600watt hps from seed to harvest.

[Sj9820]

Hello growers I have a question because I don't want to kill MJ. Can I use a 600w hps lamp from seed to harvest and if so how far roughly should I keep the lamp from a seedling?

[VtGrower]

Hello Sj, with that much light you want to make sure not to cook the seedling. I start my plants under one or two 23-26 watt cfl bulbs , then move them into the tent with a MH bulb. Remember that seeds , and plants , like it around 72 degrees. If you put your hand under the light now does it feel? Not too warm , not too
cold, you want it just right . Good luck with your grow.

[Sj9820]

Good morning Vtgrower, I understand that it's best to start will a lower watt lamp/bulb I just don't have the money to put into any more bulbs. Thanks for reply, happygrowing.

[DoctorJohnson]

A 600-watt lamp costs about $1.50 US per day to run for 18 hours at typical electric rates. It's much cheaper and just as effective to start lower wattage with CFLs or the more modern alternative, LED light bulbs. Either way, be sure to get the small light(s) really close to the plant--just inches away--and like VtG says, check that it's not too warm. ("Back of the hand" test.)
When she gets bigger you can flip on the 600.

[strainsgrow]

Sup SJ! ✌

I start mines witha 6500K spectrum (one plant) 40 watts CFL few inches away. Theyre like 5 bucks on any hardware store. Works great and save me money on my electric bill! Make sure you have enough room vertically for that light. HPS release head so be carefull poonting fans directly at your plants. Happy Growing!

[Sj9820]

I believe I have enough, not 100% but the tent I have is as big as I can fit in my room, height it's 2m up.

[KingKush]

I find my seedlings like the same light as any other plant. And they grow best under the big lights, for me at least. I let my little ones hang out with the big older girls, makes em grow up fast


Are you dimmable or is it always at 600watts?
try starting the light 24-32 inches away from the seedlings

[Sj9820]

Thanks guys for all the information, it's always so diverse which is awesome. My 600w is just 600w not dimmable. I will have to go with the 600w for the time being, that being when I have the money for some cfls or small leds I will invest as it would be cheaper in the long run and I do not pay the bills lol. Again thanks all and happygrowing.

[DoctorJohnson]

Chances are you can find some perfectly adequate CFLs or LED light bulbs around the house somewhere. It doesn't take many...