, and other info that can (hopefully) bring you up to speed faster if you decide to discuss my grow. If you have free time and want to comment feel free! Im here to learn and I know there is a wide range of different techniques and opinions. Look forward to the discussions. I will be updating along the way.

Grow setup, equipment, nutrients (and whatever else I can think of)​

1. Grow Tent: (Growing three autos in 5 gal fabric pots)
   • Dimensions:
   • Spider Farmer 4.6' x 2.6' x 6.5' (approx. 12 square feet)
   • Material: Reflective Mylar interior
2. Lighting:
   • Light Type: Spider Farmer G4500 320W Full Spectrum
   • Distance from Plants: 12 inches above the plants
   • Intensity: 30-35% (currently). Trying to figure out what they are liking. 35% seemed to be a little much. Currently sitting at 32%.
   • Light Schedule: 18/6
3. Humidity & Temperature Control:
   • Humidifier: AC Infinity CLOUDFORGE T7, Plant Humidifier 15L with VPD Humidity Controls (with automatic VPD control that I am employing currently to maintain a .7 VPD).
   • Side note: Make sure you are only using distilled or RO water in this system. I started using tap (which is 250ppm) here but these fancy new humidifiers don't like that at all. My carbon filter looked like someone had set off a drywall dust nuke after a couple days. Oops Proud owner of a RO buddy system now. (The expenses definitely add up to get started lol)
   • Exhaust Fan: Spider Farmer 4-Inch Smart Inline Duct Fan with Temperature Humidity Controller, 205 CFM Quiet EC Motor.
     • Mounted inside tent up high, vented out top port (20% constant speed with Automatic increases when range alarms triggered)
   • Intake: I started using an AC Infinity intake fan, but quickly realized it was just bringing in too much for my small tent. Now I just have two open bottom ports with 4" carbon filter screens.
   • Clip Fans:Two clip fans
     • VIVOSUN AeroWave A6 6-Inch Clip-on Fan
       • Placed on front left floor of tent near intake (to help air come in was my reasoning I guess
       • Currently set to lowest setting pointed
     • Spider Farmer® 6-inch Clip On Fan
       • Placed 3/4 up tent mounted to back right pole. Facing downwards set up about 20-30% power with oscillation (not enough to see much movement on seedlings)
   • Temperature: Avg. 76-77°F, Max. 78°F, Min. 70-72°F (lights off)
   • Humidity: Avg. 75%, Max. 80%, Min. 72%
   • VPD: Current target around 0.7 kPa - 0.8kpa (The AC Infinity T7 humidifier has a automatic VPD mode that will regulate humidity based off of the grow tents temperature to achieve the VPD setting. I have kept it at .7 about 80% of this grow. I bump up to .8kpa if the humidity is creeping up above my current parameters of 78% max
4. Soil and Potting:
   • Soil Type: Fox Farm Ocean Forest
   • Pot Size: 5-gallon fabric pots
   • Substrate Additions: Perlite for drainage, Black Forest Worm Castings (10-15% amended and small amount placed around seed when planted)
5. Watering & Nutrients:
   • Water: Dechlorinated with Pure Original Ingredients Vitamin C Powder. Switching to RO and rain water in the next few days since my tap is 225-250ppm
   • Average watering amounts currently
     • I started the 5 gallon pots with a 24ish hour pre soak
     • Since then I have been giving them about 10oz or every other day. Soil seems to dry out pretty quickly down to an inch or 2, deeper down seems to be keeping moisture longer (the chinese mositure meter says its in the middle of moist halfway down or so. I hear those are shit though). at those times I gave a few sprays of misted water. I am trying to be as conservative as possible with the waterings right now as it seemed like a very common issue (overwatering). Trying to base off of plant health/looks and soil moisture down 1-2 inches. Thats where the newbie thing comes in of not having an eye for the issues yet.
   • Water pH: Currently aiming for PH of around 6.4. Next watering I may bring down a little lower to 6-6.2
   • Nutrient: Not yet added (plants are in early stages). Nutrients listed below are what I have. Does not necessarily mean I will use them this grow. But they are in the room if needed.
     • FoxFarm Cultivation Nation pH Down
     • General Hydroponics pH Up
     • General Hydroponics FloraSeries Hydroponic Nutrient Fertilizer System
       • FloraMicro 5-0-1
       • FloraBloom 0-5-4
       • FloraGro 2-1-6
     • Xtreme Gardening Mykos Pure Mycorrhizal Inoculant Organic Root Enhancer
     • Gaia Green All-Purpose Fertilizer 4-4-4
     • Power Bloom 2-8-4 (2kg)
     • General Hydroponics CALiMAGic 1-0-0 (For when im using RO water. Or for any deficiencies
6. Environmental Monitoring:
   • Leaf Temperature: I just started checking this.
     • This morning leaf was around 80F/26.6C81.5°F (measured using a laser thermometer). Going to start tracking this as well.
     • This evening leaf was 81.5 (from what Ive read thats still safe but upper end?)
   • VPD: Currently at 0.7 kPa (target value adjusted using humidifier). Switched to .8 target when humidity started creeping up to my current 78% alarm limit on grow controller)
7. Plant Details:
   • Type of Plants: Autoflower cannabis
     • Bruce Banner AF (9 days old)
       • Geminated from medium on February 14th, 2025 (early AM check around 6am)
       • The seed shell was stuck right away. Being a first time grower I was hesitant to do much as most recommendations on other forums was to wait and see. I waited
     • Haze XL AF (8 days old)
     • Green Crack AF (new seed planted on 02/22/2025 after the first one didn’t germinate (Started in moist cotton pads inside tupperware with heatmat. Approximately 48hours to crack with small tail)
   • Seedling Development: First true leaves on both Bruce and Haze
   • Current Stage: Vegetative, focusing on the seedling stag

Thats all for now. Thanks in advance for your input.

