330 TRUE WATT Led Grow! Auto Blue Cheese and Auto AK! First Led Grow!!!!

Tjdobb3

Member
haha no doubt I've been super anxious staring at them for 30 minutes at a time moving my lights around and fidgeting with everything. Definitely a fine line lol hopefully I'll figure it out sooner than later.
 

SoCalCraw

Member
haha no doubt I've been super anxious staring at them for 30 minutes at a time moving my lights around and fidgeting with everything. Definitely a fine line lol hopefully I'll figure it out sooner than later.
That's not a bad thing either, if you're attentive to your plants you will be more ready to stop problems before they get too big they hurt your yield!

if it's any relief, my Automatic Northern Lights had her top leaves almost all cupped up toward the 1000w due to heat stress (a couple days at 90°) and still flowered. my theory is that autos still have enough foliage (since you don't prune) to save moisture and those bud sites because the NL turned out to be a successful harvest around 3oz wet!
 

Tjdobb3

Member
That's not a bad thing either, if you're attentive to your plants you will be more ready to stop problems before they get too big they hurt your yield!

if it's any relief, my Automatic Northern Lights had her top leaves almost all cupped up toward the 1000w due to heat stress (a couple days at 90°) and still flowered. my theory is that autos still have enough foliage (since you don't prune) to save moisture and those bud sites because the NL turned out to be a successful harvest around 3oz wet!
Attentive indeed! Haha That's actually a huge relief. Thank you. I've been non stop researching deficiencies and trying to figure out if my girls have any. All in all I think the minor things that may or may not be "deficiencies" will work them selves out this is all trial and error, and I'm stoked to be learning as I go first hand, and from other people's experiences. I'm just going to be optimistic and see what happens. Thanks again friend.
 

Tjdobb3

Member
IMG_0442.JPG IMG_0444.JPG IMG_0445.JPG IMG_0448.JPG IMG_0450.JPG IMG_0451.JPG IMG_0452.JPG IMG_0454.JPG IMG_0456.JPG IMG_0458.JPG 10/22/17 DAY 13/DAY 2

Well I'm updating again so soon because I germinated another Royal Queen Seeeds Auto Blue Cheese 2 days ago. I used the good old paper towel method and in 16 hours the tap root was popping out I planted tap root down in a pre moistened 5 gallon smart pot filled with vermiculite, coco coir and perlite. She popped out of the soil this morning and is shooting up under the 105w actual draw 6500k cfl. The reason I sprouted another blue cheese is to see if it grows as fast as the other one has and to finally know if that Little AK is just a small plant due to genetics. I know this isn't a fool proof test, but either way it will be a personal relief. Have my lights all lowered again lol about 12" for the COB, 10" for the 50x6w LED and 4 inches for the CFL. I took some pics with the "big lights" off and took some comparison shots. The AK is about 3 inches across and 4 inches high and the Blue Cheese is about 9 inches across and 6 inches high. My baby Cheese is about 1.5 inches tall. The biggest bottom leaves on the Blue Cheese are constantly droopy whether it's right after watering or in between watering they just don't perk up... I've been dropping the temps and raising the humidity at night as well. The AK leaves still and curled up some, but honestly I think it's stunted and possibly not growing? I look at them so much that in my mind they probably seem to be growing less than they really are haha. Well as always please send some feedback and advice my way and thanks in advance!
 

Tjdobb3

Member
A few more pics with all the lights on. The LED does have a veg and flower switch and I currently only have the veg switch on so that puts it around 70w actual draw.
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SoCalCraw

Member
View attachment 3882651 View attachment 3882652 View attachment 3882653 View attachment 3882655 View attachment 3882656 View attachment 3882657 View attachment 3882658 View attachment 3882659 View attachment 3882663 View attachment 3882665 10/22/17 DAY 13/DAY 2

