1st Time Grow On a Budget Questions (Lights, Strains and Nutrients).

C

Coopric

Member
Hello growers! I am looking to start up a first time grow and am looking for some suggestions. I am looking to do a budget grow to get my feet wet before diving in and buying better equipment (lights). I will be growing indoors in a 36*36*72 tent with a 4 inch inline fan (190cfm) and carbon filter. I plan on growing 2 to 3 plants in soil (promix) with 3 or 5 gallon fabric pots and starting with auto-flowers so I don't have to worry about light cycles and when to switch the plants or about them growing to tall. I want to focus on nutrients and training (LST and topping or SCROG (haven't decided which yet)) for my first grow before moving away from autos, but could be persuaded to skip the auto aspect under the right circumstances and guidance.

I am stuck on what type of light to get. I am leaning towards LEDs to reduce energy costs through the summer when A/C units will be adding to the utilities bill. I know that 'blurples' are frowned upon, but they are closer to my budget. I'm also looking to reduce the production of heat as the tent will be in a warm room already (no A/C). Here are the 3 lights (1 blurple, 1 blurple with cob and 1 cob). I have narrowed it down to:

1 - https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B07P8L4LLH/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?smid=A2DFI8RPP7OFTH&psc=1
2 - https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B07SL92KFR/ref=ox_sc_act_title_6?smid=A3860DQKXJI9QI&psc=1
3 - https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B07TH7D3YH/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=AGWA544CYKRDN&psc=1

Also, I am drawn towards an auto Gelato, Big Bud auto or White Widow auto. Thoughts or suggestions? Or should I simply scratch the whole auto and go for a regular plant? If so, suggestions on strains that will not get away from me in terms of height? I'm guessing indicas or indica dominant strains would be best.

Lastly, any suggestions on nutrient packages with feeding charts would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance for any and all advice, and please don't go to hard on me about the lights.
 
rob333

rob333

Well-Known Member
Coopric said:
Hello growers! I am looking to start up a first time grow and am looking for some suggestions. I am looking to do a budget grow to get my feet wet before diving in and buying better equipment (lights). I will be growing indoors in a 36*36*72 tent with a 4 inch inline fan (190cfm) and carbon filter. I plan on growing 2 to 3 plants in soil (promix) with 3 or 5 gallon fabric pots and starting with auto-flowers so I don't have to worry about light cycles and when to switch the plants or about them growing to tall. I want to focus on nutrients and training (LST and topping or SCROG (haven't decided which yet)) for my first grow before moving away from autos, but could be persuaded to skip the auto aspect under the right circumstances and guidance.

I am stuck on what type of light to get. I am leaning towards LEDs to reduce energy costs through the summer when A/C units will be adding to the utilities bill. I know that 'blurples' are frowned upon, but they are closer to my budget. I'm also looking to reduce the production of heat as the tent will be in a warm room already (no A/C). Here are the 3 lights (1 blurple, 1 blurple with cob and 1 cob). I have narrowed it down to:

1 - https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B07P8L4LLH/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?smid=A2DFI8RPP7OFTH&psc=1
2 - https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B07SL92KFR/ref=ox_sc_act_title_6?smid=A3860DQKXJI9QI&psc=1
3 - https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B07TH7D3YH/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=AGWA544CYKRDN&psc=1

Also, I am drawn towards an auto Gelato, Big Bud auto or White Widow auto. Thoughts or suggestions? Or should I simply scratch the whole auto and go for a regular plant? If so, suggestions on strains that will not get away from me in terms of height? I'm guessing indicas or indica dominant strains would be best.

Lastly, any suggestions on nutrient packages with feeding charts would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance for any and all advice, and please don't go to hard on me about the lights.
Click to expand...
you buy cheap you grow cheap spend the money or dont do it at all all you are gunna do is waste your time and money unless your happy with 5 grams every 3 months ?
 
rob333

rob333

Well-Known Member
Coopric said:
Hello growers! I am looking to start up a first time grow and am looking for some suggestions. I am looking to do a budget grow to get my feet wet before diving in and buying better equipment (lights). I will be growing indoors in a 36*36*72 tent with a 4 inch inline fan (190cfm) and carbon filter. I plan on growing 2 to 3 plants in soil (promix) with 3 or 5 gallon fabric pots and starting with auto-flowers so I don't have to worry about light cycles and when to switch the plants or about them growing to tall. I want to focus on nutrients and training (LST and topping or SCROG (haven't decided which yet)) for my first grow before moving away from autos, but could be persuaded to skip the auto aspect under the right circumstances and guidance.

