First Time Grower - Notes & Feedback
Intro: first time grower in a geographically low humidity, high altitude environment. I studied and studied and studied and studied more before pulling the trigger AND still I have imposter syndrome and am constantly second guessing calculations
Current stage: Seedling (day 7 since cotyledons appeared / day 10 since seed)
Seed genetics: Purple Lemonade Ruderalis / 420FB
Here’s the setup:
Tent: Vivosun 2’x5’x7’
Light: Aerowing SE 200W
Light distance to canopy: 22 inches
Intensity: 296 ppfd
Humidity additive: Aerostream H19
Humidity set: 71%
Temperature: 74.5f
Consistent VPD: 0.9
Substrate: Coco coir 70% / Perlite 30% (Growers Brand pre washed / pre buffered) due to manufacturer production date -> shelf -> purchase time I did flush the medium with dechlor water +CaMg at 6.2ph until runoff
Housing: 3.9 gallon autopot with 1 inch of clay pebbles at the bottom and a copper wicking apparatus for root prevention into the system(they are not turned on, I am top feeding until I determine root penetration is deep enough to do so)
Feeding: Dechlor water @ 6.2ph & emerald harvest calmag (I am using 6.2 right now because it is just water and CaMg, and calcium’s highest efficiency PH uptake level is 6.2 while in coco and decreases in uptake below 6.0 ph. I will titrate this ph down to 5.9 in veg and then later 5.6 when auto pots are turned on due to the potential hydrogen buildup over scaled distance and gravity of my tubing to my reservoir)
Wind displacement: 2x 6” aerowave, oscilating on 3 speed 40 inches above canopy.
Oxygen reuptake: Vivosun inline 6 inch with carbon filter with parameters of a 1.3 vpd/ 81f / 80%hum activation protocol
Plans: I plan to introduce Athena blend grow A+B at equal parts in 1/4 dosing at the start of veg, titrating this dosage up to 3/4 of the recommended dose (ruderalis genetics) at Week 3 of Veg and switching to Athena Bloom A+B in the first week of flower at 3/4 dose recommendation until bloom in which I will then titrate upwards to full dose equal parts A+B
I will NOT be adding PK in week 5 and upwards due to the cation exchange in coco coir substrates that hold onto high levels of potassium and release when the double bonded calcium and magnesium introduction cause this single to double bond exchange. I will keep some on hand, however I do not believe it is worth the potential nutrient lockout that may occur from introduction of third party PK.
Any tips, advice, or general information welcomed. I am a student of the game and I look forward to learning and growing. I am humbled to be in the presence of artisans and people with decades of knowledge on here.