24 or not.

[Smokesteve]

So is it worth the extra cost to run 24/0 in veg or does 18/6 do it? This is a simple question but does anybody truly know?

[Redwasp]

Well first are you talking photos or autos? And ask @dangerdan

[Smokesteve]

Well first are you talking photos or autos? And ask @dangerdan

Sorry man, photos in vegatative. Seems like an easy way to save 25% on the electric bill if the gain isn't 25% on the veg side for the additional 6 hours.

[Redwasp]

With photos it is not really worth the extra cost from my experience and from what I have read. Yes they grow faster but not enough to account for the cost.

[DrPhoton]

Check my article on light cycles.

[Chefbjy]

I didn't know you had another alias DrPhoton. 😕

[NAKEDGARDENER]

I did 24/0 for first three weeks of the plants life, then switched to 18/6 but these were photos, and honestly like others say such as Redwasp and DrPhoton, I can’t see the advantage for the amount of energy given, so I’d save on the power. Just my thoughts.

[kingfish]

I agree with NG. I don't see much of a advantage except a bigger light bill. Besides, it doesn't seem natural. 18/6 for me.

[Cannabliss]

I've always considered 24 hours of light too much light, even for autos. Plants, just like us, need a little break. 24 hours of pure, uninterrupted light just seems unnecessary and a bit stressful for the plants. Not to mention on your wallet. I understand some growers do just that with good results. Still, IMO, it just seems too harsh for me to try on my plants. So yea, I agree with the rest of the posters here; 18/6 all the way for your photos.

[hycheese]

You have to channel KFC's methodology, using modified genetics they can grow a chicken from egg to table inside of 6 weeks. I equate this to be the same with Auto plants.

I only raise laying hens but did look into meat birds and if you let them go past 8 weeks of age they usually die from heart attacks or break their own legs from the fast weight they put on.

[Redwasp]

We are talking about photo plants here

[hycheese]

Well, I'm gonna be the only dissenter here, not because I know anything about growing but rather that I read it on the internet. Here is a blurb from my Sour60auto seed supplier;

"Indoors, with a light regiment of 18/6, or 12/12, she will do fantastic, but she excels under 24 hours of constant light"

My seedlings have been under 24/0 for the last 14 days and will continue that until harvest and use it as a comparison for my next batch which will be done at 18/6.
For my 2 lights (200watt total), the difference between running 24 vs 18 is only $3.60 a month.

[Smokesteve]

Right for autos not so for photos

[hycheese]

I see that now from post #3, I'm still gonna pretend I didn't see it.

[furrysparkle]

I've always considered 24 hours of light too much light, even for autos. Plants, just like us, need a little break. 24 hours of pure, uninterrupted light just seems unnecessary and a bit stressful for the plants. Not to mention on your wallet. I understand some growers do just that with good results. Still, IMO, it just seems too harsh for me to try on my plants. So yea, I agree with the rest of the posters here; 18/6 all the way for your photos.

Completely agree here, I have my plants on a 6/2 veg cycle three times a day to help encourage root development, check out my current perpetual grow

[Cannabliss]

Just checked it out. Nice work! 6/2 veg cycle 3x a day. Interesting. Haven't tried a schedule like that before.

[Mr.furley]

[NAKEDGARDENER]

I have a friend looks just like him.

[Flockshot]

I say that the extra electricity you use, does not pay for itself in final product.

[Weed Pharma]

Anything over 17.5 hours a day, is not cost effective for the yield gains and the increased risk of stressing the plant.
That said, cannabis does not need a break from the light cycle which is why 24hrs works for so many.

I take a middle of the road approach and start my seeds @ 24hrs of lights (mostly for wamth) until the 4-5 node and then reduce it to 20/4 through flower for auto's. (photo's flower @ 12/12).

Many seed companies will suggest 14-18 hours of light (auto's included) reducing the stress factor, too much light/heat may cause.

Any adjustments to my light schedule- has more to do with controling the enviroment- which in turn will provide a better grow overall.