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

tstick

tstick

Well-Known Member
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!
 
Positivity

Positivity

Well-Known Member
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.
 
stardustsailor

stardustsailor

Well-Known Member
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 )

data slv.JPG


spectr slv.JPG



And the almost 'monochromatic' :

-TL 100W / 01 SLV
100slv.JPG
(15 Watt radiant output UVb @1000h !!!! )
100 Wslv spectr.JPG


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

tstick

Well-Known Member
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?
 
stardustsailor

stardustsailor

Well-Known Member
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 ..)
 
stardustsailor

stardustsailor

Well-Known Member
..................
uvb 1.JPG


............................

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 .


uvb 2.JPG
 
tropzy

tropzy

Member
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
 
Positivity

Positivity

Well-Known Member
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

image.jpg

I prefer two though...

image.jpg

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...
 
tropzy

tropzy

Member
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?
 
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