need help on lighting for seedlings

w1ckedchowda

w1ckedchowda

Well-Known Member
I plan on growing my seedlings inside for a few weeks to get a head start, just until they can hold their own after the last frost hits and then they're outside :mrgreen:. Anyone got any recommendations for a cheap lighting setup for probably 20 seedlings? I don't need much and not many watts since I'll just be bringing them outside in 3 weeks anyway.

Any suggestions? :dunce:
 
lampshade

lampshade

Well-Known Member
rakuencallisto said:
I plan on growing my seedlings inside for a few weeks to get a head start, just until they can hold their own after the last frost hits and then they're outside :mrgreen:. Anyone got any recommendations for a cheap lighting setup for probably 20 seedlings? I don't need much and not many watts since I'll just be bringing them outside in 3 weeks anyway.

Any suggestions? :dunce:
Click to expand...
Just get one or a couple of those 4 ft flourescent tubes. They usually come in reflector with ballast and two bulbs for 40 bucks. But you can get them used for 20 or less.
 
lampshade

lampshade

Well-Known Member
lampshade said:
Just get one or a couple of those 4 ft flourescent tubes. They usually come in reflector with ballast and two bulbs for 40 bucks. But you can get them used for 20 or less.
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Use red solo cups, this should hold out for 3 weeks. And do not use any soil with nutrients add such as Miracle Grow soils. These will burn your seedlings.
 
Brick Top

Brick Top

New Member
rakuencallisto said:
I plan on growing my seedlings inside for a few weeks to get a head start, just until they can hold their own after the last frost hits and then they're outside :mrgreen:. Anyone got any recommendations for a cheap lighting setup for probably 20 seedlings? I don't need much and not many watts since I'll just be bringing them outside in 3 weeks anyway.

Any suggestions? :dunce:
Click to expand...

If this will be a regular thing for you, like every spring, I would suggest buying a metal halide light. Why go cheap if you will be doing the same thing again and again if spending a reasonable amount will give you a better setup to use each year? But if this is a one-time thing go cheap.

Check out the lights at this site.

http://www.htgsupply.com/growlighttypes.asp?categoryID=1&subcategoryID=155

Then figure how much area your seedlings will need and look at the info below.

  • 100 watt lights: 1.5FT x 1.5FT growing area
  • 150/175 watt lights: 2FT x 2FT growing area
  • 250 watt lights: 3FT x 3FT growing area
  • 400 watt lights: 5FT x 5FT growing area
  • 600 watt lights: 6FT x 6FT growing area
  • 1000 watt lights: 8FT x 8FT growing area

Then decide if you can find a much better light than a cheap fluorescent light that will cover the size area you need it to cover for a price you are willing or able to pay.
 
w1ckedchowda

w1ckedchowda

Well-Known Member
Brick Top said:
If this will be a regular thing for you, like every spring, I would suggest buying a metal halide light. Why go cheap if you will be doing the same thing again and again if spending a reasonable amount will give you a better setup to use each year? But if this is a one-time thing go cheap.

Check out the lights at this site.

http://www.htgsupply.com/growlighttypes.asp?categoryID=1&subcategoryID=155

Then figure how much area your seedlings will need and look at the info below.

  • 100 watt lights: 1.5FT x 1.5FT growing area
  • 150/175 watt lights: 2FT x 2FT growing area
  • 250 watt lights: 3FT x 3FT growing area
  • 400 watt lights: 5FT x 5FT growing area
  • 600 watt lights: 6FT x 6FT growing area
  • 1000 watt lights: 8FT x 8FT growing area

Then decide if you can find a much better light than a cheap fluorescent light that will cover the size area you need it to cover for a price you are willing or able to pay.
Click to expand...
Nice thanks lamp and brick, both very useful information. Appreciate it.
 
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