Buds always light/airy/ fluffy...help!

[David Ferguson]

So I am a fairly new grower but that's obvious lol. Every time I grow indoors, I NEVER end with big thick firm buds. I am missing something here, I am sure...so please HELP me rectify this issue.
If it helps, I grow 2 plants at a time, in a tent indoors, 75-85 degrees during day w/ 50%+ humidity, and I grow all kinds of strains...but currently Banana OG & Candyland (just started-clones).
Usual yield is 2-3oz per 2 plants (is that bad?). Thank you!

 

[New Age United]

Are you growing autos and sativas? Bc I've had the same experience when growing either. Are you using LEDs? 3oz from 2 plants would be a little low if you're using HID.

 

[NrthrnMichigan]

What type of light are you using?

 

[budman111]

I'm going to hazard a pure guess and say poor lighting or airflow/replenishment

 

[nurrgle]

Airflow, light, temp diff.

 

[David Ferguson]

Are you growing autos and sativas? Bc I've had the same experience when growing either. Are you using LEDs? 3oz from 2 plants would be a little low if you're using HID.

New Age United- Banana OG is an Indica and Candyland is a Hybrid (Sativa dominance)....so the answer is both. In the past I've grown high to 100% Sativas and Indicas (and everything in between). Have not grown Autos for years.
Using x2 Viparspectra (middle line quality) LEDs. One 700 watt and other 600 watt. HID isn't an option that will make my wife happy, so I don't use them . Please respond w/ your thoughts! Thank u

 

[David Ferguson]

What type of light are you using?

X2 VIPARSPECTRA 600 watt and 700 watt LEDs

 

[David Ferguson]

I'm going to hazard a pure guess and say poor lighting or airflow/replenishment

So if I want those kind of buds, I'll need to buy expensive lighting like Black Dog LED? Unfortunately my wife is against any HID lights etc (due to cost on bill).

 

[David Ferguson]

Airflow, light, temp diff.

There are 3 fans in the tent - 1 tower oscillating (left back), 1 short tower oscillating (right back), and stagnant (doesn't move but can move) clip fan (middle center/front). Tent ALWAYS OPEN. How can I get BETTER airflow etc in a tent?

 

[budman111]

I used the old UK Vipars years ago and they were ok if you added side lighting.

 

[David Ferguson]

I used the old UK Vipars years ago and they were ok if you added side lighting.

What kind of "side lighting"? Any good brands you recommend?

 

[HydroRed]

My guess is that you need to step up your lighting. Im willing to bet that the lights you are using are nowhere near the advertised wattage they claim. Gotta get a HID light to get those big, tight heavy nugs youre after if everything else in your tent is on point (feed/airflow/RH/temps/etc.).
"Expensive" lighting doesnt bring better bud. Thats like saying "Im gona buy a pair of Nike Air Jordans so I can run faster and jump higher." Has nothing to do with the expense of the light, but more so on the quality and experience of the grower.
How big is your tent? You can likely replace the 2 vipars with (1) 600W hps light and smash your previous weights at yield.

 

[budman111]

What kind of "side lighting"? Any good brands you recommend?

I actually used one of the Vipar models, cant remember now but If you can afford it just get a Budmaster 2, pricy but the Osram Diodes really are some of the best around.

 

[David Ferguson]

My guess is that you need to step up your lighting. Im willing to bet that the lights you are using are nowhere near the advertised wattage they claim. Gotta get a HID light to get those big, tight heavy nugs youre after if everything else in your tent is on point (feed/airflow/RH/temps/etc.).
"Expensive" lighting doesnt bring better bud. Thats like saying "Im gona buy a pair of Nike Air Jordans so I can run faster and jump higher." Has nothing to do with the expense of the light, but more so on the quality and experience of the grower.
How big is your tent? You can likely replace the 2 vipars with (1) 600W hps light and smash your previous weights at yield.

Good to hear honesty there....I'll have to do research on what is most practical. My tent I flower in is just 3x3x7

My guess is that you need to step up your lighting. Im willing to bet that the lights you are using are nowhere near the advertised wattage they claim. Gotta get a HID light to get those big, tight heavy nugs youre after if everything else in your tent is on point (feed/airflow/RH/temps/etc.).
"Expensive" lighting doesnt bring better bud. Thats like saying "Im gona buy a pair of Nike Air Jordans so I can run faster and jump higher." Has nothing to do with the expense of the light, but more so on the quality and experience of the grower.
How big is your tent? You can likely replace the 2 vipars with (1) 600W hps light and smash your previous weights at yield.

Guess I'll research what seems more practical for me. Ty for your honesty. My tent is only 3x3x7

 

[HydroRed]

A 400W would probably do as good or better than those Vipars in a 3x3. Likely wouldnt be much more temp than the 2 Vipars either. I'll guess that your current lighting is drawing somewhere in the 3-400W total range so power consumption wouldnt be much more if at all if you switched to HID.

 

[David Ferguson]

A 400W would probably do as good or better than those Vipars in a 3x3. Likely wouldnt be much more temp than the 2 Vipars either. I'll guess that your current lighting is drawing somewhere in the 3-400W total range so power consumption wouldnt be much more if at all if you switched to HID.

You make a compelling argument, man....hmmmm....okay! Yes current drawing about 250 and 220 watts (470 watts total).

 

[HydroRed]

Guessing you have a "kill-a-watt" or some way to read actual power draw? A standard 400W HPS will pull about 420W realistically, so the switch to HID may actually save a few watts total per month VS what you are currently running. Its not uncommon to get a 1/2 lb+ from a 400W in a dialed in tent whether it be from 10 tiny plants, or 2 large plants.

 

[Palmerrdgrower]

Guessing you have a "kill-a-watt" or some way to read actual power draw? A standard 400W HPS will pull about 420W realistically, so the switch to HID may actually save a few watts total per month VS what you are currently running. Its not uncommon to get a 1/2 lb+ from a 400W in a dialed in tent whether it be from 10 tiny plants, or 2 large plants.

I run a 400watt mh and hps average was about 30$ a month hydro

 

[coreywebster]

So if I want those kind of buds, I'll need to buy expensive lighting like Black Dog LED? Unfortunately my wife is against any HID lights etc (due to cost on bill).

No Black dog are shit anyway, just over priced BS.
You just need enough light and enough air exchange to make sure your co2 levels are in good range. Then you need to be sure your allowing them long enough to fill out properly and not chopping early.

Reading your other comments I would say you have enough wattage so I can only assume either
Chopping too early.
Not enough air exchange
Or really bad luck with genetics.

It really doesn't cost much to light a 3x3 as far as electricity goes.

Do you have any pictures of previous plants?

 

[David Ferguson]

No Black dog are shit anyway, just over priced BS.
You just need enough light and enough air exchange to make sure your co2 levels are in good range. Then you need to be sure your allowing them long enough to fill out properly and not chopping early.

Reading your other comments I would say you have enough wattage so I can only assume either
Chopping too early.
Not enough air exchange
Or really bad luck with genetics.

It really doesn't cost much to light a 3x3 as far as electricity goes.

Do you have any pictures of previous plants?

Here's a couple....but recieving, because after drying (hanging), the buds formed a little, but initially (wet weight) they were literally airy like COTTON. not ideal. Left 5he 2 (Zookies and forbidden fruit in) for 60 and 70 days. Still think maybe too early? MMay be my drying/curing a problem?