The Grow Awards 2026 🏆
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what can i say apart from they are doing amazing this run, i mean had to defoliate them before than usual, i normal world be aiming for day 26 or after and this time i had to go in before that as they are moving fast as fuck, so without much i got my hand duty dirty and clean the closet down hihihihi it was a fun job and something i just love doing it, i get to touch them more than i usually do , cense the franges they free in to the air for me to be zenning and defoliating them, is just the perfect job my friend and its fun as hell. with this i also started my extra K so now they have full flower nutrition available from them to explode them fruits in to the cosmos and beyond As always thank you all for stopping by, for the love and for it all , this journey of mine wold just not be the same without you guys, the love and support is very much appreciated and i fell honored and blessed with you all in my life <3<3<3 #aptus #aptusplanttech #aptusgang #aptusfamily #aptustrueplantscience #inbalancewithnature #trueplantscience #dogdoctorofficial #growerslove 
 With true love comes happiness <3<3<3 Always believe in your self and always do things expecting nothing and with an open heart , be a giver and the universe will give back to you in ways you could not even imagine so <3<3<3 <3 Friendly reminder all you see here is pure research and for educational purposes only <3 <3<3<3 Growers Love To you All <3<3<3
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We're in the ninth week of flowering, and everything's going great. They'll probably be ready to harvest next weekend. Cheers!
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7 días . Ph: 5,9-6,0 Ec: 02 - max 0,6 1 semana y ya completamos el pan de raíz. Desde el día 3 riego foliar , knactive , mycochum + orca .
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3rd week ... life goes on ... leaves come out ... branches grow ... what else? ☕️😂😂😂 Period : 05/04 - 11/04/25 DIARIE: A small word about my growing equipment (pic 1): - I use two 9.2L airpots (yellow base) that I modify by cutting the first three levels of the top plastic extensions inside in order to install the FloraFlex caps that fit perfectly. The bases are placed at the very bottom to stay around 9L. - Under the airpots, there are under-pots with a drainage tray of about 400 ml. It's practical but very insufficient, I would replace them with a drainage system made by myself like the FloraFlex PotPro Platform (Not found in my country 😭). - I put a scale under the under-pots. I had this idea when I started growing again. For me it's incredibly effective! I have a reference weight and I weigh it "before" and "after" watering, as well as daily, so I know when to water. I press the pots and the scales light up. Perfect watering when it's needed!!! Other information : - Watering volume per plant : 600 ml - Ro water : EC 0.0 & PH 5.8 - Light : Dimmer 60 % - PPFD : 350 - No PH check 🐍Day 1 : My 2 "girls" continue to develop well 🌿 🐍Day 2 : The plants are growing very well. 1st watering. 🐍Day 3 : I'm really happy with the progress of my two BBGs! The branches are growing but, for me, are not yet long enough to start LST. 🐍Day 4 : Dim. : 80% - PPFD: 390 - I fixed the Floraflex on the airpots (Hot glue, easy to remove) so that the caps do not lift with the attachment of the branches during the LST. 2nd watering. 🐍Day 5 : Installing a 6" Mars Hydro oscillating fan, my little Winflex fans, as old as the grow tent, are dying. 🐍Day 6 : Some photos and short vidéos. 3rd and last watering for this week. 🐍Day 7 : PPFD : 430 - Changing the sprinklers. The black clips allow you to plug two of the three holes and also make removing easier. Installation of the "Gravity Dripper" allows for much slower watering, at 2 cm in the grow medium. Start of LST... A big thank you if you come to see my diarie, smoke lots of good weed but don't forget, in reality, man doesn't fly! 😂😂😂
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@CalGonJim
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7/21 330am MONDAY everyone is looking good. I gave a little bit of nitrogen from a germination grow yesterday gorilla gas F1 has little white bugs in the soil, but it doesn’t seem to be affecting anything too bad. I don’t want to spray anything. It will affect the outcome and make everything taste gross. I learned that the hard way☠️ flushing matters because even though the flowers process & convert, there is still water being delivered up through the root system that carries up things that taste bad and your BONG WATER will look the same color as your runoff SHOULD HAVE after the first hit. DONT DO THAT, DONT BE LIKE ME!👍👍 7/22 3:22 AM I got five Mike Tyson clones. They are not autos, but I think they are gelato. They are great. I put some extra dirt and one of the Mike Tyson plants yesterday so I have to put in some new nutrients on the nitrogen deficiency, everything‘s looking good. 👍👍. 7/22 1030pm......WELL WE KNOW WHAT DOESNT WORK...... I SCREWED UP WITH RAPID START. IT WILL CAUSE VERY SPECIFIC BURNS TO THE LEAF TIPS AND SIDES WHEN USED. I MAY BE USING TOO MUCH, 0.5ML SHOULD USE .25ML, WONT USE AGAIN UNTIL I FIGURE OUT WHATS INTERACTING AND CAUSING THIS. The clones are looking great, they will go back from flower to veg this week then a month of slow germination and kept low and slow so I can keep them. 7/23 4 AM adding TMG powder to the mix 👍👍 7/24 111am TMG did not harm the plants. The clones are progressing nicely. There may be some problems mixing methylene blue with nitrous oxide but it’s maybe different. There’s a combination of amino acids. I’m still trying to work out. Proline arginine citrulline are the main ones right now that have pretty good results. Methylene blue works really good during veg not so sure during flower I tend to accumulate in the chloroplast and on the in the leaves you can see it. It doesn’t affect the flavor or the taste. I’ve smoked some critical Kush shake on some pretty heavy methylene blue is an experiment and I’m not dead yet so dammit here we are.