Greatwolf's Hydro Auto Blueberry & Tangerine Dream Grand Experiment Journal — 2017

[greatwolf]

Re: Greatwolf's Hydro Auto Blueberry & Tangerine Dream Grand Experiment Journal — 201

December 25, 2017
This is the day that I began uploading this journal and posting in the auto growers unite thread. Gave the girls their weekly feeding today. Current stats:
pH — 6.2
TDS — 343
Water Temp — 60.8 (morning)
Tent Temp — 60.1 (median)
Tent RH — 61% (median)
Blueberry height — 23"
Tangerine Dream height — 21"
Water/day — 62 oz.

December 26, 2017
Judging from the growth, they were rather hungry. Removed table and using milk crate until I can have wife help me get shelving. Current stats:
pH — 6.1
TDS — 585
Water Temp — 59.5 (morning)
Tent Temp — 62 (median)
Tent RH — 60% (median)
Blueberry height — 25"
Tangerine Dream height — 24.5"
Water/day — 70 oz.

December 27, 2017
Current stats (and photos):
pH — 6.2
TDS — 507
Water Temp — 55.9 (morning)
Tent Temp — 61.2 (median)
Tent RH — 71% (median)
Blueberry height — 27"
Tangerine Dream height — 26.5"
Water/day — 64 oz.


Aerogarden Day 37

Blueberry Day 37

Tangerine Dream Day 37

Blueberry Top Day 37

Tangerine Dream Top Day 37

Back to the darkside

 

[greatwolf]

Re: Greatwolf's Hydro Auto Blueberry & Tangerine Dream Grand Experiment Journal — 201

December 28, 2017
Still seeing rapid growth. Current stats:
pH — 6.1
TDS — 477
Water Temp — 58.3 (morning)
Tent Temp — 59.4 (median)
Tent RH — 61% (median)
Blueberry height — 28.5"
Tangerine Dream height — 28.5"
Water/day — 64 oz.

December 29, 2017
Current stats:
pH — 6.0
TDS — 459
Water Temp — 57.1 (morning)
Tent Temp — 59.3 (median)
Tent RH — 63% (median)
Blueberry height — 40"
Tangerine Dream height — 29.5"
Water/day — 62 oz.

December 30, 2017
Replaced milk crate with 18"x36"x18" shelving unit. Installed aerovoir, a 1 gallon resovoir that automatically feeds water as needed. Current stats:
pH — 5.8
TDS — 418
Water Temp — 59 (morning)
Tent Temp — 66.1 (median)
Tent RH — 63% (median)
Blueberry height — 31.5"
Tangerine Dream height — 30.5"
Water/day — 76 oz.

Aerogarden Day 40

Blueberry Day 40

Tangerine Dream Day 40

Cheers from the darkside

 

[greatwolf]

Re: Greatwolf's Hydro Auto Blueberry & Tangerine Dream Grand Experiment Journal — 201

December 31, 2017
End of the year stats:
pH — 5.6
TDS — 383
Water Temp — 59.1 (morning)
Tent Temp — 66.7 (median)
Tent RH — 62% (median)
Blueberry height — 32.5"
Tangerine Dream height — 31.5"

January 1, 2018
New year, first feeding of the year. Used about ½ gallon of water yesterday before refilling after feeding. And New Year photos. Changed lighting to 18/6 (for lower overnight temps, to see if Blueberry begins color change). Current stats:
pH — 5.6
TDS — 783
Water Temp — 56.7 (after feeding)
Tent Temp — 64.4 (median)
Tent RH — 51% (median)
Blueberry height — 33"
Tangerine Dream height — 32"

Aerogarden Day 42

Aerogarden Top View Day 42

Blueberry Day 42

Tangerine Dream Day 42

Blueberry Top Day 42

Tangerine Dream Top Day 42

January 2, 2018
Current Stats:
pH — 5.8
TDS — 474
Water Temp — 57 (after feeding)
Tent Temp — 65.3 (median)
Tent RH — 43% (median)
Blueberry height — 33"
Tangerine Dream height — 32.5"

Cheers from the darkside

 

[greatwolf]

Re: Greatwolf's Hydro Auto Blueberry & Tangerine Dream Grand Experiment Journal — 201

Okay, the journal is now caught up and real time!

