Light Leak

[dalvis]

Can anyone explain to me why light leak in a tent will cause stress to the plants? I don’t think I have any light leaks but just the possibility has me thinking why does it affect a plant? When grown outside, plants have the moon and the stars that illuminate the sky. Is this not considered a “light leak” and why doesn’t it affect the plants like some faint light bleeding into a tent? A little high and my brain is wondering.

 

[Xena]

I have wondered the same.

 

[Speedygreen]

If it's a sudden introduction of light during say mid flower for like a week it will have an effect. Other than that I wouldn't worry.

 

[Tersky]

To be honest i dont know exactly the reason though i have heard a lot of theories. The on that makes the most sense to me is that the light coming from the moon is reflected light from a super long distance making it unusable to the plant where as light that bounces around a reflective tent form outside can confuse a plant. I cant give any evidence for these theories and wish i could find a definite answer but i have had light leaks that caused a plant to reveg and it took a good 3-4 weeks to get it back into flower which was irritating to say the least. My problem was mainly due to light coming though a window during the summer when i had my lights on at night to combat the southern US heat so i cant comment on light leaks from low wattage bulbs but i just would rather be safe than sorry from experience. I cover my tents with sheets when the lights are off just to be safe.

 

[bboyfromwayback]

I remember from science class that the moisture in the air at night reflects the moonlight plus the light being omitted from the moon is actually a reflection of the sun so it’s not very strong by the time it reaches Earth. First time you have a plant either reveg or hermie due to light leaks you’ll stop worrying about the reasoning and just accept the facts it’s not good lol

 

[Eliot Pryor]

From my own experience light leaks are not an issue. In my garage are 3 ongoing grows. One is always vegging at 18/6. One is always 12/12. One changes according to age. I mostly grow photo-periods. During the past 7 years I've grown dozens of plants from about a dozen strains. If you are having problems with your plants it is not because of light leaks.

 

[Xena]

For me, I don’t doubt the facts and will do everything to avoid light leaks but like the OP I just wondered. You know.....inquiring minds want to know

 

[bboyfromwayback]

When I refer to a light leak, I’m talking about a constant source of light bright enough to make the plant believe it’s daytime. I don’t consider a short beam of light hitting the plants during their dark period a light leak. Prior to kids I grew in a spare bedroom and while working midnights I had the lights running 10pm-10am so I could water them before going to work. I sealed off the windows but didn’t think about the light coming under the door until my first couple of grows were hermies. After sealing that source off, no more hermies. Running into the room to get something out of the closet real quick never caused hermies or any other issues. I’m going by experience so if someone else wants to disagree they can, it’s their grow not mine.

 

[BlueberryGIrl]

I believe that part of this has to do with forced growing. you are creating an environment as close to nature while speeding up that process. a plant that can take up to 7-8 months from germination to harvest in nature, is delivered in 4-5 months. as well, you are not creating a garden that is outside. you are creating a garden that uses artificial light that clicks on and clicks off. I used to grow indoor with the idea that a little light wont harm the grow because of well, like the moon. I have had problems with light leaks in my grow room. it is completely light tight, and when the tape gives way, or the door or whatever, I have problems, like hermaphrodites. and a weak grow. in my experience the most light tight the better the grow. that is just my experience. :big-smile:

 

[Eliot Pryor]

I like to share what I've experienced in my own little set up. I've only had a couple that hermied and the strain was known to do that. Do not attempt this at home viewing audience. I put a lot of love in it and it gives it back. What ya goin do !! Grow with love people !! (it ain't the lights)