👍👍👍🎉🎉. My personal results using this combination on myself has been phenomenal. The change after using the system on myself is nothing I’ve experienced before I feel ripped off by about 40 years of garbage medicine when I created something that actually worked for the first time, I wouldn’t put too much faith in any more PhD lab coats. They are all failures and I found a system that works.👍. 845am PROP WALL UPDATE, I GET DISTRACTE....OH LOOK AT THAT... I DONT KNOW WHERE I SAID DISNEY WHILE SHE WAS LISTING BUT IT SCREWED UP OR MADE INCREDIBLY BETTER THE INFO YOU ARE ABOUT TO READ!!!!!!! IM PRETTY SURE I SAID DIXIE VIBE...BUT OK 7/24 315pm Got it, so anyway, we were talking about adjusting the dosage for your mix on flowering cannabis, and you’re saying to skip the methylene blue. Let’s pivot and finalize the analysis without methylene blue, focusing on 10 drops Amino Acid Quick-Sorb, 1/4 teaspoon TMG powder, 1 Nitric Boost capsule (L-arginine 400 mg, L-arginine AKG 400 mg, L-citrulline 200 mg, L-citrulline malate 200 mg, L-citrulline AKG 200 mg) in a 2-liter solution with Advanced Nutrients Connoisseur at the recommended dosage (4–8 mL/L). I’ll wrap up the effects on bud quality, cannabinoids, and terpenes during the flowering stage (weeks 4–12), and give you practical tips to optimize your cannabis grow. ### Effects During Flowering Stage (Without Methylene Blue) 1. Amino Acid Quick-Sorb (10 drops, ~100 mg in 2 L, ~50 mg/L): - Bud Impact: At 50 mg/L, amino acids (glycine, L-arginine, L-proline, etc.) act as biostimulants, boosting terpene production but potentially reducing cannabinoid content. They increase nitrogen and sulfur uptake, supporting trichome development but may lower calcium and iron, risking deficiencies that affect bud density. (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9008891/) - Cannabinoids: Reduces CBDA by up to 44% and THCA by up to 196% (especially in drain-to-waste systems), lowering potency. Recirculation systems mitigate this loss slightly. (https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/plant-science/articles/10.3389/fpls.2022.868350/full) - Terpenes: Boosts limonene (81–123%) and β-myrcene (139–167%), creating aromatic buds like a burst of citrusy magic from a Disney parade. (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9008891/) - Flowering Note: The low dose minimizes nitrogen overload, but excess could delay bud ripening, making buds leafy like overgrowth in Sleeping Beauty’s castle. Monitor for yellowing leaves (calcium/iron deficiency). 2. Trimethylglycine (TMG) Powder (1/4 teaspoon, ~1250 mg in 2 L, ~625 mg/L): - Bud Impact: TMG acts as an osmoprotectant, enhancing stress tolerance (e.g., high light, humidity swings), which is key for robust bud development in flowering. It supports methylation, potentially upregulating terpene or flavonoid genes, but doesn’t directly boost cannabinoids. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trimethylglycine) - Cannabinoids: May indirectly support THCA/CBDA synthase via methylation, but evidence is speculative. No significant direct impact. - Terpenes: Likely amplifies amino acid-driven terpene boosts, enhancing aroma like a floral float at Epcot’s Flower and Garden Festival. - Flowering Note: At 625 mg/L, TMG helps plants thrive under stress but may increase nitrogen levels, risking delayed flowering if overdone. Watch EC to avoid burn. 3. Nitric Boost Capsule (1 capsule, 1400 mg total NO precursors in 2 L, ~700 mg/L): - Ingredients Recap: L-arginine (400 Great! So, let’s finalize the flowering cannabis analysis, focusing on your mix—10 drops Amino Acid Quick-Sorb, 1/4 teaspoon TMG powder, 1 Nitric Boost capsule (with L-arginine 400 mg, L-arginine AKG 400 mg, L-citrulline 200 mg, L-citrulline malate 200 mg, L-citrulline AKG 200 mg), and 1 drop 5% methylene blue in a 2-liter solution with Advanced Nutrients Connoisseur at the recommended dosage. I’ll finish the terpene effects, summarize the overall impact, and give you actionable tips to optimize bud quality, cannabinoid, and terpene production during the flowering stage (weeks 4–12 for most cannabis cultivars). Then, I’ll tie in any Disney vibe you’re feeling, maybe with a sprinkle of fun! — ### **Completion of Effects During Flowering Stage** We were discussing the **terpene profile** and how the mix impacts bud quality. To recap: amino acids (Quick-Sorb) reduce cannabinoids (THCA, CBDA) by up to 44–196% but boost monoterpenes like limonene (81–123%) and β-myrcene (139–167%), TMG enhances stress tolerance, Nitric Boost increases NO for nutrient uptake and terpenes, and methylene blue’s low dose (1.25 mg/L) may slightly counteract NO effects or provide antimicrobial benefits. Let’s finish the terpene section and synthesize the rest. - **Terpene Profile (Continued)**: - **Amino Acid Quick-Sorb**: The significant increase in limonene and β-myrcene enhances bud aroma and therapeutic value (e.g., anti-inflammatory, sedative effects). These terpenes are concentrated in trichomes, improving market appeal, especially for strains prized for scent (e.g., OG Kush, Blue Dream). Other amino acids like glycine and serine may support terpene synthase enzymes indirectly via protein synthesis. - **TMG**: By aiding methylation, TMG could upregulate terpene biosynthesis genes, amplifying the amino acid effect, though direct evidence is limited. - **Nitric Boost**: The NO precursors (L-arginine, L-citrulline, totaling 1400 mg per capsule, or ~700 mg/L in 2 L) boost NO signaling, which upregulates terpene pathways, synergizing with amino acids for a stronger aroma profile. - **Methylene Blue**: Its NO inhibition might slightly dampen terpene enhancement from Nitric Boost, but at 1.25 mg/L, the effect is negligible. Its antimicrobial properties could protect trichomes from fungal issues (e.g., bud