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Thoughts on light for seedlings

Hey gang, quick question -- I'd like to start 3-4 autos next week (seeds be here Mon.) and I kinda wanted to sprout them outside the tent this time. Problem is, I have a whole CASE of 23W 2700K CFL's (hubby evidently bought them on sale; they were in his workshop). Would these work for the short term? I've already spent a small fortune getting ready for spring grow, and was hoping I might save a few bucks! But if I just have to spend more money . . . heavy sigh . . . the things we do for love :love:
 
Farmall,

Thanks for the information, I'll follow your steps and see if I can get the same results. Going to start two Six Shooter Autos and I'll follow your lead. I was just worried about to much reaching to early making noodles.


Has anyone ever tried a multi spectrum low wattage for seedlings, in the range of 12w? If so I would really like to hear about it. Again thanks for the information Farmall and wish you a great evening.
 
Hi Dude, the amount of light your seedlings get will not make them flower unless the light cycle is 12/12 to start with. The amount of heat from the light is a bigger risk that would burn them if the lights are too close to the young plants. I think 12 watts sounds good to start with the light 6 inches away from the soil. they will outgrow the light quickly.
 
ChefSheri said:
Hey gang, quick question -- I'd like to start 3-4 autos next week (seeds be here Mon.) and I kinda wanted to sprout them outside the tent this time. Problem is, I have a whole CASE of 23W 2700K CFL's (hubby evidently bought them on sale; they were in his workshop). Would these work for the short term? I've already spent a small fortune getting ready for spring grow, and was hoping I might save a few bucks! But if I just have to spend more money . . . heavy sigh . . . the things we do for love :love:
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I may just start germinating my 1st crop tomorrow, so I can't speak from experience. If your bulbs are the curly ones, I'd give it a go. Although I am going to try using my 315W LEC, I may have to fall back on a CFL or two I have hanging around. Good luck!
 
ChefSheri Based on the science of light and not my experience, the color temperature of a 2700k contains more red than the 6500k which is more of the blue end of the spectrum. You remember any of the ROYGBIV acronym we learned for the colors of the rainbow? Since the better side of the light spectrum is the blue side for young plants, TECHNICALLY, the plant can maximize its foundation for growing into a big girl plant better by being exposed to the 6500k...or genuine sunshine. FYI Home Depot recently had a 4 pack of 23w 6500k (equivalent to 100w incandescent) for $9.90. I would try it and see how it works out. Of course, you’ve also got to try the other bulbs as well eventually to see how much of an advantage you get
 
Thank you! It finally occurred to me why he bought those 2700K's -- several years ago I was having a hard time with my T5 rack during flower, and he bought them as supplemental lighting. As I recall, they worked pretty well, which would explain a lot. That rack is only for veg now, but I didn't want to fire the monster up for a couple autos (10 4ft tubes, wooden rack, HEAVY, and downstairs in the grow room where it's COLD). It's off to Home Depot I go! Happy Saturday!
 
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How far are your t5s above the plastic dome? And are you using a heating pad, trying different methods with my clones.
 
Quietlybinary, thanks for the input and good to hear from you, I wish you well. I have three 12w multi spectrum lights that I was thinking about trying on the seedlings. I know that people have had really good luck with the CFL on seedlings as well. I was aware of the light cycle on photos to get the veg to flower, but thanks again for reminding me, next hurts. I was thinking of starting a post on Viparspectra, I'm sure I spelled that wrong and comparing it to the Mars Hydro. I had my mind set on the Vipar but I've been hearing a lot of positive on there Mars Hydro lately. I did see that Mars came out with a new series, maybe called the T1000, it's clean light not a blurple. If anyone has any input I would really appreciate it. I'll be ready to buy lights in three weeks and my budget is 600.00.



The new Mars I was looking at.

MARS HYDRO TS 1000W Led Grow Light 3x3ft Sunlike Full Spectrum IR Grow Lamps for Indoor Plant Commercial LED Grow Hydroponic Growing Light with Updated 342 LEDs Dimmer Thermometer Hygrometer Timer https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PLY1WKK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_SXCuEb44PN1VV



The Vipar I was originally sure I was going with. Was going to buy two for my 5 x 10 tent.


VIPARSPECTRA Dimmable PAR700 700W LED Grow Light, 3 Dimmers 12-Band Full Spectrum for Indoor Plants Veg/Bloom https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MA5TLU7/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_KYCuEb4CEH4F6


✌️
 
BR2K said:
YYCannabis shared a fascinating video from Utah State University's Dr. Bruce Bugbee: https://youtu.be/ID9rE5JewVg . In his video, Professor Bugbee said that seedlings can take a tremendous amount of light (@ 26:45 in the video). Is cost the main reason why I see folks using CFL's when starting their seedlngs?
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Not exactly. In the video he says seedlings can take a tremendous amount of light if all other inputs (co2, water, nutes, etc...) are optimized. So how to you plan on making a plant intake more of these elements prior to root growth. Sure, once the plant is established you can push it to that next level.
Most people use low light until the plant is rooted and can uptake more of these elements on its own. That is the easiest way to optimize veg growth. Remember adding extra light and over saturation can happen if the plant is not capable of up taking these other elements in a balanced manner.
Simply pushing a plant with high levels of light will not benefit the plant unless it is capable of up taking all the other elements involved.
 
