LED and seedlings.

[Smokenpassout]

With good led light, do you even need to bother babying seedlings with CFL's in close proximity, at first? So far, it seems that as long as the LED light is at maximum height for seedlings, I have had no issues with the stretching of seedlings starting them on Led light. They seem to stay short and busy. So I think its ok not to bother with T5 or CFL's on seedlings anymore. Just wanted opinions of people that start with LED as soon as they break soil.

 

[AquariusPanta]

@Smokenpassout

Depending on the LEDs, you can get away without using CFLs or T5s.

Full-spectrum LEDs work fine growing from seedling to harvest but white COBs have been demonstrated to provide the best growing capabilities in respect to lighting.

 

[Mechmike]

With good led light, do you even need to bother babying seedlings with CFL's in close proximity, at first? So far, it seems that as long as the LED light is at maximum height for seedlings, I have had no issues with the stretching of seedlings starting them on Led light. They seem to stay short and busy. So I think its ok not to bother with T5 or CFL's on seedlings anymore. Just wanted opinions of people that start with LED as soon as they break soil.

I use 2 5000k Vero 13s driven at 300ma and mounted on a 4" x 12" cheap passively cooled heat sink for seedlings and cuttings. It uses 21.5 watts and is just right to cover a standard size seedling tray.

 

[Positivity]

Been starting my seedlings under 80w of cxa 3590 5000k. They just share space with my moms in the veg side. They do great under that lighting. Been getting quick growing and stout seedlings...best yet..

 

[hotshotisdashit]

I have used the solar storm 440 for the past 3 grows with success. It uses about 230 watts in veg mode. For the first 2 weeks or so I start my seedlings off at about 30 inches and ease them down to about 18 to 20 inches over the next couple of weeks. Never had a problem. Always tight internodes and great stout growth. Very good light in my opinion.

 

[MoodyShoes]

I've grown from seed with a Mars II full spectrum, with no issues at all.

 

[hotshotisdashit]

Hey Moody I've heard that the mars lights run very hot. Have you seen this problem with your lights?

 

[GroErr]

I've been using those full spectrum Top LED reflector panels for clones, seedlings and vegging for about 1 1/2 years, they work fine throughout. 30" until they break soil, 24" once they're rooted, 16-18" in veg. No significant stretch at all and decent growth rates. Would never recommend flowering with them but they do a fine job for seed to veg. You should be good.

 

[medicinehuman]

Clones and seeds do great under a couple of 9w Cree 5000k's. Advance later to bigger light.

 

[NorthernHize]

I start my seedlings under a 9w aquarium led light bar, and a 20w Chinese 6500k led, works like a charm!