600w MH distance from seedlings.

So my seedlings are just breaking the surface and since this is my first time using a MH for seedlings I’m not sure of the distance.

I don’t want them to stretch but I currently have it about 2-2 and a half feet away. Also don’t wanna fry them.

So what’s the best distance?

Nutty sKunK said:

So my seedlings are just breaking the surface and since this is my first time using a MH for seedlings I’m not sure of the distance.

I don’t want them to stretch but I currently have it about 2-2 and a half feet away. Also don’t wanna fry them.

So what’s the best distance?

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Honestly they're going to stretch at any distance far enough away to not fry em. 18" is the distance that wont fry em but they will probably stretch, go with 23w cfls 1" away if at all possible.

Hey sKunk,
I veg with a 400mh and keep it close to 20"...also have a 250mh that I place a little closer. Never used a 600mh but that sounds about right. Move it closer if they stretch too much...
JD

PS...noticed NAU post after...I understand his point. 600 is overkill. I use my 400mh over my whole veg area including seedlings. Never fried any. It's mostly in the blue light in bulb that keeps stretcg minimum and nodes tight...

New Age United said:

Honestly they're going to stretch at any distance far enough away to not fry em. 18" is the distance that wont fry em but they will probably stretch, go with 23w cfls 1" away if at all possible.

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Sorry I should’ve added that it’s in an air cooled hood.

I do have 300cfl but was trying to avoid fannying about switching lights etc.

Thanks, JohnDee. Will see how they go being an air cooled hood might be able to bring it a little closer.

I guess leggy seedlings can always be buried during transplant.

Air cooled hoods do very little, most of the heat from a light is actually light and that passes through the glass pretty unhindered. Kind of a false economy