I wouldn’t say it’s a necessity (I don’t even own the tools), but it never hurts to know what’s going on. Especially if you think you might be having nutrient issues. But then again, I’m growing in inert media, so I may be totally wrong. Feel free to ignore me if I’m just confusing the issue more… 
I will definitely be checking the pH here shortly, after I roll up. My understanding n plan in not to water until run off. I believe with the live soil that I do not want run off and if so very little. To water less but more frequently. Is that still an acceptable amount to test?
I don’t honestly check mine at the moment I gotta get a new ph and ppm but if I noticed anything wrong I just take pics and post and the advice starts flowing in I’m new to growing still but I’m told that I should check maybe not right now seeing their still so small but as they grow u should so u know what nutes u should feed
With living soil they shouldn’t need too much feeding, as long as they have a good amount of soil in their final pots. I’m thinking the problem may be that the soil isn’t fully doing its thing yet, so they may not be getting everything they need now. Or it could be the opposite and the soil may be a little hot for them. For me it’s hard to tell from pictures of early stage N problems if it’s deficiency or burn. I’ve become very hands on with my plants. If they start showing damage or nutrient issues I feel the leaves to get more information and watch them very closely until I think I have it sorted, making small adjustments along the way based on what I see and feel.
I guess I got it from helping my grandfather in his garden…
I was told when checking the run off it should come out 1/3 of the medium but I would still as someone else to be sure but seeing as it’s is so small idk if u should water to run off if their in a bigger growing medium u don’t want to overwater and I’d only water lightly around the plant in a small circle if u can so u know the water is mostly near the roots since I did my run off I didn’t have to water my solo for 6 days
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Ok I’m still learning also but that makes since
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Nice looking top @Dagao22. Are you going with a single topping or do you plan to manifold/mainline?
I think you can get PPM and PH testers that work in the soil. I know you can get EC testers that tell you what’s going on in the soil. The unknown here for me is the living soil. I know you don’t want to water to runoff often, because you can drown your microbes and flush out your nutes, but I think watering to just a little run off when you think you might be having issues would be worth it. You also might want to test a soil slurry to get baseline numbers.
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I’m gonna top a few more times but not to much wanna keep it somewhat small I’m working on getting a grow tent I let it get sun for most of the day then LED I only got a small closet right now I’m using
Nice. My girlfriend wants to FIM both of hers. I’ve topped before, even started a manifold, but I’ve never FIMed. But I get to be the instructor. 
It’s my solo cup challenge so I gotta be able to handle the growth in the cup
Lol that’s awesome man
I was thinking it was a 3-5 gallon Solo 
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Day 8 of sprout
I have checked my pH and it is 6.9 straight out the filter. My gnat problem seems pretty much completely gone. Definitely from overwater during cooking of soil. I ordered mosquito bits and will be using them as well as DE in hopes they never return. A couple plants look to me as they need help. I will be searching for answers on this forum. Nothing major I don’t think but then again I pretty much don’t know shit lol.
Fire away
LSD 1
LSD 2
BB 1
BB 2
BB 3 GOG 1
GOG 2
GOG 3
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One thing I keep second guessing myself on is how much water. Little plants in a big pot 
I’m keeping the domes on but think I will be removing them in a few days unless advised otherwise. I give one circle of water per plant with my sprayer every other day.
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It’s better than pouring the water with one hand while brushing your teeth with your other.
That’s what I usually ended up doing. lol!
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Day 11 sprout. 18/6 schedule. 78⁰f 69%rh consistent day n nite. Light at 30-35% at 36inches above pots.
Glueberry OG- I’m loving these babies. They surely are the fastest growers. I love anything OG! 
LSD- the little one here seems stunted or something. It hasn’t grown in a couple days. It’s the only one I keep the dome on and put it in the center.
Banana Blaze- im liking the growth of these beauts as well. Not as big as GOG but sure are looking good.
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I noticed some small gnats on the sticky traps. All adults seem to be dead. Added mosquito bits to top of soil with today’s water. Hoping to kill em all completely now 
they look great. I think they are far enough along you should not need to cover them.
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Day 16 of sprout or I believe I am 2 days into veg.
My temp and humidity are consistent. Light is 36" above at about 30-35%still. I will be looking and reading info about light power and height. My little LSD plant will not grow. Should I abandon or let ride out? The others seem to be doing well with maybe a little concern about the looks of a few leaves.
Banana Blaze
LSD - I lost one in early sprout and this runt
Glueberry OG
I continue with little watering every other day. I am going to start measuring the amount I give instead of just winging it. 
A few small gnats on traps. I’ll keep up with the mosquito bits and DE.
Back to smoking n reading.
Happy Friday 