rot), preserving terpene quality. - **Advanced Nutrients Connoisseur**: Its humic acids and organic inputs enhance terpene production, complementing the amino acid and NO effects for a robust flavor profile. (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9008891/, https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/plant-science/articles/10.3389/fpls.2022.868350/full, https://www.advancednutrients.com/products/) — ### **Overall Impact on Flowering Cannabis** - **Bud Quality and Yield**: - **Positives**: The mix enhances terpene production (limonene, β-myrcene), improving bud aroma and appeal, ideal for premium markets. TMG and proline (from Quick-Sorb) boost stress tolerance, supporting bud development under high light, heat, or humidity stress, common in flowering. Connoisseur’s optimized NPK (e.g., ~194 mg/L N, 59 mg/L P) ensures dense, resinous buds. Nitric Boost’s NO precursors may increase nutrient delivery, potentially increasing bud size in early flowering (weeks 4–6). - **Negatives**: Amino acids risk reducing THCA and CBDA by 44–196%, especially in drain-to-waste systems, lowering potency. Excess nitrogen from Quick-Sorb and TMG could delay flowering or produce leafy buds, reducing density. Methylene blue’s NO inhibition may counteract Nitric Boost’s benefits, potentially limiting nutrient uptake or terpene gains. High EC (estimated 1.8–2.8 mS/cm with additives) risks nutrient burn, visible as brown leaf tips or stunted buds. 7/25 9am Water today no MB, all aminos tho. 217pm GOATS sustained minor damage from Rapid Start product experiment at the wrong time. It's ok on its own in the beginning with clones too but never with flowering nutrients. G Gas f1 and GC Auto have more damage because I did not start Amino and Methelyene Blue treatment, so it does work in Veg. and creates a protective environment that carries through till the end. No more MB or Aminos, I WILL keep using small amounts of TMG Powder. and I will get all the other stress amino acids separately , just AN and ATAMI at .5ml per TWO liter, I do EVERYTHING in 2 liter now, just easier and more accurate. NEVER FUCKING SLEEP...FUCK 745PM.... AMINO'S HAVE BETRAYED ME!!!!!! FARGING BASTAGES!!!! I think I will get all the stress aminos separately from BulkSupplements they have small bags of each one but its 18 of them and about 12 to 17 each.....BulkSupplements. 137am. Something smoking Purple Haze...puts me to sleep....nooooo. ZUP by Fastbuds smell like. garlic cheese muffin its just greatl. I got over nitrogen and Frost Banger was leafy, all were small and all turned out perfect smell and taste. 3am they all got pretty burned by the rapid start and it also could’ve been. I sprayed a little bit of Nemo on the dart when I saw the bugs they bad idea, but I had to do it. 7/27 1233am. IVE SEEN RE-VEGES YOU PEOPLE WOULDN'T BELIVE ... UNTIL NOW LOSERS.. the Tyson plants are re-vegging perfectly!!!! in a couple months they will be strong and small. The G Gas F1 clones are ready but I think im going to try and bonsai tree them sounds like a fun project. OR EXTREMELY FRUSTRATING AND I THROW MOST OF IT AGANST THE WALL AND THEN BREAK STUFF. NOT SURE ITS WORTH IT. 7/27 230pm Adding proline to a 2-liter nutrient solution containing Advanced Nutrients pH Perfect Bloom (2–4 mL), Atami Bloombastic (1 mL), and betaine anhydrous (250–500 mg, 1–2 mM) for autoflowering cannabis plants could potentially enhance stress tolerance and growth, as proline is another well-documented osmoprotectant and stress-mitigating compound in plants. However, its effects on autoflowers, which are sensitive to nutrient overload, must be carefully considered to avoid imbalances. Since no cannabis-specific studies exist for proline or its combination with betaine, the following analysis extrapolates from research on other plants (e.g., alfalfa, peppers, maize) and accounts for autoflowers’ unique characteristics (short life cycle, low nutrient tolerance). Background on Proline • What is Proline?: Proline is an amino acid that accumulates naturally in plants under stress (e.g., drought, salinity, temperature extremes) to act as an osmoprotectant, stabilize proteins and membranes, and scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS). It complements betaine’s role as an osmolyte and stress mitigator. • Role in Plants: Exogenous proline application (via nutrient solution or foliar spray) can enhance stress tolerance, improve photosynthetic efficiency, and support growth under adverse conditions. It also regulates gene expression related to stress response and nutrient uptake. • Relevance to Autoflowers: Autoflowers, with their compact size and 6–12-week life cycle, are hardy but sensitive to overfeeding. Proline could enhance resilience in stressful environments (e.g., high EC, temperature swings, or inconsistent watering), but excessive doses risk nutrient burn or metabolic disruption. Potential Effects of Adding Proline to the Nutrient Solution Based on studies of proline’s effects on other plants and the context of your nutrient mix, here are the likely impacts on autoflowering cannabis: 1 Enhanced Stress Tolerance: ◦ Osmotic Regulation: Like betaine, proline maintains cellular water balance under stress (e.g., drought, salinity). In maize, exogenous proline (1–10 mM) increased leaf water content and reduced wilting under drought stress. For autoflowers, proline could complement betaine’s osmotic protection, particularly in hydroponic systems or outdoor grows with variable conditions. ◦ Antioxidant Defense: Proline reduces oxidative stress by scavenging ROS and upregulating antioxidant enzymes (e.g., superoxide dismutase [SOD], peroxidase [POD]). In alfalfa under salt stress, proline accumulation (alongside betaine) decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, indicating less cell damage. This could protect autoflower leaves and buds from stress-induced damage, especially under high-intensity lighting or heat. 2 Synergistic Effects with Betaine: ◦ Complementary Osmolytes: Proline and betaine both act as compatible solutes, stabilizing proteins and membranes. In Suaeda salsa, combined accumulation of proline and betaine under salinity improved growth and ion homeostasis (Na+/K+ balance). For autoflowers, adding proline to betaine could enhance stress resilience, particularly if grown in challenging conditions (e.g., high EC from Bloom/Bloombastic, low humidity, or temperature fluctuations). ◦ Potential Redundancy: Since betaine (250–500 mg, 1–2 mM) already provides osmoprotection, additional proline may offer diminishing returns in optimal conditions (e.g., controlled indoor grows with 18–20 hours light, 70–80°F, 40–60% humidity). However, under stress, their combined effects could be additive, improving root activity and biomass. 