24kNug said:

High all weed growers!

This is my first grow and would love to get some feedback to let this grow to success!

Right now im growing:

Northern Lights x Big Bud
Tropical (Possible genes from Jack Herer)

3rd week on NL
5-6th week on Tropical and 1st week or flower.

I keep my Lights on 24/7 and thinking of switching to 18/6.

Gear: 250w HPS Lamp/Reflector/Ballast/Closet

So What do you guys think so far, are my planta healthy? Come up with some tips, peace & love

Notice! First THREE pots on picture is Northern Lights and The rest is Tropical Plant from Norden seeds

Best regards Dab

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BurnzYzBudZz said:

Correct me if I’m wrong, but if they are photos wouldn’t 24/7 minimize the stretch? I’m under the impression that lights off=when they stretch?

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BurnzYzBudZz said:

Correct me if I’m wrong, but if they are photos wouldn’t 24/7 minimize the stretch? I’m under the impression that lights off=when they stretch?

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Aqua Man said:

A few ways you can manipulate stretch.

Light spectrum leaning blue like 4-5k. Which is why some run MH until after stretch then switch to HPS.

But probably the best way is running a negative diff. Meaning day time temps lower than night time temps. It cuts internode length quite a bit. But honestly the best way to deal with stretch is to plan and flip at the right time.

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BurnzYzBudZz said:

Such great knowledge. I’m running 18/6 now. Looking to flip in the next couple weeks.

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Aqua Man said:

Lights on 24/7 are these autos I take it?

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Aqua Man said:

They won't go into flower until the light period is reduced to have 13-14 hours of darkness. I think every grower I know would run at least 12 hr dark period to ensure they don't reveg if they are photoperiod provided they are mature.

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24kNug said:

Thank you so much, i will go for 12h of darkness and 12 Light :)

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Aqua Man said:

Remember if your newer the stretch can be real depending on strain. Better to flip a bit early than to late... Ask me how I know. It's not fun to try to deal with and last grow I had I ended up ripping out for that reason because I couldn't flip as I had a family emergency and was away for a couple weeks.

If ya wanna good laugh check out my grow diary.

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24kNug said:

Thank you so much, i will go for 12h of darkness and 12 Light :)

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BurnzYzBudZz said:

For autos, I’d run 18/6 or 20/4, give the babies some resting time. Lol

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Aqua Man said:

A few ways you can manipulate stretch.

Light spectrum leaning blue like 4-5k. Which is why some run MH until after stretch then switch to HPS.

But probably the best way is running a negative diff. Meaning day time temps lower than night time temps. It cuts internode length quite a bit. But honestly the best way to deal with stretch is to plan and flip at the right time.

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PipeCarver said:

I've dropped down to 20/4 to give them some dark. I used to run 24hr and they weren't as healthy as they are now. I control height by topping. Some plants grow slow enough to allow multiple toppings, while others grow so quick and stretch out so fast it's hard to keep a good girl down sometimes.
I don't grow auto's

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Aqua Man said:

I have a theory behind why plants do better with a dark period. It's involves a few things.

1. Under high light intensity you can put a plant into photorespiration once you get closer to the photosaturation. This lowers the photosynthetic ability of the plant and changes the processes in turn slow slowing growth. Under lower light not an issue.

2. We fail to realize that microbiology in the soil plays a big part in the break down and uptake of nutrients. Also a huge part in overall plants health and resistance to infection. During the Calvin cycle plants move starches and other goodies down to the roots and in turn feed the microbiology in the soil ensuring healthy thriving colonies beneficial to the plant. Several fungi and bacteria species play a large part in aiding the plant. You know all those enzymes people add those are produced by bacteria naturally and much more diverse than a bottle.

I'll just stop there.

This is why I feel in soil and 18/6 is a good choice. As to the most I deal say like 20/4 or 18/6 I can't say but I do feel a dark period provides benefits and it's not related to plants need sleep/rest per se as some claim.

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Aqua Man said:

I have a theory behind why plants do better with a dark period. It's involves a few things.

1. Under high light intensity you can put a plant into photorespiration once you get closer to the photosaturation. This lowers the photosynthetic ability of the plant and changes the processes in turn slow slowing growth. Under lower light not an issue.

2. We fail to realize that microbiology in the soil plays a big part in the break down and uptake of nutrients. Also a huge part in overall plants health and resistance to infection. During the Calvin cycle plants move starches and other goodies down to the roots and in turn feed the microbiology in the soil ensuring healthy thriving colonies beneficial to the plant. Several fungi and bacteria species play a large part in aiding the plant. You know all those enzymes people add those are produced by bacteria naturally and much more diverse than a bottle.

I'll just stop there.

This is why I feel in soil and 18/6 is a good choice. As to the most I deal say like 20/4 or 18/6 I can't say but I do feel a dark period provides benefits and it's not related to plants need sleep/rest per se as some claim.

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24kNug said:

Im listening, because of my slow grow this is a huge oppurtunity to have a faster and successfull grow! My Gear atm is not that great for automatic purposes, the humidity and so on matters alot and I try to keep all settings as correct as I can, thanks for the tips

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