Got the Spider Farmer wicking system set up with a reservoir. Up until now I’ve been using purchased pure water since it came with a better starting pH than my tap. After running the numbers, the cost of hauling jugs didn’t make sense long term. I ended up grabbing an RV water inline filter for the garden hose, which strips out most of the chlorine and other contaminants I was worried about.
Goal was mostly a stable water source because the girls are getting thirsty; I still prefer hand-watering to wet and activate the top dress. Access is only from one side of the 5×5, so as they bulk up I’m learning the back two are a chore to reach. The wicking pads help keep things even between rounds, but I’m still going in by hand to finish the job.
Did a defoliation pass; airflow and light paths improved, but I may need to push it a bit further because I don’t want a lot of larf. Crazy how much plant material I pulled off but they seem fine. Light feels like the current yield limiter. The SF4000 is solid but a touch undersized for full 5×5 penetration, the lower canopy isn’t getting what I want. I’m eyeing a higher-wattage bar style light for better edge uniformity and deeper PAR at canopy.
I’ve been testing edge light saturation with the SpiderF PPFD sensor at canopy height. Center readings are strong but the corners and long edges are clearly lacking. Smaller tent or smaller plants another option maybe. Im at 100% on my light and will be for the rest of the grow just raising it to keep distance.
Plants look happy overall. The Durban Cookies is standing out, taller and more vigorous than the 10th Planets especially for being a week younger than the rest. I am guessing it will be harvested first just by stretch speed alone. The 10th Planets R1s all have a pretty even canopy going but showing stretch. Wicking system + hand-water combo is keeping the media right where I want it, and the top dress from last week is kicking in.
Reminding everyone this is my first grow. Hoping for a pound dry, but I won’t be greedy. Keeping my expectations realistic! Thanks for following along.