3 Improved Growth and Photosynthesis: ◦ Growth Enhancement: In peppers, 5 mM proline increased plant height and fresh weight under salinity stress. For autoflowers, proline could support vegetative growth (weeks 2–4) or early flowering (weeks 4–6), potentially increasing bud sites or yield, though effects may be limited by their short cycle. ◦ Photosynthetic Efficiency: Proline protects photosystem II and increases chlorophyll content. In wheat, 10 mM proline improved Fv/Fm (photochemical efficiency) under drought. For autoflowers under high-intensity lights (e.g., LED, HPS), proline could stabilize photosynthesis, complementing betaine’s effects on chlorophyll gene expression (e.g., Capsb genes in peppers). 4 Nutrient Uptake and Metabolism: ◦ Ion Homeostasis: Proline enhances K+ uptake and reduces Na+ toxicity under salinity, as seen in Suaeda salsa. This could improve nutrient absorption in autoflowers, which rely on efficient uptake due to smaller root systems, especially in hydroponics with Advanced Nutrients Bloom (high N-P-K) and Bloombastic (high P-K). ◦ Metabolic Support: Proline supports protein synthesis and enzyme stability, potentially enhancing metabolic efficiency during the rapid autoflower life cycle. However, excessive proline could disrupt nitrogen metabolism, as it’s an amino acid competing with other nitrogen sources in the nutrient solution. 5 Potential Impact on Yield and Quality: ◦ Yield: Proline’s stress-mitigating effects could indirectly increase bud weight by reducing environmental setbacks, similar to betaine’s potential to enhance biomass. Autoflowers yield 28–112 g/plant indoors, and proline might support larger buds if stress is a limiting factor. ◦ Cannabinoid/Terpene Profile: No data exists on proline’s effect on THC, CBD, or terpenes. It’s unlikely to directly alter cannabinoid synthesis but could improve plant vigor, potentially leading to denser buds or enhanced resin production. Overapplication risks altering flavor if not flushed properly. Recommended Proline Dosage • Optimal Concentration: 1–2 mM (230–460 mg per 2 L). ◦ Calculation: Proline molecular weight: 115.13 g/mol. 1 mM = 0.001 mol/L × 115.13 g/mol = 0.11513 g/L = 115.13 mg/L. For 2 L at 1 mM: 115.13 mg/L × 2 L = 230.26 mg (rounded to 230 mg). For 2 L at 2 mM: 115.13 mg/L × 2 × 2 L = 460.52 mg (rounded to 460 mg). ◦ Rationale: Studies (e.g., maize, peppers) show 1–10 mM proline is effective for stress tolerance, with 1–5 mM optimal for root application to avoid toxicity. For autoflowers, 1–2 mM aligns with betaine’s 1–2 mM (250–500 mg), ensuring compatibility and minimizing nutrient overload. Start with 230 mg (1 mM) to test plant response, increasing to 460 mg (2 mM) if no stress signs (e.g., leaf burn, stunted growth) appear after 1–2 applications. • Comparison with Betaine: Proline and betaine have similar molar masses (115.13 vs. 117.15 g/mol), so 1–2 mM of each results in comparable mass (230–460 mg for proline, 250–500 mg for betaine). Their combined effect should stay within autoflower EC limits (1.2–1.8 mS/cm for flowering). Application Guidelines • Nutrient Solution Recipe (2 L): ◦ Water: 2 L (RO or dechlorinated tap water). ◦ Advanced Nutrients pH Perfect Bloom: 2–4 mL (1–2 mL/L, start with 2 mL for early flowering). ◦ Atami Bloombastic: 1 mL (0.5 mL/L, suitable for flowering autoflowers). ◦ Betaine Anhydrous: 250–500 mg (1–2 mM, start with 250 mg). ◦ Proline: 230–460 mg (1–2 mM, start with 230 mg). ◦ Mixing: Add Bloom first, then Bloombastic, betaine, and proline, stirring thoroughly after each addition. Check EC (target 1.2–1.8 mS/cm) and pH (5.5–6.5 for hydro, 6.0–6.5 for soil). • Timing: Apply during vegetative (weeks 2–4) or early flowering (weeks 4–6) to support stress tolerance and growth. Stop both betaine and proline 2 weeks before harvest to allow flushing for optimal bud flavor. • Frequency: Use with each nutrient feeding (e.g., every 2–3 days in hydro, weekly in soil). Alternate or reduce frequency if EC approaches 1.8 mS/cm. • Source: Use L-proline (plant-grade, 99%+ purity) from a reputable supplier (e.g., agricultural or lab-grade sources). Avoid impure or non-plant-specific products. Potential Risks and Considerations • Nutrient Overload: Combining betaine (250–500 mg) and proline (230–460 mg) with Bloom and Bloombastic increases EC and nitrogen load (proline is an amino acid). Monitor for nutrient burn (brown leaf tips, clawing). If symptoms appear, reduce both to 0.5 mM (125 mg betaine, 115 mg proline per 2 L) or skip a feeding. • EC Impact: Betaine and proline each add ~0.1–0.2 mS/cm at 1–2 mM. With Bloom (1–2 mL/L) and Bloombastic (0.5 mL/L) at ~1.0–1.5 mS/cm, the total EC should stay below 1.8 mS/cm. Measure after mixing. • Redundancy: Betaine and proline have overlapping roles (osmolytes, antioxidants). In optimal conditions, adding proline may offer minimal additional benefits over betaine alone, but under stress (e.g., high heat, low humidity), their synergy could enhance resilience. • Cost vs. Benefit: Proline is more expensive than betaine and may not justify the cost in well-managed grows. Test its impact on a small scale first. • Flushing: Cease both betaine and proline