[overmyhead]

Why didnt I see this thread 8 months ago when I was trying to plan! I've been using straight pro mix and trying different nutes. On my second run and the results look like they're gonna be ok (first one yielded just under 2 with two 600w in cool tubes and 54w of lgm (led) bars. So, I can't complain but I could have saved a enough hours for a part time job had I used your formula! You ever try teasing them with a light organic nutrient solution or any bloom boosters? I've gotta find something to do with all these nutes - oh wait, I guess I'll have to play with some dwc!

Great thread and I am amazed at how you take the time to answer each question!

[overmyhead]

Originally Posted by blazeoneup

gauismarius

I actually dont ph the water at all, I check the ph every 2 weeks by testing run off, If I ever notice the ph getting to high or low then I will ph the water up or down to bring it back on track. So far its been good with plain ro water and tap. I guess if your using tap water and its really bad with high ph that would be needed but the lime added to this mix really seems to keep the ph in check through out the grow.

This mix really does work well with plain water. Here is how the babies are doing at day 8 from transplanting. Im also going to post a picture of them on day one of the transplant to the bags.

what is the ph of your starting water? Does the lime buffer down as well? Lastly, could it hurt to ph the water every time just for good measure?

[overmyhead]

To Blazeoneup or anyone using this mix:

I am getting ready to go get some more pro mix and realized that the pic shows pro mix for containers, is it the ultimate container mix? This is a description that I found for it:

SO-PM-UCM Ultimate Container Mix Pro-Mix Ultimate Container Mix is specially formulated for plants grown in hanging baskets, greenhouses and outdoor planters. Ideal under hot, sunny conditions, it contains water-saving-gel to reduce watering frequency and a long-lasting fertilizer to ensure continuous plant feeding up to 9 months. 1 Cubic Foot loose fill bag.
My garden center only has pro mix BX - as far as I know the bx is just peat, perlite, vermiculite, lime, an initial nutrient charge and michorise. Have any of you been using this? Should I add some water crystals or just use the BX?

[40AmpstoFreedom]

I use promix HP because the whole point of using the promix is to lighten up the soil and HP has more perlite in it than any of their other kinds.

I also us BX when HP isn't in stock and just add more perlite only difference.

[overmyhead]

Originally Posted by 40AmpstoFreedom

I use promix HP because the whole point of using the promix is to lighten up the soil and HP has more perlite in it than any of their other kinds.

I also us BX when HP isn't in stock and just add more perlite only difference.

Thanks 40 amps. Do you use this whole formula? (edit: I just checked out your current grow) whatever you're doing seems to be working! Have you added anything yet?) The pro mix he has in the initial pic is for container gardens and has moiture control crystals in it - for once I want to follow some proven formula from start to finish!

Thanks again for the input!!!!

[jerrypike]

Hey Blze great thread bro Just wonderin if your a fan of the " smart pots" ?

[overmyhead]

Originally Posted by jerrypike

Hey Blze great thread bro Just wonderin if your a fan of the " smart pots" ?

I just made the mix and am using it in 3 gallon smart pots. This will be a great test b/c they are a set of clones that I've been having a lot of trouble with, mainly just too busy to keep track of all the different schedules and trying to find a new place. I took some before pics and will start a thread (when I remember to bring the memory card to my computer.) But, after two days - they arent getting worse and the new growth on some of them looks great.

[overmyhead]

Alright, transplanting complete! I took some general before pictures but will be focusing on the stunted grungy looking runt shown here. I also included a pic of a plant that was moved from a keg cup to a 5" square pot, when I went to transplant it into the new soil i was able to brush away the dirt around the top portion of the original rootball. Just thought it was interesting how the roots only seemed to want to go down.

[overmyhead]

So, my reading comprehension has always been bad and it just hit me (after making the mix and putting 10 plants in it) that I don't think my perlite is really chunky. It is what they had at the local garden center with very well respected experts working there etc. I asked them and they said taht there is only one grade that is currently being used widely in horticulture . . . and I didn't really pursue it b/c a. the whole point of this mix was to stop getting gauged and marketed to by the hydro shop and b. to cut down on the large packages from ups - I had a neighbor who is outside all day in his yard ask me why I had a spell of deliveries. So, now it just hit me that everyone keeps saying chunky so maybe I should re think things. Here is a pic of what I've got - there are some decent sized chunks but a lot of fine ones too. On the up side, I think the finer pieces would mean that there is more actual perlite in there but I'm sure that everyone isn't stressing chunky for no reason. My question now is - should I scrap the mix that I've made and re pot them all before it's too late? How do I get the pics to show up in the body of my post without hosting them on the web first?

Outstanding thread, thanks for the info mates!