Ahhh... A fellow data slut, info whore! I can get lost (happily) in detailed data. Don't forget to zoom out from time to time and ponder the basics!

I'm looking forward to watching your grow progress.

 

[RdnkFarmer]

Lmao that obvious huh.....but yes. Huge slut.

 

[gromie440]

At 12in and 30% a g4500 is cooking thoes seeds i would move to like 24-30 in at 25%

 

[RdnkFarmer]

At 12in and 30% a g4500 is cooking thoses seeds i would move to like 24-30 in at 25%

Thank you for the response. Have you used this same light? Spider Farmer recommends 12" and 25% for seedlings so thats where I started at but that % seemed too low a few days ago as I was getting a little stretch. Checked the leaf temp and was around 80-81.5 F. Definitely not opposed to raising it/lowering it if it needs though! What are some typical signs of overcooking?

 

[Bobcat.Branch]

I'm interested to see how these youngins get on with FFOF. I also see that you're looking to capture and use rainwater. Good call! I'm not so sure pH needs to be adjusted to as low as 6.2 per your notes, but I'm along for this ride and I'm keen to see how your setup and plan works out.

You'll get a shit-ton of help here and definitely came to the right place!

 

[RdnkFarmer]

I'm interested to see how these youngins get on with FFOF. I also see that you're looking to capture and use rainwater. Good call! I'm not so sure pH needs to be adjusted to as low as 6.2 per your notes, but I'm along for this ride and I'm keen to see how your setup and plan works out.

You'll get a shit-ton of help here and definitely came to the right place!

Same! I know its considered a pretty hot soil but we are all up in it now. I still have a couple gallons of 6.4 ph that Ill run through first and see how they respond and adjust after that if needed. Thanks!

 

[Bobcat.Branch]

Same! I know its considered a pretty hot soil but we are all up in it now. I still have a couple gallons of 6.4 ph that Ill run through first and see how they respond and adjust after that if needed. Thanks!

Cool. I'm coming back to soil after years of hydro, and went with FFHF and OF. My seedlings are in HF and when I up-pot them it will be in a mix 1/3 HF, 1/3 OF, and 1/3 perlite. I got that mix ratio from a kind grower here and their grows looks great. From there (when the soil starts to deplete) I'm thinking EWC and fish/kelp teas. Still haven't settled on further feeding, though. I have a lot of GH nutes and was thinking to just use up what I already have to save $$$.

 

[RdnkFarmer]

Cool. I'm coming back to soil after years of hydro, and went with FFHF and OF. My seedlings are in HF and when I up-pot them it will be in a mix 1/3 HF, 1/3 OF, and 1/3 perlite. I got that mix ratio from a kind grower here and their grows looks great. From there (when the soil starts to deplete) I'm thinking EWC and fish/kelp teas. Still haven't settled on further feeding, though. I have a lot of GH nutes and was thinking to just use up what I already have to save $$$.

Ill have to keep that mix in mind for next time. This time i just eyeballed the mix with about 70% OF, 20% Perlite,10% Worm Castings. Most of my nutes will be GH as well but no idea what combination Ill use yet. Curious how yours will turn out with that combo as well!

Id say watering is the most stressful thing so far for me is knowing the amounts. Since it varies based on plant and soil needs, its a hard thing to know if youre doing correctly as a beginner. I am primarily just giving a light misting when the top 1-2 inches is dry for now and using a syringe to measure out small amounts. Last night I gave them 30ml each around their base. Checked this morning and still slightly damp in that area so will be checking again later. They appear to be doing ok so im just running with that for the moment.

 

[Bobcat.Branch]

I hear ya... Back in soil again and I feel like a watering noob.

Try watering away from the base of your seedlings. That will encourage root growth outward as they seek water and food.

I keep drilling into my head, "DRYBACK!" Gonna take some effort for me to overcome some learned hydro habits.

 

[ArtfulCodger]

I like your extreme closeup pics. Take care not to over-do it (light, nutes, watering, training). Autos tend to do well with less, not more. Good luck with your grow!

 

[RdnkFarmer]

I like your extreme closeup pics. Take care not to over-do it (light, nutes, watering, training). Autos tend to do well with less, not more. Good luck with your grow!

Haha I like to see the details what can I say Appreciate the tips. No nutes yet since everything says FF is hot enough to feed for a couple weeks. Definitely trying to do the less is more approach.

 

[RdnkFarmer]

Todays Checks: Last water was last night 30ml each. Will likely need more tonight

1st Photo
Haze XL: 9 days

2nd photo
Bruce Banner: 10 days old