quick CFL question

sheridan2k2 · May 10, 2010

Hey I'm getting ready to throw my germinated seeds in a 16 oz cup today with FFLW. I was told my 400w MH would be too powerful and unnecessary for seedlings, also that I would have to keep it too far away and plants would stretch for light too quick and the stems would turn to string pretty much which is what happend once before. I am new so I went out and bought 4 clamp on sockets for CFL's. I was wondering which color spectrum cfls I should use to start out my babies? Any helpful information is greatly appreciated!

max316420 · May 10, 2010

i would def use flo's the first 2 weeks until they build somewhat of a root system, but after that i would put them under that mh, start it a bit farther away for the first few days then gradually move it closer. stick your hand under the light right above the canopy and if its to hot for your hand then its to hot for your girls....

sheridan2k2 · May 10, 2010

Yea I'm def using the CFL's now to start them for the first 2 weeks, what color spectrum floro should I use and how many K's like soft white, daylight etc.. 6500k,5000k,2700k etc ..

max316420 · May 10, 2010

I have always used regular soft white bulbs, seedlings don't need to much light at first. Don't make it over complicated for yourself. stick to something easy and you will be all good

sheridan2k2 · May 10, 2010

Thanks a bunch dude, gonna give it a shot.

Bonzi Lighthouse · May 10, 2010

sheridan2k2 said:
Hey I'm getting ready to throw my germinated seeds in a 16 oz cup today with FFLW. I was told my 400w MH would be too powerful and unnecessary for seedlings, also that I would have to keep it too far away and plants would stretch for light too quick and the stems would turn to string pretty much which is what happend once before. I am new so I went out and bought 4 clamp on sockets for CFL's. I was wondering which color spectrum cfls I should use to start out my babies? Any helpful information is greatly appreciated!

Not true 400w MH from seed.

It's not the light that makes this difficult but the heat.
Since I will finish this grow with a 400w HPS, but I am going to 8 - T5 HO for veg in the bottom partition and 400w HPS in the upper partition. My 2 x 2 x 6 cabinet can not handle the heat of 2 HID lights.

max316420 · May 10, 2010

that's what i said PUT YOUR HAND UNDER IT AND MAKE SURE ITS NOT TO HOT........... i have started seedlings under a 1000 hps before, no recommeded but it can be done

sheridan2k2 · May 10, 2010

Well I have a 400w MH and a 400w HPS for flowering I went all out when I decided to start for my first time for I can use this stuff over and over again. I don't see why my stems got real stringy and fell over when I used it. It wasn't close or hot in there. Had it about 24 inches away and 2 fans . Maintained a steady 78-82 degrees at all times. Still very confused and heard I should use cfls.

Bonzi Lighthouse · May 10, 2010

max316420 said:
that's what i said PUT YOUR HAND UNDER IT AND MAKE SURE ITS NOT TO HOT........... i have started seedlings under a 1000 HPS before, no recommended but it can be done

what about when you remove your hand and close the door, what then? Are we talking radiant heat or ambient temps? There is alot more to it than just sticking your hand under the light.

max316420 · May 10, 2010

if your unsure about it i would prolly use flo's, you don't have to worry about burning your babies

Bonzi Lighthouse · May 10, 2010

sheridan2k2 said:
Well I have a 400w MH and a 400w HPS for flowering I went all out when I decided to start for my first time for I can use this stuff over and over again. I don't see why my stems got real stringy and fell over when I used it. It wasn't close or hot in there. Had it about 24 inches away and 2 fans . Maintained a steady 78-82 degrees at all times. Still very confused and heard I should use cfls.

I had my 400w MH at 12" and got a little heat stress and then moved it to 18", even at 24" you should not have them streach and fall over, something else is wrong.

Bonzi Lighthouse · May 10, 2010

max316420 said:
if your unsure about it i would prolly use flo's, you don't have to worry about burning your babies

I disagree, it's all about controling the enviroment, if he is running a 400w mh @ 78-82 temps (ambiant temp at the top of the canopy) and can maintain and control it (raise and lower temps at will) then he should continue to leverage his investment.

As the below chart shows 24" is just outside of optimal.

sheridan2k2 · May 10, 2010

Yeah that's what I thought bc I've known so many people who use MH from seedlings.. Its happening everytime I mean I only got 2 sprouts and that happend to 1 of them so I moved my other under the CFLs, I woudl really rather use my MH considering all the money spent. What else could be wrong ?

sheridan2k2 · May 10, 2010

Bonzi Lighthouse said:
I disagree, it's all about controling the enviroment, if he is running a 400w mh @ 24", 78-82 temps (ambiant temp at the top of the canopy) and can maintain and control it (raise and lower temps at will) then he should continue to leverage his investment.

What do you mean by leverage my investment? Also why are my stems basically turning to string and falling over when they look so healthy.. I don't get it..what else could be wrong ??

max316420 · May 10, 2010

thats what a fan is for, and how do you know that there is a door to close?? maybe he has it in a full sized room. if your room is cool enough you wont have to worry about all that.
Step 1 make sure your room doesnt get to hot
Step 2 make sure your plants aren't to close to the light
Step 3 sit back and watch them grow.............

max316420 · May 10, 2010

and thats because your light isn't close enough, they are stretching for the light and don't worry this other dude is just trying to confuse you. my clones go about 15 inches from the light and all i use is 1000watt hps's and there is never a problem

Bonzi Lighthouse · May 10, 2010

sheridan2k2 said:
What do you mean by leverage my investment? Also why are my stems basically turning to string and falling over when they look so healthy.. I don't get it..what else could be wrong ??

Can you post pics of your setup? If you're not using a vented hood you may not be able to get it close enough to work.

#1 Bad, #2 good

Bonzi Lighthouse · May 10, 2010

sheridan2k2 said:
What do you mean by leverage my investment? Also why are my stems basically turning to string and falling over when they look so healthy.. I don't get it..what else could be wrong ??

Leverage = Use what you already have.

Your light is not close enough. Post pics to confirm.

sheridan2k2 · May 10, 2010

Well my light is adjustable from a 8ft ceiling its hanging with chain from 2 lilco hooks and 5ft chain on each side so I can get 3ft from the floor, also how close should I have my 400w mh? Heat and temperature isn't a problem have it set perfect and can be adjusted at will almost. I am not home as of now so can't post pics I am on my cell phone. But just to confirm my plants are stretching for the light and that's why that happend ? Also I shouldn't use the cfls to start them ? Ill post pics when I get home definitely, trying to get as much info as I can while I'm at work to pass time as well haha.

max316420 · May 10, 2010

by the looks of your pics you have to drop your light to about half of that

quick CFL question

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