Tips on a first couple of pistils of the Blueberry are turning amber/orange, only visible under magnification. A couple of the smaller leaves may be darkening also. Current stats and photos:

pH — 6.0
TDS — 525
Water Temp — 57.4 (morning)
Tent Temp — 65.1 (median)
Tent RH — 48% (median)
Blueberry height — 33.5"
Tangerine Dream height — 33"

Aerogarden Day 44

Blueberry Day 44

Tangerine Dream Day 44

Blueberry Top Day 44

Tangerine Dream Top Day 44

Back to the darkside

 

[greatwolf]

Re: Greatwolf's Hydro Auto Blueberry & Tangerine Dream Grand Experiment Journal — 201

While the plants are not gaining much height now, the are still consuming nutrients and and lots of water (1 gallon in about 54 hours). I'll try to get photo of Blueberry top bud through 30x loupe tomorrow. Current stats:
pH — 6.2
TDS — 457
Water Temp — 59.2 (morning)
Tent Temp — 65.7 (median)
Tent RH — 53% (median)
Blueberry height — 33.75"
Tangerine Dream height — 33.5"

 

[greatwolf]

Re: Greatwolf's Hydro Auto Blueberry & Tangerine Dream Grand Experiment Journal — 201

6 1/2 weeks in and the height is slowing down, although consumption of nutrients and water continues. Had to give a mid-week feeding again. Plants consumed a gallon in about 52 hours. Current stats and photos:
Current Stats:
pH — 5.9
TDS — 769
Water Temp — 58.9 (after feeding)
Tent Temp — 65.7 (median)
Tent RH — 50% (median)
Blueberry height — 34"
Tangerine Dream height — 33.75"

Aerogarden Day 46

Aerogarden Top Day 46

Blueberry Day 46

Tangerine Dream Day 46

This next photo is not because the plants are close, but to practice taking picture throught the Loupe.

Blueberry 30x Loupe Day 46

Cheers from the darkside

 

[bignugz420]

Re: Greatwolf's Hydro Auto Blueberry & Tangerine Dream Grand Experiment Journal — 201

Are those all autos or some photo

 

[greatwolf]

Re: Greatwolf's Hydro Auto Blueberry & Tangerine Dream Grand Experiment Journal — 201

Are those all autos or some photo

Those are both autos. Sorry for the late reply.

Cheers from the darkside

 

[greatwolf]

Re: Greatwolf's Hydro Auto Blueberry & Tangerine Dream Grand Experiment Journal — 201

Slow growth in height, but more girth. A little more amber showing up in the pistils.

Current stats:
pH – 6.1
TDS – 474
Water Temp – 55.4 (morning)
Tent Temp – 66 (median)
Tent RH – 44% (median)
Blueberry height – 34.5”
Tangerine Dream height – 34”

Back to the the darkside

 

[greatwolf]

Re: Greatwolf's Hydro Auto Blueberry & Tangerine Dream Grand Experiment Journal — 201

Posted detailed directions for twisted sister technique in the Auto Growers Unite thread. Current stats:
pH — 6.2
TDS — 543
Water Temp — 54.3 (morning)
Tent Temp — 65.7 (median)
Tent RH — 43% (median)
Blueberry height — 34.75"
Tangerine Dream height — 34.5"

Cheers from the darkside

 

[greatwolf]

Re: Greatwolf's Hydro Auto Blueberry & Tangerine Dream Grand Experiment Journal — 201

So if the breeder's stats are correct, the Blueberry should be between 15 and 25 days from harvest while the Tangerine Dream should be between 20 and 30 days. This is probably within a week or so of being correct.

The plants drank a gallon of water over about 52 hours. No feeding today since they were fed on Friday. Current stats and new photos:
pH — 6.3
TDS — 457
Water Temp — 56.2 (morning)
Tent Temp — 66.7 (median)
Tent RH — 42% (median)
Blueberry height — 35"
Tangerine Dream height — 34.75"

Aerogarden Day 49

Blueberry Day 49

Tangerine Dream Day 49

Blueberry Top Day 49

Tangerine Dream Top Day 49

Now to try to answer the first question from the beginning of this Journal:

"1. CBD by itself has as effective as oxycodone in relieving my back pain (about 20-40%), which allowed me to quit taking it about 4 years ago. Will adding THC help more and allow me do some core exercises?"

Actually, the question for today will be if it will help with the pain sufficiently to allow me some sleep. Blueberry is supposed to help with insomnia, which, while not actually the case (waking up from pain after an hour or two of sleep is not insomnia) might be able to help. I realize that the flowers are not ready yet - but here's the volunteer:

But I figure it is worth at least trying at this point, especially given the shape my back is in after last Thursday's storm. Here are a couple more pics:

Cheers from the darkside

 

[greatwolf]

Re: Greatwolf's Hydro Auto Blueberry & Tangerine Dream Grand Experiment Journal — 201

So last night's experiment seemed to help a little; I took about hits and while I only felt a little, it did help a little with the back pain. It did help with the sleep a little too; although I woke up after 2 hours, it wasn't from pain and I was able to immediately go back to sleep for a couple more hours. Not sure about the interruption unless my circadian rythyms are just that screwed up.

Current stats:
pH — 6.3
TDS — 433
Water Temp — 58.3 (morning)
Tent Temp — 69.1 (median)
Tent RH — 43% (median)
Blueberry height — 35.25"
Tangerine Dream height — 35"

Cheers from the darkside

 

[greatwolf]

Day 51 - Feeding, Bondage and New Photos

Fed the plants today (5 days since last feeding).

