DIY Stealth Cab, Hydro, LED & Multiple Strains in Small Space - Oh Boy!

[Mr. Krip]

24 hrs??? Pop her in the oven on warm for a half hour with the door cracked open, an hour at the most!

Oops my impatience creeping through again I need to and and and maybe even

I was the same way when I was taking sample buds or even leaves to check trichs, I'd look and look for a good one but not a really good one lol! But trust me when it's time you'll be more than ready to harvest and give your DIY dry box a spin. Take care bro!

Thanks, Brother Blue!

Yeah...I'm just being patient & conserving electricity.

I'm definately looking forward to seeing that box filled, though!

 

[Mr. Krip]

QUICK PIC UPDATE - AK DAY 77 OF 12/12

Tonight marks the end of the 11th week of 12/12 on the AK and she's looking great and I'm getting very anxious to harvest her!

The buds have really fattened up nicely and the trichs are just beautiful. If she smokes 1/2 as good as she looks, I'll be very happy!

I opted NOT to foliar with SSU today (I usually do it on Friday's) since it's so late into flower, for fear of possible bud rot. I'm still planning on starting her flush on Tuesday then hopefully harvest next weekend, if she looks ready. If not, I'll just flush her a little longer, but we can't be too far off now!

Here's some more gratuitous cola & bud shots:

Happy Harvests!

K

 

[Barry Manilow]

Looking good as ever Mr Krip! As long as she's still fattening up hang with her... she will finish soon really and truly!

 

[OldMedMan]

What Blue said!

 

[chrgrsfan]

Looking good, & almost ready K~.

What is this man holding & more importantly what is he going to do with it?
Go check my photo gallery to find out!
Happy Grows ~H~

 

[Mr. Krip]

Looking good as ever Mr Krip! As long as she's still fattening up hang with her... she will finish soon really and truly!

What Blue said!

Thanks, guys! No question, I'm hanging with her. I'm not seeing a tremendous rate of growth at this point, but I'm sure she's got another week left in her.

 

[Mr. Krip]

Looking good, & almost ready K~.

What is this man holding & more importantly what is he going to do with it?
Go check my photo gallery to find out!
Happy Grows ~H~

Thanks, H! VERY nice res chiller!!!!

Have you been having problems with res temps, or just another step in perfecting the environment??? I know you had to deal with the root rot on the last grow and know you never want to go through that again!

 

[Mr. Krip]

TEST DRIVE UPDATE - WOW!!!

So, I woke up this morning and thought I'd try that sample bud I was drying yesterday. There was enough for about three one-hitters. First, I carefully examined the entire bud under magnification and it was all cloudy with a few clear trichs, but almost NO amber - just one or two I could spot out of lots, so I'm sure another week won't hurt her. The smell wasn't incredibly strong compared to what the cab smells like, but it was a smaller bud.

Instead of vaping it, I figured I'd try it in a small bong I have. I don't know why, since I basically only vape these days, but I guess I wanted to get the taste of the smoke.

The first thing I noticed is that, in spite of not being flushed, the burn was very clean culminating in a nice gray ashe that was easily cleared without having to ream the bowl with a "poker".

The next thing I noticed was a somewhat harsh taste. It didn't taste "grassy" or like "homegrown" but it didn't have that "smoothe" draw I've become so accustomed to. I imagine this will come with a proper flush and cure, since the buds smell fantasic.

I took the first hit and waited a few minutes. I could feel a little "dizziness" feeling, but nothing spectacular, so I took a 2nd hit, and frankly, started getting a little worried about the quality I had on my hands.

Well, about 5 minutes later, I found myself staring at the TV, not even aware of what I was watching, just lost in my own little world and realizing I felt like I had been hit in the back of the head with a 2x4 but had no pain, just a numbness from the neck up!

So, even without any amber showing, I'd have to say I have some serious couch-lock meds in the works (my favorite kind!).