I am stuck on what type of light to get. I am leaning towards LEDs to reduce energy costs through the summer when A/C units will be adding to the utilities bill. I know that 'blurples' are frowned upon, but they are closer to my budget. I'm also looking to reduce the production of heat as the tent will be in a warm room already (no A/C). Here are the 3 lights (1 blurple, 1 blurple with cob and 1 cob). I have narrowed it down to:

1 - https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B07P8L4LLH/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?smid=A2DFI8RPP7OFTH&psc=1
2 - https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B07SL92KFR/ref=ox_sc_act_title_6?smid=A3860DQKXJI9QI&psc=1
3 - https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B07TH7D3YH/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=AGWA544CYKRDN&psc=1

Also, I am drawn towards an auto Gelato, Big Bud auto or White Widow auto. Thoughts or suggestions? Or should I simply scratch the whole auto and go for a regular plant? If so, suggestions on strains that will not get away from me in terms of height? I'm guessing indicas or indica dominant strains would be best.

Lastly, any suggestions on nutrient packages with feeding charts would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance for any and all advice, and please don't go to hard on me about the lights.
Click to expand...
all them lights are no good
 
rob333

rob333

Well-Known Member
Coopric said:
Hello growers! I am looking to start up a first time grow and am looking for some suggestions. I am looking to do a budget grow to get my feet wet before diving in and buying better equipment (lights). I will be growing indoors in a 36*36*72 tent with a 4 inch inline fan (190cfm) and carbon filter. I plan on growing 2 to 3 plants in soil (promix) with 3 or 5 gallon fabric pots and starting with auto-flowers so I don't have to worry about light cycles and when to switch the plants or about them growing to tall. I want to focus on nutrients and training (LST and topping or SCROG (haven't decided which yet)) for my first grow before moving away from autos, but could be persuaded to skip the auto aspect under the right circumstances and guidance.

I am stuck on what type of light to get. I am leaning towards LEDs to reduce energy costs through the summer when A/C units will be adding to the utilities bill. I know that 'blurples' are frowned upon, but they are closer to my budget. I'm also looking to reduce the production of heat as the tent will be in a warm room already (no A/C). Here are the 3 lights (1 blurple, 1 blurple with cob and 1 cob). I have narrowed it down to:

1 - https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B07P8L4LLH/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?smid=A2DFI8RPP7OFTH&psc=1
2 - https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B07SL92KFR/ref=ox_sc_act_title_6?smid=A3860DQKXJI9QI&psc=1
3 - https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B07TH7D3YH/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=AGWA544CYKRDN&psc=1

Also, I am drawn towards an auto Gelato, Big Bud auto or White Widow auto. Thoughts or suggestions? Or should I simply scratch the whole auto and go for a regular plant? If so, suggestions on strains that will not get away from me in terms of height? I'm guessing indicas or indica dominant strains would be best.

Lastly, any suggestions on nutrient packages with feeding charts would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance for any and all advice, and please don't go to hard on me about the lights.
Click to expand...
you wanna look at spending at least 300-600 on a led or just go hps with inlines
 
hotrodharley

hotrodharley

Well-Known Member
Big Bud photos suck. The autos couldn’t be any better. You’re going to buy a halfass blurple why? A 400 watt MH/HPS combo would give you a lot more weed. And autos are a time bomb. There’s no learning about cannabis growing those things. Buy some feminized Blue Dream or White Widow.
 
rob333

rob333

Well-Known Member
hotrodharley said:
Big Bud photos suck. The autos couldn’t be any better. You’re going to buy a halfass blurple why? A 400 watt MH/HPS combo would give you a lot more weed. And autos are a time bomb. There’s no learning about cannabis growing those things. Buy some feminized Blue Dream or White Widow.
Click to expand...
you said it better i just came out sounding like a cunt
 
C

Coopric

Member
hotrodharley said:
Big Bud photos suck. The autos couldn’t be any better. You’re going to buy a halfass blurple why? A 400 watt MH/HPS combo would give you a lot more weed. And autos are a time bomb. There’s no learning about cannabis growing those things. Buy some feminized Blue Dream or White Widow.
Click to expand...
Would something like this be better? https://www.amazon.ca/VIVOSUN-Hydroponic-Digital-Dimmable-Ballast/dp/B00P8P50G6/ref=sr_1_7?dchild=1&keywords=400w+mh/hps+air+cooled+grow+light&qid=1591065652&sr=8-7

Also, won't I have to worry a lot more regarding the height of the plant and its proximity to the light once it stretches? I only have a total of 6 feet to work with, minus the equipment.
 
C

Coopric

Member
rob333 said:
you buy cheap you grow cheap spend the money or dont do it at all all you are gunna do is waste your time and money unless your happy with 5 grams every 3 months ?
Click to expand...
Honestly, I am not trying to bank major quantities. I am only an occassional smoker. My wife smokes a small bowl once a day to help with bad joints and insomnia. I have always been interested in growing since my university days.
 
hotrodharley

hotrodharley

Well-Known Member
Coopric said:
Would something like this be better? https://www.amazon.ca/VIVOSUN-Hydroponic-Digital-Dimmable-Ballast/dp/B00P8P50G6/ref=sr_1_7?dchild=1&keywords=400w+mh/hps+air+cooled+grow+light&qid=1591065652&sr=8-7

Also, won't I have to worry a lot more regarding the height of the plant and its proximity to the light once it stretches? I only have a total of 6 feet to work with, minus the equipment.
Click to expand...
If you are on a budget and are truly hobbying it that’s what I would suggest. Read about LST, topping (NOT on autos) and supercroping.
 
