Newbie just picked up 2xhlg550, co2, 12 pot hydro, and tons of nutes... Want advice

Jesusgrowsmygrass said:
1st post...
Hey guys, I want to introduce myself. I am out here in the Sacramento area and have wanted to grow for at least 15 years but hurdles were in the way. Now is the time for me to grow. I recently stumbled upon this forum and have been extremely impressed with the amount of knowledge here. While doing research on this site I came across DIY lighting and was stoked that cobs and quantum boards were finally being used for growing. Originally, I wanted to build a light myself and customize it perfectly to a tent to get maximum benefits. Then I started checking out good ole craigslist for a possible deal. Deal found. I had a moment of weakness and pulled the trigger on a package yesterday that included (pictures attached):
2x HLG 550 Lights
Titan CO2 Regulator
20lb Aluminum CO2 Tank
Active Aqua Grow Flow 12 Site Hydroponics System with 5 Gallon Growth Modules & 55g drum
A reverse osmosis filter
Tons of nutrients
pumps timers ph & ppm meter

First off, did I buy crap or do OK (what would you pay)?

Knowing that I am a newbie and that everyone says you should start in dirt, is this 12 pot hydroponic system worth keeping or should I sell it? Current plans have 1 tent in a room (maybe 4x4, the room is 10x10) with a possible expansion of a second tent for a constant flowering cycle.

As far as tent setups with these lights would the community recommend 2 4x4 tents or one super 5x5 tent?

Thanks in advance
Click to expand...
I would throw all the nutes in the garbage to start you don't know how old they liquid nutes expire. Also the ppm meter need to be calibrated and make sure it works they can break pretty easily I would get the liquid pH test and always do a backup test with that. If your going to go with tents a 4x8 or 2 4x4 would be best for those lights. If you go tents the co2 isn't really useful just grow without it a few times after a couple successful grows try to incorporate the co2.

Edit: as far as price if you paid 1400 or less you got a decent deal
 
Budzbuddha said:
Start simple ...

Simple soil grow , use 1 ) quantum rig . ( Which by the way , you scored )
Use the GH line up ( 3 part )

That one quantum rig will cover up to a 5x5 by itself , and is dimmable .
No need to run max at start ... Run it at half power to start - 18" to 20" from plant top.
You will be able to run 4/6/8 plants easily under the quantums footprint
Get a good soil medium .... Sunshine mix , Pro mix , Black Gold , Dr. Earth veg garden soil .

Most " good " soil will have been amended right from the bag with many of the elements the plant will use like : mycos , ph buffers , kelp , guano , earth worm castings , etc.

So no unnecessary reason to add more shit .... Keep it simple.
Buy a ph pen and ph up/down for water / feed adjusting.
Look for the nute brands ( feed schedule) online and look to see recommendations.
NOTE : use as a guide only - try 1/2 strength and go from there.

The quantums can be used for both veg and flower .... No swapping shit.
With two , you can eventually EXPAND to one quantum rig for veg plants and the other for flowering. Or setup one large room with both.

You will find them to be a very good light system. And will give you years of use.

Contact @robincnn for info on your particular rig. He is from HLG and will take care of your concerns.

*man ... If I seen that ad ... I would have grabbed that shit myself .... Lol
Click to expand...

Thanks! I was wondering which of the nutrients I should be using. I actually did get a PH meter and conductivity pen both by Blue Labs. My package did come with a lot of chemicals that I may or may not use but should be a pretty good starting point for hydro, when I cross that bridge. At least it will make the switch to hydro cheaper. I am a huge nerd so I probably would love it.

Those quantum lights looked bad ass and I love LEDs so they were the reason I bought the package. I couldn't build them for the price I got. Hopefully they grow well. I did notice that they do get a little warm. I ran one for 15 minutes at full power and my Infrared thermometer read the LEDs were at about 160 degrees f, warmer than I thought it would be but far less than an HPS.
 
Maintaining stable, and suitable environmental conditions is of paramount importance.
Invest in the tent(s), then equip yourself with exhaust fans, with carbon scrubbers, with suitable CFM ratings to allow optimal clean air exchange.
A dehumidifier will most likely be needed.
 
Definitely put both of those HLG550s in one tent and dim them down to a level appropriate to your CO2 level. You gain something like 10-15% efficacy when you dim them down.

When I started growing I was told not to do hydro the first time, but it was quite possibly the worst advice I ever got. I never had any success until I switched to hydro. Even if you live in an insanely hot climate you will still be fine if you just add hydroguard.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

S
Approach to DWC for newbies like me
Replies
10
Views
799
rkymtnman
rkymtnman
MFL
Carnot: DIY Heat Exchanger/“Air Conditioner” for Sealed Grow Tents
Replies
5
Views
2K
MFL
MFL
Antidote Man
A compilation of growing advice, by those who have learned
2 3 4
Replies
71
Views
5K
LeastExpectedGrower
LeastExpectedGrower
K
Southern Mid-Size Garage Grow
Replies
17
Views
2K
Mont@n@
Mont@n@
hicountry1
Help w design and setup on small commercial grow
2
Replies
21
Views
1K
Apalchen
A
Back
Top