First Grow...A Couple Questions

Hi, I recently started my first grow ever and after some research I went with Mephisto based on their reputation.

It's a small closet grow of just two plants(Forum Stomper and DGx3BOG) in 3 gallon fabric pots(Biobizz light/perlite) under a Roleadro Full Spectrum 3rd Gen 600w(135 actual). Temps are a constant 75-80f with 40-50% humidity and I have a fan going with good air circulation.

I started the grow by watering the pots well with plain water and letting them sit under the light for 24 hours before planting the seeds directly in their final pots. The broke soil 4 days later(yesterday) and I think are looking ok, but I have a couple of questions.

First, how should I go about watering young plants? My plan was to let the pot dry out completely before watering again, but i have been misting the top soil 2 or 3 times a day when it's looking a bit dry. Is this a sound approach?

Also, the DGx3B is looking a little lanky already. Is this genetics or should I lower the light?

I'll post a pic of each below, feel free to throw in any advice. I'd appreciate it. Thanks.

MrObscura said:

Roleadro Full Spectrum 3rd Gen 600w(135 actual)

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That's a nasty cheap lamp, you'll be lucky to grow anything under that.

This just based on the typical bias towards budget lights? Or do you have actual experience with it? Everything I've came across suggests it's a good lamp for a small grow.

MrObscura said:

This just based on the typical bias towards budget lights? Or do you have actual experience with it? Everything I've came across suggests it's a good lamp for a small grow.

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Have you plugged it into a powermeter to see what it's drawing?
Have you measured the light output (at plant level) with a phone app (10,000 lux+ is good, 2,000 lux is disaster)?

Right now at 35-40 inches I'm getting 2500 lux at the seedlings. So, I've got plenty of space to lower it.

As for draw I havent tested it but reviewers have and it puts out around the 135 actual watts claimed.

If I get anywhere near 1g/w I'll be happy. And based off my research before buying this light I figured that's doable with it in my space.

You will be fine to veg under that light but might want to supplement at flower.

It's a true full spectrum light that seems to have more than enough output for my space...why wouldnt it cut it in flower?

Anyway, just tested at one foot and I got about 26000 lux. Though lux isnt the best way to measure grow light efficiency.

How many sq ft is your grow your looking for 35w per sq ft I did run a similar light but supplement with a few cfl bulbs to help. Then I upgraded to a 315W CMH use that in my 3x3 with the 600w full spectrum led 135(tru w). Now I'm looking into DIY hlg kits for more efficient led.

I'm only looking to cover 2x2 or so.

sarahJane211 said:

Have you plugged it into a powermeter to see what it's drawing?
Have you measured the light output (at plant level) with a phone app (10,000 lux+ is good, 2,000 lux is disaster)?

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We're basing this off of a PHONE lux meter? K.

So your in range but if
You want better flower production add some cfl to the mix at not much extra cost. Only talking from experience with a similar light.

MrObscura said:

I'm only looking to cover 2x2 or so.

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135 watts is fine for 2x2 for flower and 2.5x2.5 for veg, but there are better lights for a 2x2 space that would be much more effective than this one.

Do not water entire container only enough around seedling -

Since you've ran a similar light... what distance for each growth stage would you recommend?

Or around the pot edge for root growth, orks well to.

In veg I ran mine about 22 in above the plant canopy and in flower went as low as 13 to 15 inch.

If you notice bleaching raise it.

Thanks. How high for my seedlings since they seem to be stretching? It's like 40 inches or so above the soil right now.

22in

Cool. Thanks again.