Is it alright to start seedlings under a 400w MH

Is this ok? The temps are in the 70's with the light on because it's in an outside building and the cold temps outside help.

Anyone else use metal halide from the beginning? Or should I really use CFL's for that early stage of life?

Thanks!

mary.chiva said:

Is this ok? The temps are in the 70's with the light on because it's in an outside building and the cold temps outside help.

Anyone else use metal halide from the beginning? Or should I really use CFL's for that early stage of life?

Thanks!

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As long as you "introduce" the lamp slowly they will love it.
I use my 400watt hps to start mine and i start with the lamp hanging at about 36" and then lower it about 2" per day until it is about 8" from the tops.
I use a fan to blow on the lamp itself and across the tops of my plants to make sure they don't burn

Sweet, thanks man. I was hoping it wouldn't be a problem, but I wanted some comfort to be sure.

I just got my 400watter and will be using it from start to finish for the first time. I'm glad I can just use it instead of mixing in CFL's (not that CFL's are bad, but for me, it's easier having one light to deal with...).

Oh and, 8'' from the tops is darn close. You must have one nice fan to not turn your babies into crispy critters. I know my bulb is freaking HOT. Thanks again for the advice, it's nice hearing different methods.

mary.chiva said:

Oh and, 8'' from the tops is darn close. You must have one nice fan to not turn your babies into crispy critters. I know my bulb is freaking HOT. Thanks again for the advice, it's nice hearing different methods.

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I don't know hot my bulb gets exactly but i have a 400watt grolux dual spectrum bulb.
When i say 8" i mean 8" from the bottom of the reflector hood

the reason for using the cfl's or other lower wattage bulbs is economic, why use 400 watts of power and place the light 3' above the plants when you could accomplish the same thing with about 100 watts with the lights closer to the plants? VV

VictorVIcious said:

the reason for using the cfl's or other lower wattage bulbs is economic, why use 400 watts of power and place the light 3' above the plants when you could accomplish the same thing with about 100 watts with the lights closer to the plants? VV

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I definitely see your point and it makes sense. The only thing is, I'd be switching from CFL (if used) to MH when they are 6 inches or so anyhow. I'd only be saving on power consumption for a couple weeks. It's not that much more on my electric bill.

You definitely bring a good point and something to consider. Thanks.