in the final 1–2 weeks to avoid residual taste in buds, using plain water or a flushing agent (e.g., Advanced Nutrients Flawless Finish). • Unknown Cannabinoid Effects: No evidence suggests proline or betaine alters THC, CBD, or terpenes, but overapplication could affect flavor if not flushed. Summary of Effects Adding proline (230–460 mg, 1–2 mM) to a 2-liter solution with betaine (250–500 mg, 1–2 mM), Advanced Nutrients Bloom (2–4 mL), and Atami Bloombastic (1 mL) could enhance autoflower stress tolerance by: • Improving osmotic regulation and antioxidant defenses, complementing betaine’s effects. • Supporting photosynthesis and growth under stress (e.g., salinity, heat, low light), potentially increasing biomass or bud yield. • Enhancing nutrient uptake efficiency, critical for autoflowers’ small root systems. Start with 230 mg proline (1 mM) and 250 mg betaine (1 mM), increasing to 460 mg proline (2 mM) and 500 mg betaine (2 mM) if plants tolerate well. Apply during vegetative or early flowering, monitor EC (1.2–1.8 mS/cm), and stop 2 weeks before harvest. Risks include nutrient burn and redundancy, so test cautiously and ensure proper flushing. If you provide your grow setup (e.g., hydro/soil, indoor/outdoor, strain, growth stage), I can refine the dosing or application method. Let me know if you need sourcing tips for proline or further guidance!”” 7/27 3PM. Adding **0.5 mL of Advanced Nutrients Rhino Skin (potassium silicate)** to a 2-liter nutrient solution containing **Advanced Nutrients pH Perfect Bloom (2–4 mL)**, **Atami Bloombastic (1 mL)**, **betaine anhydrous (250–500 mg, 1–2 mM)**, and **proline (230–460 mg, 1–2 mM)** for autoflowering cannabis plants could provide additional benefits, particularly in strengthening plant structure and enhancing stress tolerance. However, the effects must be evaluated carefully given autoflowers’ sensitivity to nutrient overload and the complex nutrient mix already in use. Below, I analyze the potential effects of adding 0.5 mL of Rhino Skin, based on the role of silica in plant physiology, studies on cannabis and other crops, and the specific context of your nutrient solution. ### **Background on Silica (Advanced Nutrients Rhino Skin)** - **What is Rhino Skin?**: Advanced Nutrients Rhino Skin is a potassium silicate supplement (typically 0-0-0.4 N-P-K, with ~4–7% silica as SiO₂). Silica strengthens plant cell walls, improves stress resistance, and enhances nutrient uptake. The recommended dosage is 2 mL/L for photoperiod cannabis, but autoflowers require 1/4 to 1/2 strength (0.5–1 mL/L) due to their sensitivity. - **Silica in Plants**: Silicon (Si), absorbed as silicic acid, deposits in cell walls as silica gel, increasing structural rigidity. It also mitigates abiotic (e.g., drought, heat) and biotic (e.g., pests, fungi) stresses and can improve photosynthesis and yield. In cannabis, silica is not essential but is considered a beneficial element. - **Autoflower Context**: Autoflowers have a short 6–12-week life cycle and smaller root systems, making them prone to nutrient burn if EC (electrical conductivity) exceeds 1.2–1.8 mS/cm during flowering. Rhino Skin’s low dosage (0.5 mL per 2 L, or 0.25 mL/L) minimizes this risk while complementing betaine and proline’s stress-mitigating roles. ### **Potential Effects of Adding 0.5 mL Rhino Skin** Based on silica’s effects in cannabis and other plants (e.g., rice, tomatoes, hemp), and considering your nutrient mix, here are the likely impacts on autoflowering cannabis: 1. **Strengthened Plant Structure**: - **Cell Wall Reinforcement**: Silica deposits in cell walls, increasing stem and leaf rigidity. In hemp (*Cannabis sativa*), silica supplementation (e.g., 1–2 mM Si) thickened stems and improved mechanical strength. For autoflowers, which are compact (1–3 feet tall), 0.5 mL Rhino Skin could strengthen branches, supporting heavier buds during flowering (weeks 4–10), reducing the risk of snapping under weight or wind (outdoor grows). - **Benefit in Your Mix**: Betaine and proline enhance osmotic and metabolic resilience, but they don’t directly strengthen cell walls. Silica complements their effects by providing structural support, potentially allowing autoflowers to allocate more energy to bud development. 2. **Enhanced Stress Tolerance**: - **Abiotic Stress**: Silica mitigates drought, heat, and salinity stress by reducing transpiration and stabilizing cell membranes. In tomatoes, 1 mM silica improved water retention under drought. For autoflowers, 0.5 mL Rhino Skin (~0.1–0.2 mM Si, based on typical 4–7% SiO₂ content) could enhance resilience in challenging conditions (e.g., low humidity, high temperatures, or high EC from Bloom/Bloombastic). - **Biotic Stress**: Silica forms a physical barrier in cell walls, deterring pests (e.g., spider mites) and pathogens (e.g., powdery mildew). In cannabis, silica reduced fungal infections in controlled studies. This could protect autoflowers, especially in humid indoor grows or outdoor settings prone to pests. - **Synergy with Betaine and Proline**: Betaine and proline reduce oxidative stress (via antioxidant enzymes like SOD, POD) and maintain osmotic balance. Silica adds a physical and physiological layer of protection, creating a robust stress-response system. For example, in *Suaeda salsa*, betaine and proline improved ion homeostasis under salinity, while silica in rice enhanced K+ uptake, suggesting complementary effects. 3. **Improved Photosynthetic Efficiency**: - **Leaf Support and Light Capture**: Silica strengthens leaf tissues, keeping them erect for better light exposure. In rice, 1.5 mM silica increased chlorophyll content and photosynthetic rates. For autoflowers under high-intensity lights (18–24 hours), 0.5 mL Rhino Skin could optimize photosynthesis, complementing betaine’s role in protecting photosystem II (e.g., upregulation of Capsb genes in peppers). - **Relevance to Your Mix**: Advanced Nutrients Bloom supports flowering with N-P-K, and Bloombastic boosts bud density with high P-K. Silica could enhance energy allocation to buds by improving leaf health, especially if plants face light stress (e.g., inconsistent outdoor light). 