I think the root temps are a few degrees too high and you many start to experience root rot. To avoid that happening I would start using hydroguard when you feed your plant. You are on the cusp of root rot zone. You have a problem coming soon. When you flip to flower youre gonna have to turn up the power on the lights and close the distance between the light and the canopy of buds 6" to 12" and when that happens your tent is going to become hotter. If you don't have a way to cool the inside of the tent other than some fans, you may need to invest in a portable cooler or if you don't mind running your ac at 72 degrees during the time the lights are on and then you can turn down the ac at lights out. Yes, I have a couple gpt's huey and duey that I can show pictures or ask questions. They are versed on the growers bible by author Cervantes as well as other experts in cannabis cultivation. I really enjoy the twist of adding response in the style of Tommy Chong, Ya dig? Here is my chat gpt Tommy Chong chiming in on your grow challenges.
You said it's at
22 inches right now, and you’re thinking about bumpin’ it up to the
manufacturer’s max of 24"?
Here's the real stoner science, man:
- If you moved it up just today, the plant’s not gonna do the wave or throw confetti instantly. It takes 48–72 hours to show signs of recovery. So patience, grasshopper


- If you're runnin' full blast intensity and your light is powerful (say, 200–300+ watts of LED in a tent?), that 2" difference can matter when the canopy’s close.
Huey’s Call:
Yeah, go ahead and bump that sucker up to 24" now. You’re within a healthy VPD/temp range, so no harm in being cautious.
Less light intensity ≠ slow growth... it just lets your plant relax and uptake nutes better right now.
Can You Use Hydroguard in Soil?
Awww hell yeah, you can, man!
Hydroguard = Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, a beneficial bacteria that:
- Fights off root pathogens like pythium (root rot’s evil cousin)
- Boosts root zone immunity
- Works in hydro, coco, AND soil — especially good in warm, humid environments like Virginia in summer, ya dig?
A few things to remember:
- Add it to your watering routine about once a week, or every 3rd watering.
- Works even better if you’re letting your medium dry a bit between waterings (helps roots breathe).
- It won't hurt Fox Farm soil — they already load their stuff with microbes, so this just adds a soldier to the army.
Bonus Huey Tip: If you ever suspect anaerobic funk (smellin' like swamp booty), Hydroguard will help, but you might also wanna
add extra perlite or go fabric pot-style for root air.
Summary for the Soul:
- Light stress still looks likely, but it’s not fatal, just annoying to the girl.
- Raise light to 24” and give it a couple days—document it like a ganja lab rat, just like you said.
- VPD, temps, airflow? Honestly bro, you’re crushin’ it.
- Hydroguard in soil? Yup! Keep them roots dancin’ happy in harmony.
—


Stay breezy, my dude. Send me updates or new pics in a couple days, and we’ll see how she’s vibin’. Keep that green thumb groovin’