H G Griffin

H G Griffin

Well-Known Member
I'm sorry I don't have any advice for you picking a light as I grow using screw-in LED bulbs in homemade fixtures and that sounds like more DIY than you are looking for.

RE nutrients, I use MaxiBloom powder as a base from start to finish. It can be supplemented with a few things, but I'm trying not to throw too much info at you. If you read about the Lucas Formula it will explain the basics.

If you want to learn to grow, I suggest photo fems to start. If you just want some smoke, go with autos but know that any problems or errors will likely be unfixable due to the unstoppable clock of an autoflower. With a photo you can just extend veg for as long as you need to fix any issues.

Thank you @Coopric for putting in some time and effort before posting. I won't even bother reading the endless posts from lazy people who drop a seed in dirt and write a version of "HELP MY PLANT IS DYING AND THE WORLD IS OVER IF ALL YOU STRANGERS DON'T SPOONFEED ME EVERYTHING".
Best of luck to you.
 
C

Coopric

Member
H G Griffin said:
I'm sorry I don't have any advice for you picking a light as I grow using screw-in LED bulbs in homemade fixtures and that sounds like more DIY than you are looking for.

RE nutrients, I use MaxiBloom powder as a base from start to finish. It can be supplemented with a few things, but I'm trying not to throw too much info at you. If you read about the Lucas Formula it will explain the basics.

If you want to learn to grow, I suggest photo fems to start. If you just want some smoke, go with autos but know that any problems or errors will likely be unfixable due to the unstoppable clock of an autoflower. With a photo you can just extend veg for as long as you need to fix any issues.

Thank you @Coopric for putting in some time and effort before posting. I won't even bother reading the endless posts from lazy people who drop a seed in dirt and write a version of "HELP MY PLANT IS DYING AND THE WORLD IS OVER IF ALL YOU STRANGERS DON'T SPOONFEED ME EVERYTHING".
Best of luck to you.
Click to expand...
I always try to do some research before I start something. I'm happy to see that there are individuals such as yourself, and the others who have commented, that are wiling to share some knowledge, as there is so much to learn!

Thank you for the info regarding nutrients. I'll definitely look up info on the Lucas Formula.

I definitely want to learn to grow as that is what I am interested in, but am currently only looking to do it as a hobby. I never thought about the nursing back to health and time constraint of autos. So photo fems it is. Thank you for that insight.

DIY isn't really a deterrent unless I'd be looking at soldering. Wiring isn't as much of an issue as I've done some of that before. Would you be willing to shed some light on your diy setup with your lights? Is it cost effective? I'm open to learning about all of the options available to me. Especially if it will save some money as the wife is on maternity leave, so the lower household income is restricting the budget of my grow at the moment.

Thank you again for taking the time to share your knowledge.
 
hotrodharley

hotrodharley

Well-Known Member
H G Griffin said:
Just regular off the shelf screw in LEDs and sockets are what I use. Easy, inexpensive, adaptable and productive:
(I am unqualified to discuss wiring/electricity and will not do so.)
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Necessity is the mother of invention. I’ve seen guys with a 4’X4’ piece of plywood with bulb sockets side by side running little CFL bulbs and some good looking plants under them. I’ve seen guys do complete runs under a 4’X4’ T5 by simply changing bulbs to veg and to flower.
 
C

Coopric

Member
H G Griffin said:
Just regular off the shelf screw in LEDs and sockets are what I use. Easy, inexpensive, adaptable and productive:
(I am unqualified to discuss wiring/electricity and will not do so.)
Click to expand...
Interesting! What watt of bulb are you using? Are they all on one plug?

I can appreciate, and do, not talking about the wiring, etc. If you don't know, there is no sense in leading someone down the wrong path. Thank you!
 
C

Coopric

Member
hotrodharley said:
Necessity is the mother of invention. I’ve seen guys with a 4’X4’ piece of plywood with bulb sockets side by side running little CFL bulbs and some good looking plants under them. I’ve seen guys do complete runs under a 4’X4’ T5 by simply changing bulbs to veg and to flower.
Click to expand...
Interesting. I don't think I want to go the cfl route unless I'm in dire need of adding more light and in a pinch. But thank you for the input here and above.
 
H G Griffin

H G Griffin

Well-Known Member
I veg under 5000k 10 watt , flower under 3000k 15 watt ones.

There's a thread 100s of pages long at another place with lots of actual measurement of intensity, plus a wack of grows. This isn't something I invented, there are many people growing lovely flower using SILs.
 
C

Coopric

Member
H G Griffin said:
I veg under 5000k 10 watt , flower under 3000k 15 watt ones.

There's a thread 100s of pages long at another place with lots of actual measurement of intensity, plus a wack of grows. This isn't something I invented, there are many people growing lovely flower using SILs.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the info. Hoping you have continued success with your grows!
 
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