How close is too close with a flouro?

[Gwarrior]

I usually grow my plants with the 38w flouro's above the plants about 8" - "12 and decided to try to lowering them to about 4" to 6" and since they give off no heat, does this even matter?

 

[Lacy]

It all depends on the stage of the plants. you don't want the lights too close with seedlings but when they get bigger I used to put mine almost touching.

 

[sk3tch3]

my plants touch the t12's. they dont get hot at all. im lazy and move them every so often

 

[SmokinMec]

yeah put them at least 2 inches above, past that the lumens don't penetrate the leaves as well.

 

[Lacy]

2 inches is a good distance. Just don't get overly concerned if your plants grow into them for a short time until you move them.

yeah put them at least 2 inches above, past that the lumens don't penetrate the leaves as well.

 

[ErikHags]

I have 45 watters and they get a little warm, so I found by trial and error that i keep some at 2 inches and some at 4-5... seems to work so far...

 

[PlatinumKasse]

I can also say that 2 inches is a great distance with your light question, I did it, worked like a charm. You can get those lights SO CLOSE, it's just, they aren't warm enough to burn the plant.. and since they are a linear light source, the plants will flourish. I have found that warm white bulbs is the light they respond to best (they hated cool white, HATED)

------------------------------------------------ (big tube of light)
------- (instead of a grow light which emits from a small point)

 

[Lacy]

Yes I would also use proper grow lights.
Good mention platinum

I can also say that 2 inches is a great distance with your light question, I did it, worked like a charm. You can get those lights SO CLOSE, it's just, they aren't warm enough to burn the plant.. and since they are a linear light source, the plants will flourish. I have found that warm white bulbs is the light they respond to best (they hated cool white, HATED)

------------------------------------------------ (big tube of light)
------- (instead of a grow light which emits from a small point)

 

[PlatinumKasse]

np. nice plants lacy

 

[Gwarrior]

I put them about 6" over the top now, thanks guys.

Also, my new blueberry sprouts are starting off a very yellow/light light green color and my other ones are dark green.