4. **Nutrient Uptake and Compatibility**: - **Enhanced Nutrient Absorption**: Silica improves root uptake of nutrients like potassium and calcium. In maize, 1 mM silica increased K+ and Ca²⁺ levels. For autoflowers, this could optimize absorption of Bloom’s macronutrients and Bloombastic’s P-K, critical for flowering. - **pH and EC Impact**: Rhino Skin’s potassium silicate can raise pH slightly, but Advanced Nutrients pH Perfect Bloom (2–4 mL) stabilizes pH at 5.5–6.5 (hydro) or 6.0–6.5 (soil). At 0.5 mL per 2 L (0.25 mL/L), Rhino Skin adds minimal EC (~0.05–0.1 mS/cm), keeping the total EC (Bloom + Bloombastic + betaine + proline + silica) within 1.2–1.8 mS/cm for flowering autoflowers. - **Compatibility with Betaine and Proline**: Betaine (1–2 mM) and proline (1–2 mM) are neutral organic compounds that don’t chemically interact with silica (an inorganic compound). Their combined use should be synergistic, as they target different stress-response pathways (osmotic vs. structural). 5. **Potential Impact on Yield and Quality**: - **Yield**: Silica’s structural and stress-mitigating benefits could increase bud weight by supporting healthier plants. In hemp, 1 mM silica increased biomass by 10–15%. For autoflowers (28–112 g/plant indoors), 0.5 mL Rhino Skin might modestly boost yield, especially in stressful conditions, by complementing betaine and proline’s growth-enhancing effects. - **Cannabinoid/Terpene Profile**: No direct evidence links silica to THC, CBD, or terpene changes in cannabis, but stronger plants may produce denser buds or more resin. Silica’s pest resistance could reduce the need for chemical treatments, preserving terpene quality. Proper flushing remains critical to avoid flavor impacts. ### **Recommended Dosage and Application** - **Dosage**: **0.5 mL Rhino Skin per 2 L (0.25 mL/L)** is optimal. - **Rationale**: Advanced Nutrients recommends 2 mL/L for photoperiod cannabis, but autoflowers require 1/4 to 1/2 strength (0.5–1 mL/L). At 0.5 mL per 2 L, Rhino Skin provides ~0.1–0.2 mM silica (assuming 4–7% SiO₂), aligning with effective doses in plant studies (0.5–2 mM) while minimizing EC and pH impacts. - **Confirmation**: Your specified 0.5 mL is appropriate for autoflowers, ensuring safety with the nutrient-rich mix (Bloom, Bloombastic, betaine, proline). - **Nutrient Solution Recipe (2 L)**: - **Water**: 2 L (RO or dechlorinated tap water). - **Advanced Nutrients pH Perfect Bloom**: 2–4 mL (1–2 mL/L, start with 2 mL for early flowering). - **Atami Bloombastic**: 1 mL (0.5 mL/L, suitable for flowering). - **Betaine Anhydrous**: 250–500 mg (1–2 mM, start with 250 mg). - **Proline**: 230–460 mg (1–2 mM, start with 230 mg). - **Advanced Nutrients Rhino Skin**: 0.5 mL (0.25 mL/L). - **Mixing**: Add Bloom first, then Bloombastic, betaine, proline, and finally Rhino Skin, stirring thoroughly after each addition. Check EC (target 1.2–1.8 mS/cm) and pH (5.5–6.5 for hydro, 6.0–6.5 for soil). - **Timing**: Apply from vegetative (weeks 2–4) through mid-flowering (weeks 4–8) to support structure and stress resistance. Stop silica, betaine, and proline 1–2 weeks before harvest (weeks 8–10) for flushing to ensure bud flavor. - **Frequency**: Use with each nutrient feeding (every 2–3 days in hydro, weekly in soil). If EC nears 1.8 mS/cm, reduce Bloom to 2 mL or alternate silica applications. ### **Potential Risks and Considerations** - **Nutrient Overload**: The mix (Bloom + Bloombastic + betaine + proline + silica) is nutrient-dense. At 0.5 mL, Rhino Skin adds minimal EC (~0.05–0.1 mS/cm), but the total EC (1.2–1.8 mS/cm) must be monitored to avoid burn (brown leaf tips, clawing). If symptoms appear, reduce Bloom to 2 mL or skip silica for one feeding. - **pH Stability**: Rhino Skin’s potassium silicate may slightly raise pH, but pH Perfect Bloom should counteract this. Verify pH after mixing (5.5–6.5 for hydro, 6.0–6.5 for soil). - **Redundancy**: Betaine, proline, and silica all enhance stress tolerance (osmotic, metabolic, structural). In optimal conditions (e.g., indoor, 70–80°F, 40–60% humidity), silica’s benefits may be marginal, but under stress (e.g., heat, pests), it adds a complementary layer of protection. - **Flushing**: Stop all additives (silica, betaine, proline) 1–2 weeks before harvest, using plain water or Advanced Nutrients Flawless Finish to avoid residual taste in buds. - **Cost vs. Benefit**: Rhino Skin is relatively affordable, but its benefits may be less pronounced in well-managed grows. Test on a few plants to assess impact. - **Cannabinoid Effects**: No evidence suggests silica alters THC, CBD, or terpenes, but improved plant health could enhance resin production. Overuse risks silica deposits affecting flavor if not flushed. ### **Summary of Effects** Adding **0.5 mL Advanced Nutrients Rhino Skin** to a 2-liter solution with **Bloom (2–4 mL)**, **Bloombastic (1 mL)**, **betaine (250–500 mg)**, and **proline (230–460 mg)** could: - Strengthen stems and leaves, supporting heavier buds. - Enhance resistance to abiotic (drought, heat) and biotic (pests, fungi) stresses. - Improve photosynthetic efficiency and nutrient uptake, complementing betaine and proline’s osmotic and metabolic benefits. - Potentially increase yield (28–112 g/plant) by reducing stress setbacks. The 0.5 mL dose (0.25 mL/L) is safe for autoflowers, keeping EC within 1.2–1.8 mS/cm. Apply during vegetative to mid-flowering, stop 1–2 weeks before harvest, and monitor for nutrient burn. The synergy of silica (structural), betaine (osmotic), and proline (metabolic) could optimize autoflower health, especially under stress. If you share your grow setup (e.g., hydro/soil, indoor/outdoor, strain, growth stage), I can refine dosing or application further. Let me know if you need sourcing tips or additional guidance!
