[Bullfrog44]

Tagged.

[stinky steve]

Tagged also (still waitin on mine)
Good Growin

[miaumiau]

Nice nice nice!

[Marlo]

[Kinjo37]

Coming along for the ride, nice.

[Bullfrog44]

Originally Posted by Texian

After about 18 hours had passed, I decided to check on the temperature sensor that I had placed in the dome. It had an average reading of 70 - 71F, and about 80% humidity; low by some accounts. So I decided to pull out a commercial propagation mat with controller I had only used once, maybe twice, with disastrous results; fried seeds anyone.?. But this time, I had a plan. Instead of laying the flat on the mat itself, I placed a towel between the two and voila, temps staying between 76.5 and 81.5F, and about 90% humidity. Is this almost ideal.?

I would just buy a thermostat for that heat mat. I believe they cost $20. Other wise the answer to your question is yes, around 78-80 degrees is the temps I keep my beans at. You could go all the way to 100% humidity, but anything above 75% is groovy.

Why the heck do you turn your rapid rooters upside-down? Those don't look like rapid rooters either. Just curious, but everything looks great. Mine popped after about 40 hours above soil. Good luck.


EDIT: You want your ROOT ZONE to be at 78-80 degrees. I believe you are measuring the ambient air. All though they may be very similar in some situations, in others they can be very different. The thermostat for the heat mat has a metal sensor that is connected to a wire. I place that censer in an unused Rapid Rooter that has been wet just like the others with the beans. That way the sensor is reading what the rapid rooter temp is at. Hope all this helps.

[Texian]

Almost 3/4 of the way through on day 3 and no visible seedlings have popped their heads up. I usually see one or two on day 4, so will keep a close eye on things until I do. Once a few have surfaced, I will put them under (4) 26w 6,500K floros. Still trying to decide if I am going commercial soil again, or trying my first round of coco, or similar soiless type 'soil'.

On a side note, I decided to move my germination setup from a dark cabinet to the floor in a dark corner in my bedroom. I was worried about the heat building up in a closed cabinet.
While taking off the top to allow fresh air circulation, I decided to fill the outside rows of the tray with cold water; careful not to get any water on the rooters. Cold water humidifies faster imo. Temperatures flunctuating between 74.5 and 82.5F, with about 95% humidity.

[Texian]

Thanks Bullfrog44 for your tips and comments. .. I do have a thermostat for the heat mat attatched; it's set at 70. It does indeed have a copper temperature sensing bulb that keeps the mat in check. And you are right, I too believe I am just measuring the ambient air temperature with the honeywell sensor. Although I do have the copper bulb touching the bottom of the flat to ensure I do not cook the seeds, I will have to try the unsued rooter thing next time; great idea! As for the upside-down thing, it not only allows the rooters to stand up on their own, but by making the hole yourself, it gives the seed a much snugger fit, versus the manufacturer made hole. Thanks again!

Damn bro, take them out of that crockpot! No need to heat up the beans if they have cracked unless you live at the northpole and temps are really low.
I soaked my gala's in tap water for 24 hrs placed them between wet paper towels for another 24 hrs by then tap roots were 1/2". Then into rapid rooters, 36 hrs later they are above ground and ready to rock and roll.
All heat mats with high humidity have done for me is ruin my beans. Just m/o.
Good luck with your technique!

P.S. High temps will also encourage a higher male to female ratio

[REZDOG]

Too hot! Too hot!!