In fact, I'm still baked from the test drive I took about three hours ago, and in between I did the res change on the Haze and was so "distracted" I totally forgot to take pics!

Sorry...I will post some pics later today!

I will be disappointed if the taste doesn't improve, but I have to imagine it will only get better with a cure and overall, am very happy so far with the way things are going.

Thank you all for your help and special thanks to all that voted for me in MOTM.

Extra special thanks to OMM for the nomination!

 

[chrgrsfan]

Thanks, H! VERY nice res chiller!!!!

Have you been having problems with res temps, or just another step in perfecting the environment??? I know you had to deal with the root rot on the last grow and know you never want to go through that again!

Thanks K~, I have been thinking about it for some time. I was having temp issues already but had anticipated this was going to happen. No rot issues but had tent temps around 80f & res temps around 78-80f. I think my kung fu is worthy enough to make it without rot issues but I can tell you they were having minor heat stress issues. Plants look much happier now after 1 day of controlling res temps. I did not want to deal with a recirculating res system, I like keeping the 2 res sepereated. I thought a drop-in chiller is a better way to go for product longevity due to having nute build up @ some point with open system. As you know drop in chillers are a little less efficient & cost 2 times as much but last 5 times longer.

My DIY Dual Drop In Probe Close Loop Chiller System

2ea 1989 Ford Bronco Heater Core- $30 local part warehouse
2ea Nut Milk Filter Bags- 4bag= $8 w/shipping ebay
35' Hydrofram 5/8" Vinyl Tubing- 100'= $47 w/shipping ebay (cheaper for 100' then 50', go figure?)
6ea Nylon Zip Ties- $.50
1ea 396 GPH In-line Pump- $30 w/shipping Adavnt Garden
1ea JBJ 1/10hp Artica Aquarium Chiller- $384 w/shipping ebay
------------------------------------------------
= $500 to Chill 2 Reservoirs Drop-in Probe Style. Drop-in Probe Style Chiller system for 1 Reservoir starts @ $500 on ebay & $600 any other site.


I used RO'ed & H2O2 Treated H2O as coolant for system(if every leaks into res will not hurt anything & low ppm's of RO'ed water = low metal salt build up). I have done a lot of research on acidic enviroment & aluminum. I found Al only just starts to become an issue (possible solubility) until below 5.0 & I never run now below 5.6 ph so not even an issue. I soaked the heat sinks for 24hrs in 6.2 ph'ed H2O2 treat H2O taking ph & ppm's readings before then after, and finding no issues believe it will be perfect. Set chiller to 62f & I purposely turn off venatlation & had heater on, which ran tent up to 80f for 5hrs today; res temps never went above 65f. Unit is extremely quite & has shut off numerious times so should be a fairly energy efficient. High cost investment but I think needed if your going to use the amount of lights needed & to run in summer. Again don't think rot would have been an issue but just how the leaves were twisting here & there, drooping a slight bit in peak of heat and such, stress would be an issue. Seems like it's going to work out slick as shit. Again lots of up front cost but no real way around it, in my opinion, & I am not a 2 liter frozen bottle kind of guy. I think if you have the money to spend it for, then do it. I flip this next Saturday to 12/12 & will be finishing last or next to last week in July, and will want to start another right away so will be height of Summer temps. Sometimes you just don't go cheap & buck up, do what you have to do & buy it, if you know what I mean.
Happy Grows ~H~

 

[Xlr8]

TEST DRIVE UPDATE - WOW!!!

So, I woke up this morning and thought I'd try that sample bud I was drying yesterday. There was enough for about three one-hitters. First, I carefully examined the entire bud under magnification and it was all cloudy with a few clear trichs, but almost NO amber - just one or two I could spot out of lots, so I'm sure another week won't hurt her. The smell wasn't incredibly strong compared to what the cab smells like, but it was a smaller bud.

Instead of vaping it, I figured I'd try it in a small bong I have. I don't know why, since I basically only vape these days, but I guess I wanted to get the taste of the smoke.

