How much light before veg?

what should be my light cycle before they start vegetation? Ive heard 24 hours, but is that standard or experimental?

Your question doesn't make any sense. See, before you veg would be before the seedling popped thru the surface. If that's what you mean, it's probably best for newborns to be met by the light you'll be using, as close to the surface as reasonable and allowable by your bulb heat.
When the plant gets going, some use 18on/6off . . . I, and many others, use 24/0.
Any variation that adds up to 24 is acceptable, with the majority being "on".

i didnt think veg started till it had its first few leaves.

It doesn't. You seem to be asking how many hours of light you should give the seedling before it even comes up?

veg and flowering describe the light cycles, regardless of plant size or age.

18/6 for veg

12/12 for flower

MrFishy said:

It doesn't. You seem to be asking how many hours of light you should give the seedling before it even comes up?

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well if the veg cycle doesnt start until it gets its first few leaves.

both before the seed has sprouted and before it gets its four sets of true leaves. what should my light cycle be?

i cant explain it anymore bluntly than that.

dude, really? your seed will be fine wether it is under 18 hours of light or 24. Alot of people go 24 all the way through veg, some people do 18, some 20. It's all a matter of personal preference, your particular strain's genetics, and how much money you want to spend on your electrical bill. That's one reason why no one understands. The other reason being that a seed requires no light untill it has sprouted, and that is generally when people start thier veg cycle. Do you see what I mean bro? not trying to harsh you. Also, MrFishy's answer was actually a really good explanation.

ALL above ground growth is vegetation.