LED Grow Light Forum

Hi, Well since we got our 420 cards we decided to grow our own. I'm a little behind the times in this subject especially for indoor growing. The last time I did any growing was more than 40 years ago.
We built a grow room to fit what little space we had available so it's only 2X4X7 feet. Started out with a T-5 2"X 4 tube light and were into our fourth week when our Solar Storm 400 light came in yesterday. We are kind of excited to be part of the GFP for California Lightworks.
Looking forward to any and all feedback on this grow as we could use a lot more info from experienced folks on here.
Right now we have some problems with the plants that I think are related to a magnesium deficiency but not sure. The other thing that I see becomeing a problem when we turn to flowering is a humidity issue. Our humidity fluctuates between 45 and 76% depending on whether we have the heater on or off. I turn the heater off at night and back on in the morning, at least until yesterday when we hooked up the solar storm. After hooking the light up humidity ran about 56% and temps seemed stabile at 73 for the rest of the day with no heater involved. But the humidity rose to 76% during the night cycle. Oh yeah we are running an 18-6 day/night cycle right now.
Any help with our plant and humidity issues would be greatly appreciated, and I'm sure we'll have more questions in the future.

The plant problem does appear to be magnesium but pH problems can lockout nutrients too. You could try adding a little CalMag or Epsom Salt but don't go overboard and be sure to check your pH before you add it too...

Humidifiers and dehumidifiers are the best way to keep humidity where you want it which is about 60 until early flower then below 50 until late flower then below 40.

Thanks SME, I'll check the PH next time we water in a couple of days.
I am concerned about the humidity as were planning on going to 12/12 in 2 weeks. The humidity rose to 63% this afternoon and that's going to be way to much when they start to flower. I have the large Damp Rid containers that I put in at night, that seems to help. Maybe I'll just have to get 2 or 3 more.

60-63% for the first week or two won't be a problem.

Get a decent sized dehumidifier, trust me...

Hi SME, we live in a fairly humid area so I have a good sized unit for the house. Trouble is the grow room is on a 15 amp circut
and I don't have enough head room for the large dehumidifier. I have been looking at smaller ones without the compressor unit but have'nt found one that sound good for 24/7 use. Do you have any suggestions?

I would just get a floor standing model from Home Depot or something. You have 7' headroom my dehumidifier is only about 2' tall.

You should have planned your grow room better but, for now, you could run an extension cord or even run another circuit if you know electrical well enough. The SS400 can't have a very big amp draw. If you don't KNOW electrical get an electrician to do it. You can often find 420-friendly electricians by asking around at your local hydroponic stores.

Remember, Summer is coming so I hope you'll be able to handle the heat later too...

Hi, the plants are growing and starting to have a nice aroma. We toped all except one that was kind of small and they all seem to be bushing out nicely.
Still have a problem with mag so will feed them some more with the regular feeding on Thursday.
Took your advice and bought a dehumidifier that only draws 2 amps, seems to be working out well as the humidity averages about 55% now. I have it placed outside of the grow room blowing dehumidified air into the intake vents.

Here are the rest of the pics. The SS 4oo is working well for the veging, I have it about 18" from the top of the tallest plants.
I had it at 14" but the plants were kind of wilted looking and responed well when I raised the light.
Comments are very welcome as is any advice. My son and I are both new to this whole indoor growing.

Did you check the pH or add a little magnesium?

Hi SME, The PH is at 6.4-6.5 when I checked on last Saturday. Also gave them a small dose of Cal-Mag at that time. We will be feeding again today and will give some more Cal-Mag also.