When to change from CFL to HPS light?

Raindancekid

Member

• Jan 10, 2014

• #1

Hi my seeds have now sprouted and are around 1 to 2 inches tall the problem is I am using a CFL bulb at the moment but can only get it around 10 inches from the plants and I am worried this will cause them to 'stretch' (my understanding is cfl bulbs need to be very close to plants). I do have a 600w HPS light but don't want to burn/kill the small plants this early on. Any feedback would be great. ✌

 

K J

Active Member

• Jan 10, 2014

• #2

I don't think CFLs do anything past a few inches.

 

Sand4x105

Well-Known Member

• Jan 10, 2014

• #3

Just get your CFL closer, or you will get a lanky far spaced node plant that will have bud sites far apart...

 

SaucyAussie

Active Member

• Jan 10, 2014

• #4

I have my 400w MH/HPS about a foot above my plants but I also hang my temp probe right at the plant tops. As long as the temp isn't too high then you're all good.

 

Raindancekid

Member

• Jan 10, 2014

• #5

SaucyAussie said:

I have my 400w MH/HPS about a foot above my plants but I also hang my temp probe right at the plant tops. As long as the temp isn't too high then you're all good.

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Even with the plants wing so small at the moment? Never grown from seed before so about unsure?

 

Raindancekid

Member

• Jan 10, 2014

• #6

Sand4x105 said:

Just get your CFL closer, or you will get a lanky far spaced node plant that will have bud sites far apart...

Click to expand...

Unable to get them any closer due to grow room set up didn't plan to grow from seeds or use CFL.
Think I am going to give them another days growth then switch it to my 600w.

 

Lo Budget

Well-Known Member

• Jan 10, 2014

• #7

That's the ticket. The sooner you get the 600 on them the better. They'll be ok. I like to keep a fan blowing between the light and the plants. If you have a thermometer you can place by the canopy that's perfect, otherwise use the back of your hand. If it gets too hot after several seconds, raise the light or increase airflow.

 

Raindancekid

Member

• Jan 10, 2014

• #8

Lo Budget said:

That's the ticket. The sooner you get the 600 on them the better. They'll be ok. I like to keep a fan blowing between the light and the plants. If you have a thermometer you can place by the canopy that's perfect, otherwise use the back of your hand. If it gets too hot after several seconds, raise the light or increase airflow.

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That's perfect thank you I have all of what u mentioned as its the method I use for when I pot cuttings but was a bit unsure with such small plants.
Thanks for the advise.

 

tip top toker

Well-Known Member

• Jan 10, 2014

• #9

You can use a 600w from day one if you wish. Didn't do my seeds any harm.

 

SaucyAussie

Active Member

• Jan 10, 2014

• #10

Raindancekid said:

Even with the plants wing so small at the moment? Never grown from seed before so about unsure?

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Sure, it's not about the type or even the amount of light but the temperature. I put mine directly under a MH after planting the sprouted seeds.

 

Raindancekid

Member

• Jan 10, 2014

• #11

Thanks everyone gonna make the switch back to my HPS tomorrow. Thanks for your time and advise. ✌

 

twostrokenut

Well-Known Member

• Jan 10, 2014

• #12

You might notice them tak a week or so to get used to the hps...this happens from switch from mh to hps too and I know some who just veg and frloer with hps for this reason.