The first thing I noticed is that, in spite of not being flushed, the burn was very clean culminating in a nice gray ashe that was easily cleared without having to ream the bowl with a "poker".

The next thing I noticed was a somewhat harsh taste. It didn't taste "grassy" or like "homegrown" but it didn't have that "smoothe" draw I've become so accustomed to. I imagine this will come with a proper flush and cure, since the buds smell fantasic.

I took the first hit and waited a few minutes. I could feel a little "dizziness" feeling, but nothing spectacular, so I took a 2nd hit, and frankly, started getting a little worried about the quality I had on my hands.

Well, about 5 minutes later, I found myself staring at the TV, not even aware of what I was watching, just lost in my own little world and realizing I felt like I had been hit in the back of the head with a 2x4 but had no pain, just a numbness from the neck up!

So, even without any amber showing, I'd have to say I have some serious couch-lock meds in the works (my favorite kind!).

In fact, I'm still baked from the test drive I took about three hours ago, and in between I did the res change on the Haze and was so "distracted" I totally forgot to take pics!

Sorry...I will post some pics later today!

I will be disappointed if the taste doesn't improve, but I have to imagine it will only get better with a cure and overall, am very happy so far with the way things are going.

Thank you all for your help and special thanks to all that voted for me in MOTM.

Extra special thanks to OMM for the nomination!

How cool that you got such a great high! Congrats on your first sample and the fantastic results!

Don't worry, they always taste pretty harsh before being properly dried and cured. Taste will absolutely get better, especially seeing that you've been diligent enough to do things the right way throughout your grow.

It's been so much fun watching your grow progress, and I'll miss the trippy colored LED infused photos. Your buds definitely packed on some weight these last few weeks, and you'll have a really nice harvest. What a journey, huh?

Another big thanks, XLR8!!!

I'm glad you found the dry box helpful. I'm definately happy with the way it turned out, but of course, I haven't dried anything in it yet, so I'm itching to try it out and see how it does.

Maybe you could help me take some samples and give me your opinion of the drying?

If only this were feasible! I'd be happy to give my opinion, but it would probably take several or more samples. Just to be sure.

 

[Mr. Krip]

Thanks K~, I have been thinking about it for some time. I was having temp issues already but had anticipated this was going to happen. No rot issues but had tent temps around 80f & res temps around 78-80f. I think my kung fu is worthy enough to make it without rot issues but I can tell you they were having minor heat stress issues. Plants look much happier now after 1 day of controlling res temps. I did not want to deal with a recirculating res system, I like keeping the 2 res sepereated. I thought a drop-in chiller is a better way to go for product longevity due to having nute build up @ some point with open system. As you know drop in chillers are a little less efficient & cost 2 times as much but last 5 times longer.

My DIY Dual Drop In Probe Close Loop Chiller System

2ea 1989 Ford Bronco Heater Core- $30 local part warehouse
2ea Nut Milk Filter Bags- 4bag= $8 w/shipping ebay
35' Hydrofram 5/8" Vinyl Tubing- 100'= $47 w/shipping ebay (cheaper for 100' then 50', go figure?)
6ea Nylon Zip Ties- $.50
1ea 396 GPH In-line Pump- $30 w/shipping Adavnt Garden
1ea JBJ 1/10hp Artica Aquarium Chiller- $384 w/shipping ebay
------------------------------------------------
= $500 to Chill 2 Reservoirs Drop-in Probe Style. Drop-in Probe Style Chiller system for 1 Reservoir starts @ $500 on ebay & $600 any other site.


