Lighting California Light Works Solar Storm 440w Grow Journal

[Johnyautoseed]

Greetings All,

I've been accepted into the Growers Feedback Program(GFP) offered by California Light Works. The program offers lights at 50% off of their retail price for those accepted into the program. All they ask is that you post your grow and results online. Please go their website for more detailed information.

I've started my grow in HP Mix. I'm growing Auto Lennon by Pyramid Seeds and Tangelo Rapido by Barney's Seeds. I started the seeds in pots shown. I'll provide more information on nutrients in later postings. This is my second led grow. My first was a hydro grow using deep water culture, air pumps and 2 Advanced XTE 100 lights. I grew Auto Purple from Pyramid Seeds. I had pretty good results. However, I felt it was lacking in taste and had a little bit of airy buds in the lower branches. Advanced was great about returning the lights for a full refund within 90 days. Their lights are excellent. However, I wanted to try the Solar Flare 440 because I feel it will penetrate better and I like the built in UVB bulbs.

Here are some pictures.

Peace,
JAS

 

[Roark]

Looking f wd to how this turns out!

 

[The Elvis]

subbed!!

thats nice!!!

 

[lilm00re14]

Right on man. I have 4 solar storm 440s. And one 880. I love them cant wait to see how they work out for you!

 

[Johnyautoseed]

[QUOTE="lilm00re14, post: 899658, member: 30029"
"Right on man. I have 4 solar storm 440s. And one 880. I love them cant wait to see how they work out for you![/QUOTE]

Thanks!

I'm really looking forward to the finished product. CLW has excellent lights and killer customer service. I feel like they are going to be around for a while. The 440 puts out a good amount of heat for an led. My tent is small 3x3x7. So, I keep the front flap partially open. The plants seem to love the light and the UVB bulbs offer another dimension to the grow. I expect excellent results.

How many grows have you done with them. Any thoughts on optimizing them.... do's and don't s?

 

[briman]

Me and a member named Eek, got in on the GFP program, when they first started selling LED's ! Back then they were 400's and 800's, essentially the same light, just the new models have a few more leds. Great program and lights all around! Your title says SOLAR FLARE, when it is actually a SOLAR STORM! I have had mine for going on 4 years and love the thing! I loved it so much, I bought another 400 and got a couple of the 220w Solar flare full spectrum. Great lights and the best customer service! Nice job on your plants!

I have a tip or two, I set mine at about 28-30 inches and it gives the plant plenty of node spacing, otherwise, it will make your plants short/squat, every grow. Before I used the leds, I could get my plants almost 4 ft tall, not with these! so, higher than the recommended height from the brochure! When you get into flower, you can put your carbon filter on the top of the tent and vent some heat off. It is pretty cold where I live, so I place mine on the tent floor to keep as much heat in.
Good luck!

 

[Johnyautoseed]

subbed!!

thats nice!!!

Thanks! I checked out the grow and show. Very nice!...I've been looking at FastBud seeds....I'm interested in more indica than sativa plus High CBD's

 

[lilm00re14]

Ive been growing for about a year with them. And definitely love them. I have a fan blowing onto my lights so they cool faster but the heat doesn't get to overpowering. Ill take a couple photos in a few for you to show you what im working with.. i mostly grow photo period but the principles should still be the same. Ive done grows only using the uvb in the last few weeks and grows with the uvb on during veg all the way through to finish. If you introduce the uvb at a younger growth phase the plants seem to produce oils abundantly.. in veg mode you can have your lights between 12 to 24 inches. I have done vegging with my light 3-4 feet above my canopy and the plants still won't stretch often. Get as close as you can without stressing your plants. Place your hand at canopy height if its too warm or feels uncomfortable raise your lamps some. With autos once your plants begin blooming switch your spectrum to bloom and enjoy.

 

[lilm00re14]

So slightly different vegging styles between briman and myself. My plants i like to be compact in veg.

And here is my bloom tent

As you can see the profile changes once im in flower. I lollipop and remove inner growth while sitting on the floor below my plant. Anything light green and not having direct light gets snipped. And my main branches have tight internode spacing.

 

[Johnyautoseed]

Yes, thank you for the correction on the name...too medicated sometimes when I post.

Your tips and insights are much appreciated. The Auto purple I grew got to about 36 inches using a different led light. I'm definitely going to adjust the height of the light. Stay tuned....and tuned up...

Peace,
JAS