need help ASAP (lights)

Dutchmaster315

Dutchmaster315

Member
This is the second day after i put the germinated seeds in the soil (8 solo cups). I started out the lighting (2CFL and 4 Florescent) 20 hours on (12pm on 8am off) and I am reading a lot of people saying 18on 6 off which I will more likely switch too. I am planing on switching to HPS in 2 weeks. I also have white poly in the closet.
My question: Will it harm the sprouting process if I change the light cycle or should I stay with what I am at? and If so when is the best to change it?
 
dakin3d

dakin3d

Well-Known Member
Freshly germinated seeds shouldn't be placed under light until they're sprouting. They should be planted and placed in a dark place until the seedling sprouts. Plants are unable to utilize light energy until they have 'leaves'. Once sprouted, they can be placed immediately under your CLF's.

IMHO, the difference btw 20 and 18 hour exposure is insignificant. I run mine 24/7, but that doesn't mean it's the 'correct way'. Think about summer light hours outside, which is where the plant initially started it's evolutionary process. Different growers will argue various exposure times during vegetation. However, 20/4 would be fine, and 18/6 would be fine. What wattage of HPS will you be using?

Bottom line, your questions cannot be definitively answered b/c the research hasn't been released from Mississippi state marijuana research facility;) From my experience, both work, but I prefer 24/0.
 
Dutchmaster315

Dutchmaster315

Member
dakin3d said:
Freshly germinated seeds shouldn't be placed under light until they're sprouting. They should be planted and placed in a dark place until the seedling sprouts. Plants are unable to utilize light energy until they have 'leaves'. Once sprouted, they can be placed immediately under your CLF's.

IMHO, the difference btw 20 and 18 hour exposure is insignificant. I run mine 24/7, but that doesn't mean it's the 'correct way'. Think about summer light hours outside, which is where the plant initially started it's evolutionary process. Different growers will argue various exposure times during vegetation. However, 20/4 would be fine, and 18/6 would be fine. What wattage of HPS will you be using?

Bottom line, your questions cannot be definitively answered b/c the research hasn't been released from Mississippi state marijuana research facility;) From my experience, both work, but I prefer 24/0.
Click to expand...
Ok so should I turn turn and keep the lights off until they have sprouted?

I am not sure about the HPS yet doesn't it depend on how many plants? I feel like in reality I will only have like 4 or 5 to work with. Shouldn't the wattage be about 80-120 per plant? if so I will probably look for like 600 or maybe a tad higher. This is my first grow

Main question tho should i turn lights off til sprouted?
 
Dutchmaster315

Dutchmaster315

Member
Dutchmaster315 said:
Ok so should I turn turn and keep the lights off until they have sprouted?

I am not sure about the HPS yet doesn't it depend on how many plants? I feel like in reality I will only have like 4 or 5 to work with. Shouldn't the wattage be about 80-12 per plant? if so I will probably look for like 600 or maybe a tad higher. This is my first grow by the way

Main question tho should i turn lights off til sprouted?
Click to expand...
The lights have been on for two days this morning
 
dakin3d

dakin3d

Well-Known Member
Not sure how reliable of a reference this is, but it appears to be a decent introductory piece by first glance... http://www.growweedeasy.com/germinate . I would suggest reading this, as I anticipate you may have planted your seedling upside down. At this point I would leave them alone, but just for future reference.

Regarding your 'main question', I'm not sure that we know that for sure either. When it comes to plants, some species/strains are sensitive to light during germination, which will inhibit growth; some don't mind either way; and some benefit. I've always gone by the rule that you should keep them in the dark until the sprout breaks the surface. However, if you've planted correctly (about first knuckle deep o/ 2.5-3 cm's), it shouldn't matter much. It's more important to have a warm, humid environment.

I used to go by the rule that each plant should get about 100W, but we're finding that 75W may be more sufficient. I would recommend a 400W Metal Halide for vegetation, and wait to flip them for about 3 weeks, unless they grow like crazy. I anticipate that they won't, this being your first grow (no offense). Then switch them over to a 400W HPS for flowering. I think a 400W light is appropriate for your first grow, as well as the number of plants. Save money, dial in your skills, sell it in a year, and buy 1000W's from there. Remember that as they get larger, space between plants is important.

Any other Q's?

Btw, Jorge Cervantes, The Weed Bible is a priceless reference for a grower. It's prob $20-30, but well worth it!
 
Dutchmaster315

Dutchmaster315

Member
dakin3d said:
Not sure how reliable of a reference this is, but it appears to be a decent introductory piece by first glance... http://www.growweedeasy.com/germinate . I would suggest reading this, as I anticipate you may have planted your seedling upside down. At this point I would leave them alone, but just for future reference.

Regarding your 'main question', I'm not sure that we know that for sure either. When it comes to plants, some species/strains are sensitive to light during germination, which will inhibit growth; some don't mind either way; and some benefit. I've always gone by the rule that you should keep them in the dark until the sprout breaks the surface. However, if you've planted correctly (about first knuckle deep o/ 2.5-3 cm's), it shouldn't matter much. It's more important to have a warm, humid environment.

I used to go by the rule that each plant should get about 100W, but we're finding that 75W may be more sufficient. I would recommend a 400W Metal Halide for vegetation, and wait to flip them for about 3 weeks, unless they grow like crazy. I anticipate that they won't, this being your first grow (no offense). Then switch them over to a 400W HPS for flowering. I think a 400W light is appropriate for your first grow, as well as the number of plants. Save money, dial in your skills, sell it in a year, and buy 1000W's from there. Remember that as they get larger, space between plants is important.

Any other Q's?

Btw, Jorge Cervantes, The Weed Bible is a priceless reference for a grower. It's prob $20-30, but well worth it!
Click to expand...
AWesome info man! and Believe it or not I bought that book on amazon last night for 10$ aliitle hard to follow but great stuff!....WHen will I know if I messed up the germination..like 10 days?
 
dakin3d

dakin3d

Well-Known Member
Glad it helps.

Nice! It's pretty fundamental, but an essential reference for individuals that don't have a background in horticulture.

You should probably see some sort of sprout by now... ?
 
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