Hi. As my first post here, I just want to say how informative this site has been, and I appreciate the resources available to all of us. Anyhow, I've decided I'm going to start an indoor grow - starting from seed. Organically grown - NOT via hydro. It's going to consist of 2-3 plants max grown in my attic to a max height of 3'. Never done it before, and I've been doing about 2 days worth of searching on these forms, along with a downloaded copy of the Overgrow FAQ, and have a couple of questions. 1) On another thread (http://forum.grasscity.com/showthread.php?t=93312&highlight=flourex), a user was recently advised that they could use fixtures and bulbs from these setups (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000E8UZLC/103-3614899-4007802?v=glance&n=228013) to grow. Am I to assume that a setup like this (using 3 of these fixtures) would only be good for veg growth only, and not for flowering? Would I still need to switch to an HPS setup for flowering? If so, would 250w HPS setup be sufficient for 2-3 plants, or would a 400w seem more appropriate? I know... the more light the better, but I'm not planning on having a lot of plants. 2) I've been reading, and it appears that when growing, the grow box should be as light proof as possible, and interuptions via natural light can affect the grow cycle considerably. This is going to seem like a REAL stupid question, but if the box is supposed to be light proof, and disturbances in light = very bad, then how are you supposed to check the ph balance of the soil? 3) Last stupid question. How often do you all check your ph levels in the soil? I used the search button, but there's so much information that it can become hard to sift out the answer from what you don't need, and since this section is for absolute beginners, I figured, if there was a place to ask, it would be here.
oh... and concerning question # 1, heat is a concern of mine, so if I'm able to get a good yield w/o even needing an HPS setup, that would be great too. But that's just being hopeful. And FYI, each bulb is rated for 6500k color temperature and 9600 lumens. Thanks!
I think I can answer a couple of your q's. For the box being light tight, that's only so light doesnt leak in during "night time" (lights off) during your flowering stage, because this will throw her off and isnt good. For the rest of her life it doesn't matter much. You still need to be able to get in there and fiddle around. Checking ph is pretty important, pretty much whenever I'm working in my closet I check it to make sure it's on target. And as for alternatives to HPS or MH, here's what I've found works pretty well. Get normal screw in fixtures, (I have a bunch of clamp on desk lamps at 8 bucks a piece but I'm sure there are better ways) and use compact fluorescent bulbs, the swirly tube ones. For the vegetative stage, you want a color temp like MH, 6500k daylight bulbs work awesome. Then, when flowering time comes, switch them with 2700k soft whites for a redder light closer to HPS. I also have a LED bar, but that's kinda expensive, but I think it works well. Even on hot days, with no fan in the closet, it doesn't go above 90F. Just my thoughts, I'm no expert but I read a LOT. Surf this forum you can learn some great ideas and create your own style of grow.
Attics are notoriously difficult for growing because of high temps. Getting underway the first of July won't exactly help matters. Use the search button for "attic", you'll see plenty of discussion about it. I gave up my attic grow for this very reason.
****** So, what I'm to understand is, when it's "day-time", it's ok to get in there and check the PH? Even during the flowering stage? I'm very aware of how important this is to the plant. I just want to be sure. So just so I reitterate this again... during flowering stage, it's still ok to open the box (in natural light I assume) to check the ph levels? I've been told that any "natural" light coming in can disrupt the process. I'm just being sure. I'm just checking. Thanks in advance.