How do I manipulate the photoperiod for larger yields

timmmy2021

Well-Known Member
[DISCLAIMER]: This information is provided as experimental data and not fact.

The only photoperiod manipulation from years of experiments that offered discernible improvements was this adjustment made for 1 or 2 calendar weeks at the point of maximum flowering rate: Daylength of 21 hours, 36 minutes with a dark period of 12 hours. To accomplish this, you need a 7 day, 24 hour digital timer. During a 7 day calendar week on Earth, the "sun" only cycles 5 times. This permits easily switching back to the regular 12/12 at your discretion. You may want to only alter during peak flower production to stimulate the plant's metabolism. Using this photoperiod throughout the flowering cycle will cause this:

A variety that takes 49 days of 12/12 to mature, won't see 49 - 12 hour dark periods under 21:36/12 until almost 10 calendar weeks have passed.

The total increase in light energy is almost 80%, which will produce larger yields, if all of your other enviromental conditions are kept optimal.

The total increase in flowering period is only 40%, half the potential room for improvement. This means you don't have to be perfect to win out.

Selective application of the 21:36/12 photperiod for only 1 or 2 weeks extends the wait only 2 to 4 Earth days, which makes up the missing 2 complete day and night cycles each week on Planet Ito. This permits the additional light energy to be provided without purchasing additional equipment or overloading existing circuits, which maximizes the existing system's capabilities. The main advantage is that matched with co2 and optimal nutrition, the plants metabolism will increase dramatically. I have only successfully tested this photoperiod for two weeks. The potential for a net increase of 40% over the entire cycle (80% increase in light energy vs. 40% longer wait) is worthwhile. Don't be afraid!

Day 1 - Sunday, 6:00am til Monday, 3:36am
Day 2 - Monday, 3:36pm til Tuesday, 1:12pm
Day 3 - Wednesday, 1:12am til Wednesday, 10:48pm
Day 4 - Thursday, 10:48am til Friday 8:24am
Day 5 - Friday, 8:24pm til Saturday 6:00pm




will this work????
 

Californiaman

Active Member
I just spend $15 on a 7 day timer and ready to take the plunge. Has anyone actually DONE this and can verify that it has increased their yield??

I really don't want to be the guinea pig on this one but I'm desperate to maximize my small (two ladies) crop!

:?
 

FLoJo

Well-Known Member
a lot of the grow FAQ seems kinda whack to me... i say if it aint broke dont fix it!

think about it, if you are doing 21 hours of light, thats almost double the wattage used on the same bulbs right? and how much is it REALLY going to change your yield? i would highly doubt doubling it, i would highly doubt 25 percent, otherwise all the pros would do it.

if you are going to spend 2x as much for running the lights, might as well just double the wattage and run it 12/12.. you will get a much higher yield running1200w as opposed to running 600w for that length of time (21 hr) during lights on.

if it aint broke dont fix it, dont double the time, double the watts!

at least thats my logic

FLo
 

ElBarto

Well-Known Member
Common sense says it might increase your yield, but probably not by more than, say, 5 to 10%. Is it worth all the extra trouble?

And if it does help, it's going to be close to the bottom of the list of things that might effect your yield--lights, nutes, ventilation, etc, will have a much bigger impact.

Also, you're not going to know for sure unless you do a couple of parallel runs, and who has the time for that?

But what the hell--give it a try, why not?
 

dazed76

New Member
before you get to manipulating time try to manipulate the growing environment and quality of food. co2, perfect room ect
 
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