This may be a stupid question / observation

First time grower here aside from the high school guerrilla grow at the beach…

I‘m currently growing 8 autos - 3 in 3 gallon fabric pots, 3 in 5 gallon fabric pots and 2 in solo cups (these were extras during germ and just kept them going). One 2.3’x2.3’ and one 4x2 tent. Mars hydro ts1000 in the smaller tent and Mara hydro tsl2000 in the larger one.

I keep reading threads where peeps recommend a higher wattage light for each, BUT when I check DLI (using photon app for my setup), I still have to dim the lights to 55-65% strength.

I assume this is because for autos (and my setup specifically), DLI is a measurement of power + lights on (mine are 18/6 schedule) and photos being 12/12 these lights may not be strong enough to get to the same DLI?

So…lights that are less strong (lower PPFD) can be adequate for an auto grow but not photos during flower?

It's more about the footprint. They have good coverage but in a small area. So the 1.5x1.5 area might be closer to ideal where the sides and outer edges arent
I don't worry about dli. If your plants wilt by the end of the cycle turn down the light. If they don't turn it up. Then fiddle and find the ideal distance and intensity

The plants look good for a first grow.

If you want weight, more light is good, but if the plants are happy, there's no reason to worry.

Thanks and yeah this first run is a learning process but so far I am thrilled!

My hangup (probably because I am analytical about things) is light intensity. I may just end up with an apogee meter to satisfy my perfectionism!

Your plants look really happy. nice job

If you can get your hands on a PAR meter, it's worth it.

Wow, you went all out for your first indoor grow. This dudes not playing around. Well done man!

P.s. I've read here If you have an iphone & a sheet of paper (a4 i think?), the Photone app will give you results comparable (very close) to a apogee meter.

Lookin pretty good next time fill up the pots so they can root out more.

Plants look like they want more food.
You can always add a few cups of fresh soil on top and water that in.
By doing this , you replenish what the plants have already exhausted.
Pretty Simple.
.

DrDukePHD said:

P.s. I've read here If you have an iphone & a sheet of paper (a4 i think?), the Photone app will give you results comparable (very close) to an apogee meter.

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The Photone app is what I’ve been using thus far to dial in my DLI. Good to know that it’s close to the apogee meter, I’ll save my money and spend it on more seeds!

Budzbuddha said:

Lookin pretty good next time fill up the pots so they can root out more.

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This was definitely a rookie mistake. I didn’t think the soil would compact so much but after a few waterings it surely did.

And yes, they do look like they’re hungry. I scratched in some Recipe 420 ultra bloom dry frets a few days ago. Will take your recommendation and top dress with FFOF and myco!

replace a flower nute feede for a grow one. thyose solo sky babes look well hungry. how long to go on them, the solo ones im talking about

you could make up a nute rich (not too rich) top dressing layer for the solo sky babes, will help a little

go go kid said:

replace a flower nute feede for a grow one. thyose solo sky babes look well hungry. how long to go on them, the solo ones im talking about

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I feed those solo cup ones HF grow big liquid nutes daily. Most of their new growth is green now…I waited about two weeks too long to start feeding them - doh!

I bet they still have 4 weeks left but no clue really.

only HP i can find is happy frog, which is soil.
grow big is fox farm, is that what you ment? i was going to say, it looks like they've been given bloom ferts, instead of a mixture of grow and bloom nutes. so there basicly eating them selves.
. i use the first leaves that pop out of the seeds as a guide to feeding, once they start to yellow, i start with a mild nute feed. it works for me

s4cruiser said:

The Photone app is what I’ve been using thus far to dial in my DLI. Good to know that it’s close to the apogee meter, I’ll save my money and spend it on more seeds!

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Cool, just remember you need to follow the directions that include a specific weight/type of paper sheet placed over the sensor for it to be 99% accurate. Also, I wouldn't buy $150+ seed packs. The best seeds available you can get for $20-100(max) or just given to you by new breeders on the forums. I highly suggest you join multiple forums. Post more, ask questions, make friends

Again, crazy good job for your first grow. Wow

go go kid said:

only HP i can find is happy frog, which is soil.
grow big is fox farm, is that what you ment? i was going to say, it looks like they've been given bloom ferts, instead of a mixture of grow and bloom nutes. so there basicly eating them selves.
. i use the first leaves that pop out of the seeds as a guide to feeding, once they start to yellow, i start with a mild nute feed. it works for me

Click to expand...

Yes, meant FF vs HF! Added both (bloom and grow) to my water for the solos. Thanks!

WOW, nice job. I have no input above what anyone else gave but just wanted to chime in. Keep up the great work!