lower wattage for flower than veg??

JackSkell

Active Member
Hey guys, i just had a quick question about wattages in the various stages of life. ive read many people say they use higher wattage for vegging with and lower the wattage for flowering, the most common example ive seen is people using 600w MH for veg and then turning down to a 400w hps for flower. then on the contrary ive seen some people say this same thing in reverse, lower watt for veg, higher for flower, although ive only seen that claimed a few times compared to the number of people claiming to use lower for flower, im just wondering what the reasoning behind this is. i just ordered a 600w dimmable dual ballast so i can run mh and hps off of 1, instead of needing 2 seperate lights like i used to, and its my first dimmable ballast so this is the first time ive ever done research on when and why one would turn down the wattage. Im just having trouble finding any data on WHY you would do this?? would it not be better to use the most wattage you can during either stage of life? is there something about using lower watts during flower that makes your product come out better? someone please clear this up for me as i am stumped on the topic.
 

Southerner

Well-Known Member
People lower wattage because then it cost less to run. You can also adjust to the temperatures of the seasons to keep your environment in check.

In my opinion youre better off using the most wattage you can in flower. Higher wattage in veg means a faster rate of growth, something you may or may not need depending on your setup.
 

majins

Well-Known Member
Every one has there own method and reasons but here is mine.

I use lowest power when sprouting and rooting clones. No point fully blasting them until they have fully developed root system.
Then during VEG work my way up to 3/4 power of my lights then last few weeks of veg reduce the on time down to 12/12. Gives them a good chance to grow and keeps power usage and temps down.

Flowering give them full power until the last week and a half. When I start to flush and turn the power down as well.
Last 3 days I reduce the light a hour per day and run it at 1/2 power giving no water.
Then complete darkness for last 24 hours with dehumidfyer running.

Then harvest.
Iv got 600W (from the wall) for only 4 plants tho.
 

jugz420

Well-Known Member
Let me chime in maybe this helps.

I have used T5's and
Every one has there own method and reasons but here is mine.

I use lowest power when sprouting and rooting clones. No point fully blasting them until they have fully developed root system.
Then during VEG work my way up to 3/4 power of my lights then last few weeks of veg reduce the on time down to 12/12. Gives them a good chance to grow and keeps power usage and temps down.

Flowering give them full power until the last week and a half. When I start to flush and turn the power down as well.
Last 3 days I reduce the light a hour per day and run it at 1/2 power giving no water.
Then complete darkness for last 24 hours with dehumidfyer running.

Then harvest.
Iv got 600W (from the wall) for only 4 plants tho.
Thanks for your input.

Let me chime in. I have used T5, grabbed a ballast a blue bull and a reflector, and also used a gavita for veggin. I have learned that with the gavitas in veg they do wonders! but heat could be an issue tho. I veg em for 1 month under a gavita and I will be pulling off near a pound from each plant.

I also lower my temps like 5 days before chopping them down. I never give em darkness at the end, I give em 24 hours darkness when flipping them into 12/12 cycle. But like majins said no need to blast them when they small.. Heat is ur worst enemy when it comes to growing (my opinion).


-Jugz
-Mex 420
 

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indicat33

Well-Known Member
Hey guys, i just had a quick question about wattages in the various stages of life. ive read many people say they use higher wattage for vegging with and lower the wattage for flowering, the most common example ive seen is people using 600w MH for veg and then turning down to a 400w hps for flower. then on the contrary ive seen some people say this same thing in reverse, lower watt for veg, higher for flower, although ive only seen that claimed a few times compared to the number of people claiming to use lower for flower, im just wondering what the reasoning behind this is. i just ordered a 600w dimmable dual ballast so i can run mh and hps off of 1, instead of needing 2 seperate lights like i used to, and its my first dimmable ballast so this is the first time ive ever done research on when and why one would turn down the wattage. Im just having trouble finding any data on WHY you would do this?? would it not be better to use the most wattage you can during either stage of life? is there something about using lower watts during flower that makes your product come out better? someone please clear this up for me as i am stumped on the topic.
Using higher wattages during flowering would be most beneficial, beefing up the size/weight of the colas. I recommend doing this, if you are able. Your plants will thank you for it 8-)
 
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