My CMH did not have a cool Hood, just a reflector
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So the LED is actually 190 watts: this is the marketing hype that has annoyed numerous growers.
Here’s the thing: everything depends on the light. It is the engine that drives the entire growth process. If light levels are insufficient then there is less sugar being produce, there is more stress on the plant, the liquid and nutrient uptake is reduced etc. You can NOT cheap out on lights.
Personally I would look for a cool tube for your light and put that back in the grow space. You can add your LED too. You need 50 watts per square foot to properly flower out a cannabis plant with either of those lights.
I would suggest you look into getting an HLG 260 or 260 XL in 3,000K: that will flower a 2 X 4 space IIRC and will do it at more like 25 watts/square foot because they really are the latest tech.
$369
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I’m going to try to engineer a cool tube onto the CMH. The CMH plus the LED, I think would flower a 3x3 tent nicely. Thoughts?
Also, how many plants can I squeeze in a 3x3?
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I’ve named the Black Widow. Her name is Natasha. Totally cliche, I know.
I’ve had some growth in the past two days. Exciting!
Is anyone using Nutes in early veg growing in FFOF?
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um yes, burnt the crap out of my plants and had to transplant in a hurry
Shouldn’t need nutrients for a few weeks. You’ll want to water to runoff in a few weeks, so you can take ppm readings before you start adding nutes.
The girls are coming right along. Then next pictures I’ll take out of the tent.
Can I top the bigger one now?
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On your question about topping, that large one seems about/almost big enough. I like to wait until the plant has 6 nodes (lots of roots for quick recovery), then cut between the 3rd and 4th node, this will give you 6 main branches (2 from each node under the cut). If you want 4 main branches, cut above the 2nd node, above 4th node for 8 branches, you get the idea. Leave a good amount of stem under the cut.
Your plants look to be in good health at this point. Your LED light is not ideal for maximizing yield and bud density, at only 190 watts, a bit weak for flowering a 3x3 though ok for starting sprouts and early veg. The CMH would be a better option for veg and flowering but you’re gonna need an air-cooled hood for it and a good exhaust fan (I love AC Infinity exhaust fans) and ducting to move that hot air somewhere else, preferably outside, attic, or different room. Or look into a more efficient and powerful LED like the HLG’s.
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HLG Came in. I’m surprised how bright it isn’t. We’ll see how the plants like it.
My PH meter just came in. I’m glad it did. The water I’ve been giving my plants water that’s 5.0. I’m surprised they’re alive.
I also bought a moisture meter. My girls will be getting a drink of 6.5 tomorrow.
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Just a suggestion for better light height.
Remove the metal hangers that come with light.
Leave the hooks on that come with it.
Loop your hangers over a top pole and clip to each side.
1 hanger per side.
This gives you max height for future when needed.
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I was wondering how I was going to get it higher. Thanks!
Thanks, I reconfigured my setup recently to get more height. Didn’t think about doing that. 
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Seems to be going good.
They’re not taking in water as fast as I thought they would be.
They look healthy to me.
I micro topped the one in the red bucket. It split nicely.
I’m going to LST and micro top the one in the black pot tomorrow.
On a side note, I dropped a Sour Diesel Auto in a cup of water on the the 3rd. It seems to be coming along as well. I have it under a 100w CFL 24/0 for now. I’ll be putting it in the tent on the 15th to Veg with the other two.
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@Hellraiser and anyone else who can help.
So, I decided to try some LST and micro topping 48hrs ago.
One of the micro tops pulled off a whole side. Now, the entire branch is wilted where the rest of the plant is thriving.
My questions are these;
First, should I lop off the wilted branch? I believe it’s one of the branches off the first node.
Second question, Is it too early to take off fan leaves to allow better light penetration?
I’d cut that wilted branch off so that plant can divert the resources to the other branches.
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No need to worry about light penetration in veg. Defoliate at the end of the flowering stretch
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