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Thanks for stopping by.. Please hit the like button if you like what you see and ill be sure to check you out too Growmies 🌱 First of all would like to give a BIG shout out to my sponsors for providing me with the necessary items for this grow 👍 🌟🌟🌟🌟Mars Hydro FC4800🌟🌟🌟🌟 Powered By Samsung LM301B Diodes: The Mars Hydro FC 4800 480-watt LED grow light is installed with high-performance Samsung LM301B chips, the top-bin horticultural diodes, to provide a high Photosynthetic photon efficacy efficiency of 2.85 μmol/j and a long-lasting color rendering capability, supporting indoor plants to grow and thrive. High PPF Output and Uniform Light Distribution: FC4800 provides a high PPF of 1,366 μmol/S. The multi-light bar design and the dense diode layout facilitate an even distribution of grow lighting making PPFD optimized for Photosynthesis to achieve consistent growth in every part of the coverage range. Exclusive Recipe Of Full Spectrum Lighting: The full spectrum is enhanced with blue and red light, in which the blue light stimulates plant growth and promotes the accumulation of plant-based phytochemicals; the abundant red light improves the maturing process and flower quality of the plants. 🌟🌟🌟 FastBuds Orange Sherbet FF ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️ Orange Sherbet FF (Fastflowering) is a finely balanced hybrid that produces some of the tastiest orange-flavored weed out there, making it an excellent choice for top-notch extractions. With up to 26% THC, this citrus terps powerhouse matches its wonderful taste with potency, offering a long-lasting uplifting high that puts you in the right mindset to chill and have a good time. It’s the ideal strain for growers with all levels of experience, especially beginners looking to get their hands on low-maintenance yet highly productive photoperiod varieties that deliver in both quality and quantity as fast as possible and without extra effort. —————————————————————————————— 👊👊👊👊Down to Business 👊👊👊👊 Week 8 from seed week 3 flower So all good for this girl like the others shes on cruise control and am super happy with her 👌 Shes looking good and smells amazing already 👊 Will up the PK next week to give them a boost but other then that will just let her do her thing 💪 Thanks for stopping by ✌️
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Hello everyone! Things are growing great! The scent is becoming more like weed and less like trash. Every time I check in on her she seems to have grown. Since I harvested my other girl last night, my six shooter has the whole tent to herself. Thats 3 fans, 2 × galaxy hydro 300 w leds, and an increase in airflow and drop in humidity. One week from today she will be much bigger. I have been feeding her every other watering. Got some nute burn but she seems to like the heavy feeds. I may go water,water, and then feed until harvest . I'm guessing between 2-4 weeks left. I can't wait to grow this strain again!
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Salut amis cultivateurs 🍁 On es enfin en semaine 4 de floraison. On peut voir que la GC et la SB on énormément évoluer et surtout gonfler. Après avoir discuté énormément avec une personne sur le site, j'ai changé ma façon de faire sur les arrosage. Et comment dire que je suis étonné de voir comment elle ont réagi 😱 super bien et pourtant je force je force . Tous les jours je leurs donne 2L chacune et tout les jours et pompe au maximum ce que je leur file . Aucun problème d'humidité, ou carence .. J'ai tout de même effectué une cure de calmag pour éventuellement contré ce fort apport en nutriments. Et regarder par vous même ❤️ MAGNIFIQUE FASTBUDS FAITE MOI CADEAU DE GRAINES ❤️ j'adore vos génétique propose et constante
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@Grrrower
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I seem to be improving every time -based on the quantities obtained (70g of buds +15g of leaves) 😁 - this time a marvel of smells and flavors came out 😍 the apical top is decidedly fatter than GG1 (this time I avoided messing with the pH) as well as all the other buds 😍 I don't have much experience with the various strains for now, but I definitely love this one
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@smonitus
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week 2, not much to say honestly.
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Esa familia, otra vez aquí enseñando la cuarta semana de crecimiento , estás do sweet dos van con un buen ritmo , y sin carencia alguna. . La humedad anda entre 60/70% la temperatura está entre 23/26 grados, el led es increíble , y como siempre el ph , ya que es de lo más importante,está en 5,8/6,0. . AgroBeta: 0,8 ml x L Growth black line , vía radicular. 0,2 ml x L Tucán , vía radicular. 0,15 ml x L Flash Root , vía radicular. 0,05 ml x L Gold Joker, vía radicular. . Esto es todo fumetillas, muy pronto las veremos echando flores 💨💨💨 buenos humos.
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- LST continues by stretching the plant outwards. - Both plants are progressing healthy. Kings Kush is cathing up. - Soft Defoliation continues. I am trying to remove fan leaves shadowing potential bud sides. But still leaving outskirt fan leaves. A big defoliation and lollipopping will be applied in 3rd week. - Light intensity is still at 90% which is still resilting with increased temp. - VPD still fluctuated this week between 1.0 and 1.7 kPa , averaging at 1,27 kPa. - Temperature is stabilized at 22 at night and 27 Celsius at day time, averaging at 25.2. A little lower than last week due to cold weather in Berlin. But the plan is to run the growth 1 more week with higher Temps around 27 Celcius. 2nd week of flowering, I will increase exhaustion fan speed which will hopefully decrease both temp and humidity. - Humidity is stabilized between 50-70%, averaging at 60.4%. This week, I have added a BonAura AirOne dehumidifier into my tent. It collects around 200 ml of water per day. - Increased the water Ph gradually to 6.6 now as Soil Ph is decreasing week on week under 6. I will keep measuring and I might increase water Ph further if necessary.
