Beginner build advice

Hi all,

I am starting out brand new and starting with lots of reading and prep work. I have a couple questions but let me start with my plans.

4/5 auto plants is the goal
Using 5 gallon buckets
36x36x72 tent
LEC lighting
6” air filtration
Couple of timers
Heat lamps with on thermostat
Fans
Fox farms ocean forest soil & nuts

I know some of this gear is not the greatest but it’s what I can afford.

Questions:
I was going to start them in a Jiffy seed starter is this okay?
Which better ocean forest or happy frog?
How long before I need to and nutes?
Do I add nutes to the soil or reservoir?
Autos are straight 18 hrs on 6 hrs off correct? I seen someone say 12/12

Thanks I’m advance.

Hey autos recommend putting them straight in the final pot. With fox farms u should not need nutrients until about week 5 the soil is already enriched. Nutrients should be added to water, maybe a bucket and then water like at the beginning of the week and then the end of the week so u don’t over due it. Also only use half the recommended amount. Then straight water for a week then nutrients the next.

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I would also do 18/6

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Welcome aboard ! Two plants would be a better fit For a 3x3 space 5 would get crowded.

I also use a 3x3x7’. I use either 3 or 5 gallon fabric pots sitting on risers in 14" clear plastic saucers. I fit 4 autos in there. With 3 gallon I could go with 5 but would need smaller risers (which I have not seen) and smaller saucers. Saucers catch the water run off rather than on the floor. I use risers to lift the pot which allows air circulation around the entire pot (not necessary if you use hard bodied pots).
I have only used ocean forest. A lot of members use happy frog. i will let them comment as to a preference.

What do you mean by risers? You mean like boards under the pot? I’m using plastic buckets does that matter?

He means something to lift the pot off the ground a little that allows air to pass thru the weep holes at the bottom for run off water.

Lots of great advice on here. Plastic buckets don’t breathe and allow for much air flow to the roots. Plastic buckets will also require enough holes in the bottom for runoff into a tray below the rise era to catch it. Fabric pots also require the risers and tray fir airflow and to catch runoff.

https://www.amazon.com/Gro-Pro-Level-Pot-Elevator/dp/B01J37FHF8/ref=sr_1_2?crid=L6WQQX2JHYB1&dchild=1&keywords=plant+riser&qid=1586981947&sprefix=plant+ri%2Caps%2C173&sr=8-2
here’s what a riser looks like. look around online you can find much cheaper
@Jsmackle