Began phase II of twisted sister today, although that is more of a misnomer. It's more like subjugating the girls in bondage at this stage. I do this instead of the defoliation that many growers use in the last few weeks of flowering. This involves using about 1-1/2" pieces of pipe cleaner or soft plant-tie wire to secure the fan leaves loosely to the stems. The effect is similar to defoliation without being as drastic - or as permanent. It does not open it up as much to air flow, but close. Same for light. But it has the advantage that it can be undone. And that these leaves are available to produce energy, even limited amounts when vertical. Because I will harvest the buds as they ripen, not the whole plant at once. This will allow me to lower the lights and even release some of the leaves from bondage as necessary so the lower buds can grow larger before they are ready for harvest.

I only got about 25% done today, but lux at the base between the plants went from 70 before to 185 after. And that is working from front to back.

Current stats and photos:
pH — 6.0
TDS — 853
Water Temp — 54.3 (after feeding)
Tent Temp — 69.8 (median)
Tent RH — 42% (median)
Blueberry height — 35.5"
Tangerine Dream height — 35"

Aerogarden Day 51

Blueberry Day 51

Tangerine Dream Day 51

Blueberry Top Day 51

Tangerine Dream Top Day 51

Cheers from the darkside

 

[greatwolf]

Day 52 - More Bondage

Continued binding fan leaves to stems (about 60% done today). Lux measurement at base of plants is now up to 400 (was at 70 before began). More of the pistils are beginning to change colors. But I have noticed the 2 things - the temperature is a few degrees cooler and uptake of water (and nutrients) has slowed considerably. The second is expected but first is a bit of a surprise; I may have to adjust the airflow to take this into account.

Current stats:
pH – 6.0
TDS – 799
Water Temp – 59.3 (morning)
Tent Temp – 65.4 (median)
Tent RH – 46% (median)
Blueberry height – 35.75”
Tangerine Dream height – 35.25”

Cheers from the darkside

 

[greatwolf]

Day 53 - Finished Bondage (for Now) and New Photos

Finished binding the fan leaves (about 90-95% of them bound to stems) and the lux at the base of the plants is now at 600. Not bad considering that when I began this a few days ago it was 70, this is about 48" from the light, and all of the buds and bound foliage in the way. The girls have been recovering, drinking more and consuming more of the nutes. Maybe 2-3 weeks until the first buds are ready for harvest. Current stats:
pH — 6.2
TDS — 518
Water Temp — 59.8 (morning)
Tent Temp — 65.1 (median)
Tent RH — 64% (median)
Blueberry height — 35.75"
Tangerine Dream height — 35.5"


Aerogarden Day 53

Blueberry Day 53

Tangerine Dream Day 53

Blueberry Top Day 53

Tangerine Dream Top Day 53

Cheers from the darkside

 

[greatwolf]

Day 54 - Brief Update

The girls drank a gallon of water in about 70 hours, still filling out and recovering nicely from their bondage session. Current stats:
pH — 6.2
TDS — 453
Water Temp — 59.6 (morning)
Tent Temp — 64.8 (median)
Tent RH — 62% (median)
Blueberry height — 35.75"
Tangerine Dream height — 35.5"

Cheers from the darkside

 

[Blazinjones]

Re: Greatwolf's Hydro Auto Blueberry & Tangerine Dream Grand Experiment Journal — 201

Nice man i cant wait to setup my dwc bucket and do some autos cause urs are looking great. Also with taking buds off as it goes wudnt that slow the growth dwn of all the other buds growing?

 

[LB07]

Re: Greatwolf's Hydro Auto Blueberry & Tangerine Dream Grand Experiment Journal — 201

Grows looking great! Your res temp is a little low bud! You are a nice caregiver. I would've just ripped those leaves off ..

 

[greatwolf]

Re: Greatwolf's Hydro Auto Blueberry & Tangerine Dream Grand Experiment Journal — 201

Nice man i cant wait to setup my dwc bucket and do some autos cause urs are looking great. Also with taking buds off as it goes wudnt that slow the growth dwn of all the other buds growing?

Let me know if you journal your grow so I can follow it.

Yes, harvesting buds as they ripen is effectively the same as topping a plant, so there is some apparent slowing in the lower buds. But this can be offset somewhat by lowering the lights and releasing some of the leaves from bondage.

At least that is how it works with standard strains. Part of the experiment here is to see if this works the same for autos.

Cheers from the darkside

 

[greatwolf]

Re: Greatwolf's Hydro Auto Blueberry & Tangerine Dream Grand Experiment Journal — 201

Grows looking great! Your res temp is a little low bud! You are a nice caregiver. I would've just ripped those leaves off ..

The res temp is actually in the lower part of mid-range, which should be fine for flowering, even ideal. High res temps are where the real problems are for most growers.

As for not ripping off the leaves, I hope to be rewarded for my work by having the lower buds grow larger, increasing my yield.

Cheers from the darkside