Advise me! Best source of UV light for "enhancement"

Hello.

I've been reading/hearing that using UV lights during the last 20 days of flowering (or so) can really increase and enhance resin production in the flowers.

I'd like to try it….but I'm not sure exactly which direction to go in as far as the type of bulb or light fixture to get to achieve this.

Has anyone tried it? Results? And what kind of light(s) did you use?

Is it possible, for example, to locate some of the fluorescent tubes used in tanning beds and then just stick them into a shop light fixture?

Also…I've heard that the way to use UV light is to cycle it on for an hour and then off for an hour…etc. Is that correct?

Thanks in advance!

UVB reptile floro tubes

Best bang for your buck is T5 HO UVB reptile bulbs. Zoomed makes a 10% UVB with 30% UVA bulb and Arcadia makes a 12% UVB with 30 UVA bulb.
I use mine for 5 to 6 hours a day from about 3 weeks into flower.

Is that a surfer with a dick surfboard in your avatar?

Yes, yes it is.

Captains bulb recommendations are spot on

Only thing I'd add is the sooner the better..lol. T8 bulb versions may be enough if your in a micro space. I think a t5 from those particular companies need to be about 2' away to be at the recommended intensity.

Make sure you turn them off when in the area...read up on the hazards.

Does anyone have some links on how to properly employ these UV-B bulbs?

https://www.rollitup.org/t/uva-uvb-the-real-deal-a-must-read-topic-for-all-growers.497246/

https://www.rollitup.org/t/uvb-timing.812442/#post-10315374

Best UVb lamps are made from Phillips.
But they are neither easy to find ,neither are cheap ...
So...
Just for informative (probably )reasons :

-UVB broadband : TL 40W / 12 RS SLV
( low-pressure mercury vapour fluorescent )








And the almost 'monochromatic' :

-TL 100W / 01 SLV

(15 Watt radiant output UVb @1000h !!!! )



A word of caution :
Both these lamps can be pretty harmful for eyes and (healthy ) skin.

UncleReemis said:

Is that a surfer with a dick surfboard in your avatar?

Click to expand...

Yes….yes it is.

Lots of great info and links! Thanks!

I guess my next question should be more specific.

is there a cheap and easy way to add some UV enhancement in my 3 X 3 grow tent? I'm talking about Home Depot, Ace….etc. types of solutions. I'm curious to try it out on my small scale….but….would some shop lights work with some of those black light tubes they sell at Ace, for example? I'm kinda leary about using mercury vapor bulbs because they scare the shit outta me they get SO hot! I don't think my space could stand the heat.

Suggestions?

-Would the reptile tubes work in a shop light fixture?

tstick said:

Lots of great info and links! Thanks!

I guess my next question should be more specific.

is there a cheap and easy way to add some UV enhancement in my 3 X 3 grow tent? I'm talking about Home Depot, Ace….etc. types of solutions. I'm curious to try it out on my small scale….but….would some shop lights work with some of those black light tubes they sell at Ace, for example? I'm kinda leary about using mercury vapor bulbs because they scare the shit outta me they get SO hot! I don't think my space could stand the heat.

Suggestions?

-Would the reptile tubes work in a shop light fixture?

Click to expand...

Yes they do work in a normal fluo fixture ...
And they are (reptile lamps ) the easiest to find and cheapest to buy ,for UVa-UVb supplementing ...
Search for Arcadia or ZooMed brands .
And aim for the 10% UVb (or more if you find any ..)

http://www.lightyourreptiles.com/

They carry Arcadia 12% and 6% bulbs. Fixtures too if you need them.

Zoomed is based in USA and Arcadia is in the EU so prices will reflect that depending where you are.

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1 Watt = 1 Joule / sec .
12 h=43200 sec ( 12*60 min*60 sec )

Takes 14000 Joules/square meter of UVb energy to increase THC concentration from 25mg/gr to 32mg/gr ( +28% increasement )
That regarding flowers.
For 12 hour illumination and constant UVB power :

14.000/ 42.000 = 0.333....

For a +28% THC increasement ,over a 12 hour illumination,a constant power of 0.333 Watts (radiant power )
is needed per square meter (~ 3'x3' space )

.5 Watts (500mW ) / sq.meter UVb is more than enough .

Copy the high altitude uv of Afghanistan mtns.

A member here "kite high" was a master of UV. He preached that the Reptile MH were by far the best.
And the cfl were the worst.

Check his posts out.
He was a NINJA,
Rip mr kitehigh.....

Please I'm a noob in Uv-b I'm using a 600w HPS light on a 4'x4' box I'm starting week 6 of flowering and planned to add a 39watt arcadia uv'b 12% light on my box to enhance THC production by 6hours/day trough week 6-7 and 8. Can you please tell me if 39watt is enough power for the box and how high should I hang it?

Thanks a lot

I'd prefer two to hit the area more evenly. But one is a good start and may be enough.

When I ran one it was high and angled over the canopy. I like at least 1' from canopy 2' is ideal



I prefer two though...



If you have ever grown without it indoors you should see a difference. I do notice an increased effect with more exposure. Either less power for more hours, up to the full 12hr flower. Or more power, two fixtures, for just 4 to 6hrs. I just look at it as dosing...how much UVB radiation will bring the desired effect..more resin and terpenes.

Just my particular take on it...

Positivity said:

I'd prefer two to hit the area more evenly. But one is a good start and may be enough.

When I ran one it was high and angled over the canopy. I like at least 1' from canopy 2' is ideal

View attachment 3227327

I prefer two though...

View attachment 3227328

If you have ever grown without it indoors you should see a difference. I do notice an increased effect with more exposure. Either less power for more hours, up to the full 12hr flower. Or more power, two fixtures, for just 4 to 6hrs. I just look at it as dosing...how much UVB radiation will bring the desired effect..more resin and terpenes.

Just my particular take on it...

Click to expand...

Thank lot for your answer it's very helpful so I think I'll gonna put 2x 24 watt arcadia 12% uvb 2' from the canopy for 6 hours(2x 3hours with 30min off) in the mid of the 12 hours from week 6 until end of week 8 on my 10 week strain . Thats sound good for you?