I used RO'ed & H2O2 Treated H2O as coolant for system(if every leaks into res will not hurt anything & low ppm's of RO'ed water = low metal salt build up). I have done a lot of research on acidic enviroment & aluminum. I found Al only just starts to become an issue (possible solubility) until below 5.0 & I never run now below 5.6 ph so not even an issue. I soaked the heat sinks for 24hrs in 6.2 ph'ed H2O2 treat H2O taking ph & ppm's readings before then after, and finding no issues believe it will be perfect. Set chiller to 62f & I purposely turn off venatlation & had heater on, which ran tent up to 80f for 5hrs today; res temps never went above 65f. Unit is extremely quite & has shut off numerious times so should be a fairly energy efficient. High cost investment but I think needed if your going to use the amount of lights needed & to run in summer. Again don't think rot would have been an issue but just how the leaves were twisting here & there, drooping a slight bit in peak of heat and such, stress would be an issue. Seems like it's going to work out slick as shit. Again lots of up front cost but no real way around it, in my opinion, & I am not a 2 liter frozen bottle kind of guy. I think if you have the money to spend it for, then do it. I flip this next Saturday to 12/12 & will be finishing last or next to last week in July, and will want to start another right away so will be height of Summer temps. Sometimes you just don't go cheap & buck up, do what you have to do & buy it, if you know what I mean.
Happy Grows ~H~

H, wow, VERY nice!!!

I knew it was a chiller as soon as I saw that "radiator" looking thing, but didn't realize it was a DIY and using a 1989 Ford Bronco Heater!

You really should post that in the DIY section! You definately put some good research into it and it sounds like it's working great.
and +reps!

 

[Mr. Krip]

How cool that you got such a great high! Congrats on your first sample and the fantastic results!

Don't worry, they always taste pretty harsh before being properly dried and cured. Taste will absolutely get better, especially seeing that you've been diligent enough to do things the right way throughout your grow.

It's been so much fun watching your grow progress, and I'll miss the trippy colored LED infused photos. Your buds definitely packed on some weight these last few weeks, and you'll have a really nice harvest. What a journey, huh?

If only this were feasible! I'd be happy to give my opinion, but it would probably take several or more samples. Just to be sure.

Thanks XLR8! All the good words & vibes are greatly appreciated, and a large reason why I'd give you several samples!

The journey has really been great...a little stressful at times, especially the start, but I do feel I'm "getting my groove on" now, although, we'll see what happens next time I try germinating from seed instead of taking clones.

Don't worry, my friend, there's not gonna be much of a lapse in trippy LED lit photos. The haze's buds are now pretty photogenic themselves, and she'll be a few more weeks. And, I have a Pineapple Express and another Royal Haze in veg but all ready to flower as soon as the flower side of the cab is emptied and cleaned!

 

[OldMedMan]

Love it Mr Krip!

That test drive sure portends great things coming.

And you have lady's in waiting!

 

[Barry Manilow]

Congrats Mr Krip

I still remember that first 'lift-off' from my own ak just a few months ago it took me days to calm down! Come to think of it I'm still jacked over it

As Xlr8 said it will definitely smooth out and taste better. Will be interested in how you describe it's taste and smell, the best I can do is 'floral'.

And guess on her yield? I'll go with a nice even 100 grams.

 

[Mr. Krip]

Love it Mr Krip!

That test drive sure portends great things coming.

And you have lady's in waiting!

Thanks, OMM! I know they say never to keep a lady waiting, but I don't think the people who say that have perpetual grows!

 

[Mr. Krip]

Congrats Mr Krip

I still remember that first 'lift-off' from my own ak just a few months ago it took me days to calm down! Come to think of it I'm still jacked over it

As Xlr8 said it will definitely smooth out and taste better. Will be interested in how you describe it's taste and smell, the best I can do is 'floral'.

And guess on her yield? I'll go with a nice even 100 grams.

Thanks, Blue....I'm really looking forward to getting the taste after a decent cure. She smells more "diesely" than "flowery" to me right now. Taste right now is really tough to describe...really just harsh. I was tempted to take another sample, but I thought it best to wait at least a few days in between!

On the next sample, I'm gonna use the vape which should give me a much better idea of taste.

