ViparSpectra LED 'switch' in autoflowering Northern

[siggy]

First time grower, using a set-up with the ViparSpectra 450 watt LED lights. Growing in soil. The light has a switch that turns on one set of colors for pre-flowering growth, and then is turned to a red spectrum for the flowering stage. The brightest intensity of course is provided when the switch is set so that ALL LEDs are activated.

What should work best for an autoflowering plant? Should I have all of the LEDs lit for 18 hours per day for the entire growth cycle? Or better to use the leaf lighting early and then change to the reds after buds start forming?

Thanks!

[Canuck147]

Wait to turn the red on. Let the autoflowers grow in their pots for the first three weeks and then they should start to flower. Once they flower, hit 'em with all ya got.
Try 20/4 for the lights

[Jibblerjoe]

I use a mars , has veg and bloom switches. I grew photos and autos under it. I didn't use flower switch till plants were in flower cycle. Had good results

[Obi-Wan]

I use the 600 watt from Viparspectra and my recommendation would be to use the veg setting for early growth straight through until the very first signs of flowering. Once the you start seeing pistils form you should have both switches on using the full power of the light. I generally keep my light at 28-32" for seedling/clones, 22" in veg and no more than 18" in flower.

[GanjaGed]

What's your opinion on that light, I run a GH 600 currently but will be getting a new light in the near future and have been looking at the one you have. Your's has the added white, correct?

[Obi-Wan]

The light works great. I use it in 3x3 space and I get good results with it. I had an issue with one of the drivers going bad, but their customer service was great and I had a new driver in 3 days at no cost.

[Obi-Wan]

My light has 12 white, 8 yellow, and 32 blue for veg.

[Weed Pharma]

For autos, I would use the veg settings for the sprout to seedling stages, which keep it from stretching.
once the plant begins to mature at about nodes 4&5- I would add the bloom setting for an increase of total lights @ 20/4.
With a photoperoid plant I would use the veg settings (and add more blue) from sprout through the first two weeks of 12/12 before adding the bloom settings ( or more red) to keep stretching in check and encourage good node distances of about 2".