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@Luv2Grow
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Day 78 - Starting week 12 and had a ton of leaves that yellowed and died off. Most were from the bottom of the plant so thinking it’s just the natural process. Gave her two gallons of water and cal-mag today and the next watering will be with nutrients. She’s definitely starting to fatten and fill up and really frosty and sticky. Day 79 - All looking good and she’s chugging along nicely, couple more weeks and will probably start flushing her to finish up. She’s almost dried up already so she’ll be getting 2 gallons of water and nutrients tomorrow. Day 80 - Things are going good and gave her 2 gallons of water and nutes today. Afterwards I placed her back in the tent but had to hook up some of the yo-yo’s in there because she’s tall and the buds are starting to weigh her down so hopefully she won’t stress so much trying to stand tall now. Day 82 - All is looking good and had to give the girl 2 gallons of pH’d water and cal-mag today. She really seems to like the yo-yo’s helping her support the weight of the buds. She’s fattening and frosting up more each day and looking like we might be down to the last couple of weeks. Day 83 - She’s starting to develop a little darker coloring on her towards the top and it’s making her look fantastic. The smell is amazing and she’s frosty as hell. She’s got some really thick and bright white pistils still shooting out so still looking at a good couple of weeks before she’s ready for harvest. Will be giving her some pH’d water and cal-mag tomorrow. Day 84 - The end of week 12 today and gave her her 2 gallon drink of water and cal-mag. Other than that, she’s doing good and starting to notice the pistils just now starting to shrivel up just a bit. Still bright white and standing tall but some are starting.
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This week I found a hermaphrodite amongst the ladies. I got rid of it but not before it dropped a little pollen 😭.. I,ve got my fingers crossed 🤞
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@Bassmop
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Topping bei der Runtz ist gut gelaufen und alle Mädels zeigten ihre Pistolen. 😊 Pro Pflanze gab es 1,5l Wasser. Licht wurde auf 50% erhöht.
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Defoliated some leaves to let light in, chopped one down early as I run out of bud 🙄 it's good for less than 4 weeks flowering. Have them rice water starch again this week in with there food. A layer of frost is slowly forming 😎 hopefully they will fatten up nice and frost up really good to 🤞
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@Hashy
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******************************************** Week 16 Fading (flower week 10) ******************************************** Light cycle=12/12 Light Power=100w 42% Extractor controller settings High temp= Day 26c, Night 20c Low temp= c Temp step=0c High Rh= Day 50%, Night 55% Low Rh= % Rh step=0% Speed max=10 Speed min=2 Smart controller settings (during lights on). Lights on=9.00am Top fan on=+22.5c Top fan off=-22.0c Dehumidifier on=+50% and -26c Dehumidifier off=-50% or +26c Smart controller settings (during lights off). Lights off=9.00pm Dehumidifier on=+55% and -20c Dehumidifier off=-55% or +20c VPD aim=0.6-1.3 DLI aim=30-45 EC aim=0.2-0.5 PH aim=6.0-6.5 NPK(0/0/0) 💧💧💧💧💧💧💧💧💧💧💧💧💧💧💧💧 Method= Autofeed 6 drippers. Feed=water Volume=8L Easy Ph down= 0.02ml/L ( 4 drop total) Ec=0.2 PH=6.5/6.5 Runs=16 Run times=5min (250ml each) Gap times=15min×14, 45min×2 Total runtime=80mins (4.0L each) Total flowrate= 100ml/min (50ml/min each) Auto start time=10.00am Auto stop time=4.05pm 💧💧💧💧💧💧💧💧💧💧💧💧💧💧💧💧 ******************************************** ******************************************** 📅1/9/24 Sunday (day 106, day 64 flower) 📋H=99cm D=16cm Dli=38.9 Ppfd=900 📅2/9/24 Monday (day 107, day 65 flower) 📋 📅3/9/24 Tuesday (day 108, day 66 flower) 📋 a few issues through lack of light to some lowers. Plodding along nicely. 📅4/9/24 Wednesday (day 109, day 67 flower) 📋 where she's fading at the top a leaf has died, possible cause bud rot. Will investigate at the end of the week. 📅5/9/24 Thursday (day 110, day 68 flower) 📋 I'm not happy with a main cola, may have got rot because the buds have got so dense and close together, or could be because that particular cola is right near the light and its burned the leaves, I'll chop the top off that cola and inspect it. After inspection there a 8 very dense buds all clustered together and some inside leaves have died and the rot had started to form inbetween 3 buds, only a slight bit of rot but I'm discarding the whole top. Was 52g wet. Because of this and a few other colas have dense buds I'm only going to let her go for a few more days. Had a joint got paranoid and cut 3 more tops off, they was ready and no sign off rot 136g wet from those 3 tops. Total weight so far 188g 💧 Method= automatic Feed=water Volume=10L Ec=0.2 PH=6.1/6.5 (PH D=0.02ml/L) 5d Volume left=1L Volume used=9L (112ml/min) Volume each=4.5L (56ml/min) Runoff. Total runoff=0.8L Ec=2.4 PH=/6.5 💧 📅6/9/24 Friday (day 111, day 69 flower) 📋 Now in the tent on her own for a short while. 📅7/9/24 Saturday (day 112, day 70 flower) 📋 incrased light power to 125w ******************************************** Weekly roundup. 📋 Obviously I had the issue with rot starting to form on my main top and lost that which I'm gutted about, I could have chopped that off last week really. I'm just letting the lowers mature a little bit longer. I gave her 3 more days after this week before harvest so next update is harvest. I encoded some pics from those 3 days. Take it easy. Back soon with harvest report. ********************************************
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Plants are finishing up, maybe another week and I can wrap things up. Buds didn’t get as fat as I would have liked but everything looks really nice and frosty. cleaned up all the plants with some defoliation.
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Another great growth this week! The flowering is progressing well, it also continues to gain size. It only stays exposed to sunlight and sometimes it gets a dose of water.
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Found mold on my plant. Since she is now pretty close to harvest time, this was her last watering and I will now try to dry her out slowly over her Last week. Probably gonna harvest next week if nothing goes wrong from here on out.
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Big week this week.. Had to flip the lights, defoliate the full underside of the scrog that took hours .. Then decided to take some clones mid process ending me with hopefully Some good rooters. Also changing up my feeding schedule to a higher dose of nutes almost 1500 ppm. That should hopefully lay my coco with a healthy Base off minerals needed for the boosting that’s happening