Well I'm updating again so soon because I germinated another Royal Queen Seeeds Auto Blue Cheese 2 days ago. I used the good old paper towel method and in 16 hours the tap root was popping out I planted tap root down in a pre moistened 5 gallon smart pot filled with vermiculite, coco coir and perlite. She popped out of the soil this morning and is shooting up under the 105w actual draw 6500k cfl. The reason I sprouted another blue cheese is to see if it grows as fast as the other one has and to finally know if that Little AK is just a small plant due to genetics. I know this isn't a fool proof test, but either way it will be a personal relief. Have my lights all lowered again lol about 12" for the COB, 10" for the 50x6w LED and 4 inches for the CFL. I took some pics with the "big lights" off and took some comparison shots. The AK is about 3 inches across and 4 inches high and the Blue Cheese is about 9 inches across and 6 inches high. My baby Cheese is about 1.5 inches tall. The biggest bottom leaves on the Blue Cheese are constantly droopy whether it's right after watering or in between watering they just don't perk up... I've been dropping the temps and raising the humidity at night as well. The AK leaves still and curled up some, but honestly I think it's stunted and possibly not growing? I look at them so much that in my mind they probably seem to be growing less than they really are haha. Well as always please send some feedback and advice my way and thanks in advance!
Hey man good update! I wouldn't worry about the size difference too much. With autoflowers you'll see a lot of differences between strains while they're growing and even if they are the same strain. My northern lights auto was nothing special, it sprouted in pt in 2 days which I thought was super long, had a very slow grow phase for the first few weeks of seedling then BANG. Right after those two-3 weeks of seedling you see EXPLOSIVE GROWTH. And I'm not understating. Don't let the difference in size bother you too much (stop measuring!!!! I used to do that and I pulled my hair out!!) because in veg they'll give the full potential they're meant to, growth might just not be as apparent in the seedling stage, just wait buddy you will love it

Another thing you'll see is that two branches will go off the stem at the same height but one branch might grow wayyyyyyy taller than the other, even sometimes competing in height with the main cola. it's weird I know, but it's just the way she grows sometimes!

As an example of growth differences, here's a pic of two Critical Mass plants, literally everything was done the same between the two of them.. the height of the cut when cloned where the same, planted same depth and even trained the same way but one just turned out to be a runt!
 

SoCalCraw

Member
A 20/4 light schedule is completely fine! I grew my NL Auto under 24h lightsuntil the last 3 weeks of flower. They seem to be taking the light well so you're perfectly fine!

Yes take advantage of training that blu dream while it's young as you'll see the trunk start to get harder and harder, especially with autos that's the first thing I noticed was the massive trunk on it!
 

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Tjdobb3

Member
Hey man good update! I wouldn't worry about the size difference too much. With autoflowers you'll see a lot of differences between strains while they're growing and even if they are the same strain. My northern lights auto was nothing special, it sprouted in pt in 2 days which I thought was super long, had a very slow grow phase for the first few weeks of seedling then BANG. Right after those two-3 weeks of seedling you see EXPLOSIVE GROWTH. And I'm not understating. Don't let the difference in size bother you too much (stop measuring!!!! I used to do that and I pulled my hair out!!) because in veg they'll give the full potential they're meant to, growth might just not be as apparent in the seedling stage, just wait buddy you will love it

Another thing you'll see is that two branches will go off the stem at the same height but one branch might grow wayyyyyyy taller than the other, even sometimes competing in height with the main cola. it's weird I know, but it's just the way she grows sometimes!

As an example of growth differences, here's a pic of two Critical Mass plants, literally everything was done the same between the two of them.. the height of the cut when cloned where the same, planted same depth and even trained the same way but one just turned out to be a runt!
Thanks man I appreciate the feedback and reality check haha. These Autos just grow so weird compared to all the other outdoor photo plants I've grown. And I'm gonna start lst tonight because you're right the base of the main stem on the big one is really thick already. As far as the light schedule I won't change it for about another week. Do you think I have enough light and space for three plants? Thanks again
 

SoCalCraw

Member
Is this your first auto grow? I'm in the middle of my first indoor photo grow so I may have some questions for you also when they pop up hahah

I'm not 100% sure when it comes to LEDs other than everyone says they're awesome for veg and flower. But maybe this can help, for example I'm growing under a 400w metal halide, decently close in wattage to your LED, and that's on 5 plants which are vegging really well so I think you'll be good.

The mistake I made with my auto is that I didn't train it or anything, just nutes, light and a fan. You can plan ahead and take as much advantage of your light as possible by training it so the branches come up and make an equal low canopy. A good technique I've tried is training the stem down until it reaches the end of the pot, and then start pulling it around the edge of the pot as it grows so that it grows in a circle around the edge of the pot. That way your autos don't turn into trees (autos are very unpredictable, mine got to 4 feet with the pot so training is key) and all of your branches don't get blocked by fan leaves since you can't trim.

I just have a question, is the tent your using 2' deep by 4' wide and 5' tall?
 

