wanting some opinions for a first time grower..

what temp, humidity, and lighting would you recommend for a seedling that is 6 days old, showing both cotyledons (sp?) and true leaves.

I have 2 in Rapid Rooters in LECA in a DWC system both were transplanted after propagation in a Domed Tray after roots had grown through RR.

and 4 in RR in soilless mix of Perlite/Vermiculite 50/50 (roughly) in 16oz Cups

I have a 400 watt HO MH (38000 lumen) approximately 3.25' above all the plants

My temp is 74 - 79 degrees F and my humidity runs in the range of 29-40% (room)

i have the 4 soilless currently with clear 14oz cups that serve as vented domes.

and i'm using the propagation tray dome for the DWC

All were transplanted yesterday.. it was a bit early imo.. but they were growing very quickly and had already rooted through the RR while i had them under a couple t8 fluros

i am currently running 24/0 lighting and will go down to 18/6 in veg state in order to prepare for the 12/12 to come.

this is my first grow and i would appreciate any tips from pros and novices alike. I appreciate the feedback. and will post pics if needed

Also.. forgot to mention.. i'm running GH nutes 1/4 strength, with some superthrive, and maxicrop. roughly 100ppm in tap water (sat out overnight). pH running @ 6.5-6.8

looks like you have a great setup. a lil more humidity for the room wouldn't hurt. i like the 18/6 vs. the 24/0
good luck, they should grow fast

18/6 lights, 60% humidity, 75-78F. dont use the superthrive dureing flowering.

i'm probably going to have to get a humidifier.. i'm getting by through the use of the makeshift vented domes... however they are going to outgrow those here in ~ a week. would you advise me changing the lighting cycle asap?

You sound like you have a good set up! If you do change your lights I'd recommend scaling down an hour or so every day until 18/6 is achieved. Don't wanna shock them with a drastic change but either way probably won't hurt (doesn't hurt to be safe either).

On the lighting thing, I once read a pretty thorough article on trans-nodal growth. This being growth in between stems and how temperature changes effect this. Basically the article stated that temperature changes (like lights on/off temp changes) would increase the length of inter nodes thus making for a taller, less bushy plant. So I would think that 24 hour light would reduce this stretch just for the fact that temperatures are going to be more consistent throughout right?

Encomium said:

You sound like you have a good set up! If you do change your lights I'd recommend scaling down an hour or so every day until 18/6 is achieved. Don't wanna shock them with a drastic change but either way probably won't hurt (doesn't hurt to be safe either).

On the lighting thing, I once read a pretty thorough article on trans-nodal growth. This being growth in between stems and how temperature changes effect this. Basically the article stated that temperature changes (like lights on/off temp changes) would increase the length of inter nodes thus making for a taller, less bushy plant. So I would think that 24 hour light would reduce this stretch just for the fact that temperatures are going to be more consistent throughout right?

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that would be my best assumption.. but I've also heard of stories that contradict that saying they saw 15-30% growth increase which would make it taller with less root growth.

i don't know what to do yet about the lighting situation because i don't want to cause to much stress or cause hermies.. i have 2 regular seeds and the rest are fems and those 2 regulars are smoking the fems in growth by about 20% (could be strain?), what i'm getting to is that I would hate to stress these plants out anymore than what's been done.

Anybody else care to throw some light onto the situation?