About 6in. The dome is a big ole cheetos puffball plastic jar about 10in tall so the lights are approx 12in from the plants. No heating pad- the temp at dirt level is 78-82°F

To be sure- many of the methods on here are more efficient & hands off but I'm sticking with mine. I like the thicker stalks & taller cuttings. I like having to check on them often while the dome is off. I like getting em in the dirt & stable asap. That's just me though.
 
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BR2K,

Hope all is well, just wanted to apologise for posting my what light should I choose in your thread, I'm sorry I'm just starting to get a bit excited that after all the work I've done I'm getting close to actually becoming able to get growing. Anyways just wanted to let you know that it wasn't cool and I should have made my own post for the question.


I wish you a great sunny day with everything going your way.....✌️
 
Dude said:
BR2K,

Hope all is well, just wanted to apologise for posting my what light should I choose in your thread, I'm sorry I'm just starting to get a bit excited that after all the work I've done I'm getting close to actually becoming able to get growing. Anyways just wanted to let you know that it wasn't cool and I should have made my own post for the question.


I wish you a great sunny day with everything going your way.....✌️
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Dude - No worries. I'm pretty much in the same position. I set up my tent and 315W LEC today. I hope to move into my new home very shortly. I'm torn which light to start with but will likely use my little T5. It's great to have options.

I am following the GWE advice to have everything ready - BEFORE I drop my seeds in water. I have all the components, it's just a matter of getting my ducks in a row.

I wish you MUCHO success too!!!
 
BR2K,

Very kind of you to say and I wish you the very best in your green dream adventures. I was sold on the Viparspectra 700, then Mars Hydro came out with this new line, maybe it's been out for a while but I just found out and the reviews are pretty darn good. Coverage area especially on the edges, par level is very good and the drivers and LEDs aren't name brand like a Spider Farm, Samsung parts, but for the price I'm pretty sure that I'm going to take the chance and go with two of these. What where you going to use of you don't mind me asking?




https://www.mars-hydro.com/mars-tsw-2000-led-full-spectrum-hydroponic-led-grow-light
 
Dude said:
BR2K,

Very kind of you to say and I wish you the very best in your green dream adventures. I was sold on the Viparspectra 700, then Mars Hydro came out with this new line, maybe it's been out for a while but I just found out and the reviews are pretty darn good. Coverage area especially on the edges, par level is very good and the drivers and LEDs aren't name brand like a Spider Farm, Samsung parts, but for the price I'm pretty sure that I'm going to take the chance and go with two of these. What where you going to use of you don't mind me asking?




https://www.mars-hydro.com/mars-tsw-2000-led-full-spectrum-hydroponic-led-grow-light
Click to expand...

PASSION BABY - I LOVE IT!!! I prepped my tent and four 3 gal smart pots. I don't know whether I was supposed to PH correct my Calmag treated water but I did. I just dropped six seeds...I'll figure something out if they all sprout. I have plenty of grow bags and don't absolutley need the tent. My main tent grow has my Vivosun 315W LEC light. I also have a 400w (equivalent -Hipargero) COB light and a 2 ft T5 light. I'll probably use the T5 for the sprouts (solo cups), before moving them into their permanent home. I also just started my document. Good times.
 
Everyone started at some point so don't feel alone. Read read and read more, that's what I've done while collecting my new tools. I personally believe that as long as we know there's always a learning curve and keep diligent and patient we/ you and I and anyone that truly wants to learn will. I'm trying to figure ventilating as well. Fresh air is a must for the happy plant so I'm trying to figure how to bring in the fresh air while not cooling my tent. I need to do the read read read thing and get my knowledge, then it will all make sense. It's cold here in Michigan so any outside fresh air I bring in will be 30° . I guess add a heater inside the tent to keep the air temp@77° and quite possibly a humidifier if they heater dries the air to much. I'm going to throw up a post this Saturday and get some advice from there crew. Lots of helpful people here. So you dropped your beans, what ya growing if you don't mind me asking? I'm going with Six Shooter Auto and one of the photos I have, not sure what ones yet but going to keep it a small grow until I know what I'm doing, that way I can keep an eye on the seedlings and plants as they grow so I can learn easier.

✌️
 
Fortunately for me, I get to use the heat from my 315W LEC ight to help heat my home. I don't need to draw air from outside. I can only imagine how hot the HPS lights get. I I'm using the free auto seeds I got with my order. AK, Cheese and Northern Lights.
 
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