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[dregerroneous]

I decided to try this out as a hobby a few weeks ago and I have been doing my homework. Initially I was planning on growing two or three autoflowering plants and seeing how it turned out. I actually don't really smoke that much cannabis at all, I am just really interested in trying this out. I have people who would appreciate the free bud , though (of course)! I am also interested in trying different things with what I grow, such as cooking, cannabutter, etc.

Now, that being said, I just got one hell of a setup. Some guy in my area was selling the following on CL for 180 bucks.

1000W hercules ballast with HS bulb
400w ballast with HPS and halide bulbs
250W cfl bulb with a batwing fixture
3'x3' reflector hood, no glass and no vent

36"x36"x72" grow tent with a bunch of these things he called yoyo hangers that he said were like 20 bucks each

A hydroponics bucket with 4 net pots and a water pump that I have no idea how to use

A little germination tray with a fluorescent bulb.

So, I think I got a good deal, right? Now I guess I am thinking of trying to do maybe 4 or 5 plants with some other, non-cannabis stuff in there too just because I can lol. I have some questions, though.

1) Which light or combination of lights should I use? Is the 1000W overkill?

2) Can I just stick the seedlings in soil pots after I germinate them, or do I need to start them in cubs or something and transfer them. I see people doing that in videos but I don't know why

3) Can someone recommend me a strain or two? I want the following attributes, if possible:

• Delicious smell and taste. Fruit y is cool, whatever. Something unique.
• Hard to kill for a newbie.
• Preferably a fast grower.
• Yield doesn't matter so much, but I would prefer something potent so I can show off my bud growing skills.

Also, can someone recommend a good place to buy seeds from that ships to the USA in a timely manner?

 

[Anthropolis]

Welcome, you're in for some fun and unique adventures hehe! Yeah the 1000w's are going to be overkill for the seedling stage, say about the first month above soil, maybe even save it till they flower. The cfl setup is great for seedlings , then step em up bit by bit. All in all, you've got some great starting gear it sounds like! Yeah the yoyo's are for hanging the lights, one end on the light, and the other end on the crossbars in the tent. Depending on which lights and how heavy, it may need two or 4 yoyos. As for starting, yeah it's very common to germinate the seeds in distilled water and then place carefully into rooting plugs for a few days till they sprout well, and then into the soil or hydro setup. Myself and many like Root Riot cubes, also very similar are Rapid Rooter plugs. They're cheap on ebay and really do make a difference in ease and success As for strains, oh man... The big never ending question hehe. Any of the main name brands will be good to start with, like Dutch Passion, Dinafem, Sweet Seeds, and they all will have some fruity varieties. Herbie's, Seedsman, and Attitude banks are popular around here and I like Seedsman alot, they get things to the states pretty well. Best of luck, you're in the right forum!

 

[oldster]

Welcome to AFN dreg. Sounds like you got a good deal there. Are you planning to use the hydroponic bucket or do a soil grow? If you are going to start of in soil I would recommend putting the sprouted seeds into their final pot from the start. Root development is really key for the short life of autos and it is easy to do some damage when transplanting.

I would go with the 400w light using the MH for veg and then switch to the HPS for flower.

If you are going to do a soil grow to start get something without any added fertilizer in it if possible, autos can be very nute sensitive for the first few weeks. If you are going to go Hydro I will let someone else advise you.

You are also going to need a pH meter or soil probe depending on grow method, cal/mag, and some grow and bloom nutes.

Once you get things ready to go how about starting a grow journal in New Growers, great way to start meeting folks and also have people watch out for you in case of issues. Good luck

 

[elsamurai]

howdy Dreg.nice c/l score! cant add much more to what Anthro and Oldster already said. didn't see any mention of a ventilation system, you'll need one for sure

 

[dregerroneous]

I am going to start with soil. Maybe I will try hydroponics later. I don't have a ventilation system yet, I am still looking into it. I was thinking of a cool tube with a fan. Would I need additional cooling?

Also on my shopping list: hygrometer, thermometer, soil of some type.

Aso for seeds, right now I am looking at a blueberry auto or something I saw on Attitude called Tangelo Rapido

 

[briman]

Welcome dreg! sounds like you are in for some fun and homework! These guys and gals have you sorted! If you need anything, do let us know. We want you to be able to rock a grow, so let us know if there is anything we can do! There will be a learning curve to the new list of things you got.(yes, great deal!!) Karma to you and your grow!

 

[epenguin]

Hey Dreg, nice intro.

You are very welcome here in AFNland. We can help along the way and chew the fat in the between times.
I think you had a bargain. Do try to enjoy your hobby. Don't let it become a chore. We have fun while we grow.

cheers chum, eP.

 

[wwwillie]

Hey and welcome!
Heat with the 1000 watt would be a concern. Is the ballast dimable? If not the 400 would be a bit more practical. If I run mine at 1000 I get temps in the 90s F even with the cooltube. Cooltube works, you can touch the fixture and it is cool to the touch. \Peace and happy growing.

 

[briman]

Welcome to AFN! Great setup and these fine folks have you sorted! Anything you need, do let us know!