First time grower.

So, this is my first time growing. And one week in and i'm already screwing up.
My set up:
1 MH 400w. 1 HSP 400w
2 rubbermaid containers with drip system
Started with bag seeds in rockwool

Now my problem is the leaves are turning yellowish. I know my ph is high, and the plants have really slowed their growth. No nutes, and i've been giving them rain water.
Is it ok that I use ph adjuster that is made for spas? I keep slowly adding the ph down, but it doesn't seem to be helping at all. suggestions with that would be great. And not all of my 10 babies are turning yellow just a couple. Does that mean anything?
Also, I am very unhappy with my drip system any one have suggestions in converting it into something easier to manage.

greenbudgrower said:

So, this is my first time growing. And one week in and i'm already screwing up.
My set up:
1 MH 400w. 1 HSP 400w
2 rubbermaid containers with drip system
Started with bag seeds in rockwool

Now my problem is the leaves are turning yellowish. I know my ph is high, and the plants have really slowed their growth. No nutes, and i've been giving them rain water.
Is it ok that I use ph adjuster that is made for spas? I keep slowly adding the ph down, but it doesn't seem to be helping at all. suggestions with that would be great. And not all of my 10 babies are turning yellow just a couple. Does that mean anything?
Also, I am very unhappy with my drip system any one have suggestions in converting it into something easier to manage.

Click to expand...

how high is your P.H.? And how old are these?

one week old, and the ph is in the 7 range. and another thing, I am trying to be cheap so i am using a ph tester for a pool. Does that matter?

For an easy to do DWC setup without spending much, get..
- 5 gallon bucket preferably from home depot with a lid
- 3" net pots
- 3" hole cutter for electric drill

simply cut the holes in the top that will allow for 3" spacing between net pots, (you can fit 4 if you drill the holes at the 12,3,6, and 9 time oriented positions on the circle). Then drill a small circle that will allow for air tubing to go down into the bucket to attach to a air stone. This is known as DWC system and other than a 60 GPH pump (i personally recommend for good results) then you will be ok. I would use a small amount of nutrients, such as the General hydroponics 2 part system or even humboldt nutrients all in one nutrient. It tells how much to add for each stage of the plants life per gallon of water, and you only need one nutrient to feed the entire system. You may consider getting an additive like superthrive though to increase resistance.

As for pH, do not use those pH balancers as they are not made for plants or systems like that. pH up and down for hydroponics is diluted to a certain degree, and those specific acids and bases do not react with the plants roots. Find a hydroponic or upscale growing store either near you or go online to get pH up and down solutions plus pH tester. PH IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING TO A PLANT! understanding the chemistry behind pH explains that if the pH is off, you can affect the way the plants get food, and you can increase diseases like root rot, promote nutrient lockout, and mess up your day for reals.

ask away for questions, but I recommend going through the DWC hydroponics section on this site and look through the forums, all the answers you need are there.

+rep

Cool Thanks. sounds easy.