What does the dark cycle do for the plants? i've got mine on 24/0 and they are shooting up, big top leaves but a thinner stem. would the darkness from 18/6 promote larger stem growth? when's a good time to switch to 18/6? if i should at all.

I am a first time grower too. Are you using artificial light ? I am not using artificial light and my plants were like your; thin in the lower part of the stem. Now some of them have stem thicker than branches all across its lenght. Cheers

stems will b small at the start, a fan will strengten the stem

i veg on 24/0 til 12/12 its faster,

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http://www.rollitup.org/grow-journal...tml#post900988 - cough cheese #1

they're much better now, the fan definitely thickened up the stem. I've had mine on 24/0 for veg the last two months... should i gradually go down to 18/6, 15/9, 12/12 or just hit it with 12/12 when i need to? wouldn't that stress it out