If you're talking 100 gr. dry weight, that would make me VERY happy. I've been trying like crazy to estimate it, but as good as I am at estimating weight in bags, when it's still on the plant, I'm finding it tough.

There's a dozen or so very nicely sized colas and a whole bunch of well developed lower stuff. It wouldn't surprise me to find 100 gr. on her (it would surprise me more that I was the one who grew her to have the 100 gr.!) but I think a lot will depend on the density of the buds, which is where the effectiveness of that LED will come into play.

The one bud I took was from a lower site on a smaller branch, and truthfully, it was a little airy. I'm not too worried right now, since the top buds do look & feel fairly dense, but until it's all dried & cured, I don't even want to try to guess.

OK...I'll guess 80 grams!

 

[Mr. Krip]

QUICK PIC UPDATE - AK 79 DAYS OF 12/12

"Once I saw the size of her calyxes, I knew she was the girl for me!"
- Mr. Krip

Sorry for not getting pics up yesterday, but the day really got away from me and before I knew it, it was lights-out. It's now been 79 days of 12/12 for the AK and I plan on starting her flush either tomorrow or Wednesday, depending on how both she and I are feeling.

Her colas, buds, calyxes & trichs are all HUGE and, as you'll see in some of the pics below, the calyxes literally look like they're about to explode!!!

Here's some shots from this morning:

Thanks again for everyone's help & support!

Happy Harvests!

K

P.S. It's come to my attention that DirtInMyEars, affectionately known as "DIME" has been nominated for MOTM. I'd like to put my full support behind him. He's been a great friend and help to many, and he's having some challenges in his grow right now, so he needs all the love we can throw his way! Go DIME!!!

 

[George Parker]

You are a good person Mr. Krip, thank you sir.

Your pics tell the tale of a grower who loves his plant... A love so deep you had to infiltrate a military installation to acquire the nuclear material need for its food source

...in other words, she's a freakin beast!

Good work my man!

 

[Barry Manilow]

Love those swollen calyxes Mr Krip

You're right, the density of the buds will tell the tale, but even worst case is looking really damn good

The flush followed by slow dry and cure will do wonders for the quality & smoothness of the smoke. If it's still harsh after that you can still WC but I'll bet it will be great.

I was checking out flavor extracts in the grocery aisle the other day, I'm going to look online because the only ones they had that caught my eye were vanilla, orange & lemon. I want something like pineapple , grape and mango.

Here's something I've been thinking about lately... remember that vid where the hippy chick chops the plant and sticks it in the vase and it drinks like crazy for a few days?

I have clones so I'm going to try that on a few of them with various flavors added after the chop.

However you my friend, if you were interested in trying something like that, could do it with a side bud. Just cut the branch at the stem and put it in flavored water, like a cut flower which is exactly what it is!

Not overpowering but like a hint of orange. I think it would be cool, I can't think of any downside can you? That's exactly the technique described in the curing thread except he did it right before the chop, and I'll bet you anything it would work just as well after. Then I can tell my friends I have all these crazy new strains like acapulco grape haha.

Take care bro

 

[Mr. Krip]

You are a good person Mr. Krip, thank you sir.

Your pics tell the tale of a grower who loves his plant... A love so deep you had to infiltrate a military installation to acquire the nuclear material need for its food source

...in other words, she's a freakin beast!

Good work my man!

Thank you, DIME...The feeling is mutual!

The AK most certainly is a beast. I was thinking this afternoon that I'm not sure I'll ever again see that small, just under 2'x2' flower chamber be as full of buds as it is now. Between the AK and the haze, I'm lucky I can even get the door closed!

The way all those buds are stacked hasn't been helping my paranoia about bud rot, either, and after seeing what you're going thru, I'm getting even more anxious to get at least the larger colas harvested ASAP before anything bad starts happening that could jeopardize what would otherwise be a great yield.

I'm not gonna do anything rash and start pulling colas now, since I start flushing her tomorrow anyways and don't have too much time left, but I'm keeping a real close eye on it at this point.