Newbert Intro, LED Content, Grandiose Plans
Hey Now !
Married with teenage kids, living a suburban life in San Diego.
Been enjoying the green for 25 years and now ready to try and grow this shit.
I am a medical patient and am looking to learn the all important skill of growing in this quickly changing world.
I have a BS in Biology and work in the medical field. I am pretty good with the Biology, decent with the chemistry, but not that great with the physics.
I am very much interested in the medicinal benefits of cannabis, and try to follow the medical/scientific literature.
I have NEVER grown before, and I have never even helped a buddy trim, etc., etc.
I have spent many hours here over the last month and will be pulling the trigger in the next few days and purchasing my items.
I will be trying to minimize the variables as much as possible.
I understand the importance of Ph and I understand that LED grown plants don't use as much water and need less frequent watering than MH/HPS grown plants. I also understand the importance of genetics, and with that, if needed, paying for the genetics.
I have recently sold one of my prized baseball cards to pay for the operation.
At this point I am going to go with a 3'x3' grow tent with the 2nd chamber
and LED lighting.
The choice to go with a LED was something that happened here at RIU. I want to invest my energy in learning a "new" technology as I believe LEDs will definitely be the future. I read every entry in Psuagro's journal with the stubborn autoflowers. I have the lights narrowed down to 2 Hans Panels or 1 Area 51 SGS 160. For me, it probably won't make much of a difference which one, but I am leaning towards Hans panels, but I would appreciate thoughts on these lights in a 3'x3' area, and if there is a better tent for these lights ? I am also looking to put some "T5 flouros" in the upper chamber for propagation, and am looking for some direction on a decent set that are not too pricey.(They have to be 24")
I plan on trying both from clones and from seeds. I thought dealing with clones in socal would be straight forward, but the feedback on san diego clones (emarijuanaclones) has not been that great and I am a little nervous about dropping $$ on clones. I went to one of the dispenseries in Pacific Beach and was informed about clonequeen
http://www.cqdna.com/ . They are pricey but have a better reputation(?) than eclones. Any feedback on the best clones in San Diego would be appreciated.
Also both from seeds and clones, which common strains tend to be easiest for noobs to grow ?
I have a pack of 5 each feminized seeds in my cart at Nirvana, of, Blue Mystic, Aurora Indica, and Haze 1. Seems as this is as good a place as any, to start.
I am very much intimidated by hydroponics at this time, and will be using soil. Lots of recommendations here, and there seems to be high regard for Roots organic soil and Foxfarm ocean forest; is there anything more to soil ? Should I consider putting the seedling into rockwool and then soil ? To my beginner brain, this is already another step, and another place to screw things up.
As far as nutrients go, haven't spent that much time sorting them all out. Seem like there are a million options and everyone has what works for them. I would like to keep it simple, and will spend more time fine tuning the choices once I have proven to myself that I can get to that point
With that said, uprising grow and bloom are held in high regard, so I may just start there. I saw here where one dude was gaga over "bud candy" and how can you go wrong with a name like that.
gadgets- looking to pick up soil and water Ph meter(s), thermometer, humidity index, co2 ppm
This one seems to do it all(not Ph) and has great ratings, any reason not to get it ?
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001PDGFR8/ref=ox_sc_act_title_3?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A1NI0VO6X2CZ7C
co2- my inner logic says this is important, but for the sake of simplicity will probably try the first grow without co2 enrichment. I will monitor the count, and may change my mind if they are not doing well, and it could be due to low co2.
So, here's the grandiose part. Growing the stuff is only half of the plan. Eventually, when I have enough bud saved up, probably 12-18 months away, I am contemplating trying to make Simpson Oil. I am very much intrigued by this super high potency cannibanoid oil and its incredible healing powers. I want to try this stuff out for myself. So, having passed both organic chemistry and biochemistry, I feel I have at least a chance of being able to do it.
(volcano)
So, one final statement/question.
Smoking the shit:
I have always been a (glass) water pipe kind of guy. Love popping those bingers. After hearing all the chatter about vaping, dropped over $100 on a plug in "home" vaporizer called a Volcano. After experimenting with this thing for the last 18 months, I am unable to get a satisfactory rush/high/buzz from it. I always have to finish up with a BH after toking off the volcano. What gives ?? Am I doing it wrong, or is that how it is ? Is the temp not right ? I tried between 380-420 degrees. Am I not putting enough in each time, and subsequently breathing in just a lot of air ? The material is ground with a grinder btw. Needles to say, the volcano gathers a lot of dust and doesn't get used too often. I am scared to try the new pens that are out there but they look so cool.
OK, enough of this long winded yap.
I hope to hear from a few with some helpful hints, advice, and INSIGHT (which I lack)
I can't wait to get started and will start ordering this stuff in the next couple of days.
I love my cameras and look forward to posting many pics documenting the upcoming adventure.
If there is anyone in the San Diego area that want to meet for coffee, send me a message.
Thanks to all for a great site, as I have already learned so much.
GYF