Big smo

Well-Known Member
If you want a big yield you need to have good light. The mars will do it and get you a couple oz but that's about it. Next thing is just to take it easy. Once they hit their stretch period you won't know what to do. Let it stretch while still giving it veg nutrients and when it stops stretching switch to flower nutrients. I have a couple journals around you should check out. Autos can pull huge numbers if done right.
 

Tjdobb3

Member
Is this your first auto grow? I'm in the middle of my first indoor photo grow so I may have some questions for you also when they pop up hahah

I'm not 100% sure when it comes to LEDs other than everyone says they're awesome for veg and flower. But maybe this can help, for example I'm growing under a 400w metal halide, decently close in wattage to your LED, and that's on 5 plants which are vegging really well so I think you'll be good.

The mistake I made with my auto is that I didn't train it or anything, just nutes, light and a fan. You can plan ahead and take as much advantage of your light as possible by training it so the branches come up and make an equal low canopy. A good technique I've tried is training the stem down until it reaches the end of the pot, and then start pulling it around the edge of the pot as it grows so that it grows in a circle around the edge of the pot. That way your autos don't turn into trees (autos are very unpredictable, mine got to 4 feet with the pot so training is key) and all of your branches don't get blocked by fan leaves since you can't trim.

I just have a question, is the tent your using 2' deep by 4' wide and 5' tall?
Haha yea this is my first Auto grow man I have about a dozen photo grows under my belt, but Autos truly are an odd breed lol so far they stress me out. And yes my tent is 2x4x5 it's quite crowded with three 5 gallon pot a fan and a humidifier. Thanks again for your advice man!
 

Tjdobb3

Member
If you want a big yield you need to have good light. The mars will do it and get you a couple oz but that's about it. Next thing is just to take it easy. Once they hit their stretch period you won't know what to do. Let it stretch while still giving it veg nutrients and when it stops stretching switch to flower nutrients. I have a couple journals around you should check out. Autos can pull huge numbers if done right.
Hey thanks a lot for the advice. I definitely will be upgrading to some higher end COBs in the future and will be switching from soil to dwc after this grow. Depending on how this grow goes will decide whether or not I stick with Autos. I hope they do well like you said when done right like I've read and watched videos on they produce good yields and high thc. I'll be checking out your journals and I appreciate the advice.
 

Johnhorror

Active Member
Hey thanks a lot for the advice. I definitely will be upgrading to some higher end COBs in the future and will be switching from soil to dwc after this grow. Depending on how this grow goes will decide whether or not I stick with Autos. I hope they do well like you said when done right like I've read and watched videos on they produce good yields and high thc. I'll be checking out your journals and I appreciate the advice.
I def think DWC is the way to go, soooo easy and once you buy/build the unit then you won't have to by soil anymore! My train wreck loves it and I know your not supposed to top autos but since it was growing nicely and since I have a bunch of seeds I figure do a little experiment... so I topped it at the 4th node and seems to be doing fine , I topped 2 days ago wish me luck lol hopefully I can scrog it..... not gonna try to SC it though lol
 

Litthefrog

Well-Known Member
Those look awesome I'll be following that grow being it's very similar to mine. How close do you keep your LEDs? Thanks for the feedback.
The lights are about 18" away but I had them closer, I just moved them to a bigger tent before I flower, and the lights are a little higher but I added a viperspectra 450 watt light to compensate. I've been trying to take pics every few days or so, (if I remember) I'll keep you posted, she has taken very well to some LST, if yours is an auto maybe just bending her to a right angle may do you some good but don't do too much to it.
 

Tjdobb3

Member
I def think DWC is the way to go, soooo easy and once you buy/build the unit then you won't have to by soil anymore! My train wreck loves it and I know your not supposed to top autos but since it was growing nicely and since I have a bunch of seeds I figure do a little experiment... so I topped it at the 4th node and seems to be doing fine , I topped 2 days ago wish me luck lol hopefully I can scrog it..... not gonna try to SC it though lol
Yea I've talked to a few people I know that have proven to exceed any of my soil grows. I will be switching after this grow. Also good luck with your experiment haha hopefully all goes well!
 

Tjdobb3

Member
The lights are about 18" away but I had them closer, I just moved them to a bigger tent before I flower, and the lights are a little higher but I added a viperspectra 450 watt light to compensate. I've been trying to take pics every few days or so, (if I remember) I'll keep you posted, she has taken very well to some LST, if yours is an auto maybe just bending her to a right angle may do you some good but don't do too much to it.
Thanks for the feedback I currently have my lights about 15" away but I tend to move them up and down daily haha. I did start some LST two days ago and they seem to be liking it. Good luck with your grow!
 
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