The need for CO 2 & PH testing

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The need for CO 2 & PH testing

Postby bastardoviejo » Thu May 24, 2012 3:04 pm

Hello all,
My first post anywhere!~! Can someone offer input of CO 2 requirements, and best way to get it, generator? Tank? I am using a 4 x 4 x 7' tent, indoors, in soil, with 4 Sunshine Systems 45 watt panels. If you have knowledge about these panels, any info appreciated! Also, I see al kinds of ads for PH meters, and have just about decided that the paper strips are the best way to go?? I haven't done a grow in over 35 years, it was outside, and much has changed since then!!
:D Any and all comments appreciated! :D
bastardoviejo
 
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Re: The need for CO 2 & PH testing

Postby SisterMaryElephant » Fri May 25, 2012 11:24 pm

CO2 is optional and plants see benefits up to about 1500 ppm while the lights are on, up to around the last two weeks. Generators work best and are most cost efficient long run but it would be overkill for a single 4x4 tent. Tanks or chemical production (like yeast) would be more appropriate with your system.

A good PH meter is a good investment but any testing is better than no testing.

4 x 45w = 180w in 16 sqft = 11.25w/sqft which is not even close to enough light in my humble opinion. Maybe if you're growing lettuce or something. Otherwise I'd be shooting for 45w-50w/sqft for "other" plants. ;)

Good luck...
Disclaimer:
I still use HID and I'm NOT an LED expert. All of my LED knowledge is from other parties or research so I can't say from first hand experience one way or another. I also run a medical grow consulting business in SoCal.
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Re: The need for CO 2 & PH testing

Postby Pisiw » Mon May 28, 2012 12:54 pm

Hi there:

When I was using a 3'x18"x4' metal cabinet to grow, I used a tea light candle in a high glass holder as my CO2 source.
I'm loathe to do this in a PVC tent though.

I'm glad to hear that it's optional...

I'm a beginner at this, but I learned through experience that pH is much more important.
Once the pH goes out the plants stop taking up water & nutrients, so I check it now.
I bought the meter cuz I didnt' think the paper would work well with soil.
Pisiw
 
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Re: The need for CO 2 & PH testing

Postby NateJ » Tue May 29, 2012 12:31 pm

I'd have to agree with Mary that the lights you're running aren't even close to enough. What type of plant are you growing? I only ask because I doubt those 45 watters (that actually only draw 28 watts) would grow tall plants. They might work for germination/early vegetation stage, but boy I wouldn't rely on them for a cash crop. Keep in mind that I think they would work great as a supplemental light.

My 2 cents.
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Location: Menlo Park, CA
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