Perlite Vermiculite

My babies are about 3 weeks old clones i just put them in their new homes i am usins a 60/40 perlite vermiculte and i am haveing a little trouble knowing when the mix needs water i also am using peters 20-20-20 with micronutrients i have 2 48" coolwhite floruecent tubes about 4 inches from plants they are on 18/6 light they are bubblegum strain they seem to be doing well now but i am not sure how much nutrients to use and how often if someone could help i would really appreciate it this is my first grow thanks alot

not sure on your nutes but move those lights closer, an inch is better if not less. those tubes shouldnt burn but feel them to make sure, my 48 inch cool white didnt

cool thanks anyone else got anything to add?

i moved my nights alot closer they are a little less than an inch away now but iam checking up on them all the time to make sure they are not burning. since the lights are so close should i only foliar feed in the off part of the light cycle

You should be able to get the plants even a little closer to light. When I use floro tubes I make sure the top leaves are almost touching the tubes. I adjust every day as plant grows. Never had a problem with burnt leaves. I think the key to optimizing floros is to get them ridiculously close to the plant. This takes more work because you have to adjust every day at a minimum. It does make a big difference.... sometimes I will check my babies under floro tubes many times thru the day....always fiddling, trying to get a little closer!
I have not tried using CFLs......I think they get to hot to allow leaves to touch or get as close as with the tubes.

I would advise no more than 1/2 teaspoon per gallon of water (if it is the powdered Peters in a little tub.). to start out....gradually increase to apx 3/4 teaspoons per gallon. Be extra careful with keeping the dilution low and you can feed every time you water.
And if you don't have a moisture meter, you should, as it will make it easy for you to tell when it's time to water (feed).

Also I can't think of any advantage to foliar feed at this stage.....you want your little plants to develop strong roots quickly, this could be slightly hindered by foliar feeding now. I would do it only to correct a deficiency at this stage.

Good Luck

wow that is one of the best response i have ever heard thank you so much that was alot of help

CFL's will burn your leaf if it touches. not HORRIBLE but it will, so far ive found as long as it doesnt touch.. it's ok with 42 watters anyhow.