I just went to the store bought a new one and calibrated it. Not sure what the deal is. I made a ton of improvements over all on the environment and I am switching mediums. Trying to do one thing at a time so I know what works.
Does your new meter also read 500? Switching mediums isn't going to help if your water source is full of who knows what. I'd figure out the water situation first. 500 ppm just seems abnormally high for the Denver area.
Get them temps to 80-85f , especially in veg.
I think with led you want temps in the 80s
387 still sounds high for Denver city water. If it really is that high RO water would be better. 387 ppm water probably has a crapload of calcium that can lock out other nutrients. Do you have any updated pics?I measured the ppm today, calibrated the pen first its at 387.
My plan is to either go with Coco and start doing all of that again or using ro water in the living soil and adding cal mag maybe something else depending on how they react. I know that it’s doing extra work for nothing but I don’t really see me having another option. Im going to split them into two different groups and try both methods.
It’ll be a learning experience.
They seem to be returning to normal. Still pretty yellowed but getting greener and new growth is starting to show up
Brought the temps between 78-83
Temperature seems to fluctuate, but it stays right in that 5 degree range.
New humidifier on the way. The last one broke. I’m assuming it was because of this water lol
I’ve spoken to so many people that live in the Denver area and none of them have this problem. I like the idea of living soil because it was so forgiving on the pH side and for the most part you can get a very decent yield and great quality for minimal effort once you’re up and running
I really did not want to go back to Coco, but I might end up having to go all in.
I really appreciate everyone’s help and insight
i used to grow in a warehouse a long time ago and I never attempted to go for quality. It was just pump it out as fast as you can.
now that I’m trying to actually do a great job, I am realizing how much I don’t know, and it’s very helpful to have people that are willing to communicate with you rather than shoot you down for not knowing something.
I don’t think that would be a bad idea, I have roots organics, Cal, Mag and sulfur, bringing my PPM up to 175 and getting the ph within an adjustable range for the soil 6-7 . once I add the roots organic, the pH drops dramatically to about 5.5. So much info on ph and living soil. I’ve noticed that if it’s within reason the soil does great, but if it’s something crazy like 8.7 it’s struggles a lot.
going back to what?
sorry for being vague lol. i stopped using the straw after those 2 runs. Its been a while. Probably going to start using it again, the plants seemed happier.
Oh heck yeah for sure, the mulch layer does keep the top soil moist and the bacteria love it and thrive in those conditions, encourages the feeder roots to climb a little higher and the very act of the bacteria breaking down the straw mulch layer adds to the soils overall health.. I have to add a little more here soon, it's dropped almost an inch since I laid some down (about 8 weeks ago). A must if your top feeding your pots with dry amendments.