24/7 vs 18/6 light cycle

winters1

Active Member
What would be the reasoning for leaving them on 24/7 vs going with an 18/6 light cycle? Wouldn't the plants need some time to rest? I am growing organic in soilless mix.. what would you recommend?
 

Ratty696

Well-Known Member
Its really a matter of opinion. Some say 24 hours = faster growth but my plants grew faster once I put them on 18/6 then they did on 24hours. In the long run I think its just gonna cost you more than its worth to have the light for the extra 6 hours.
 

Covert

Active Member
The cost to keep the lights on an extra 6hrs aren't really worth the benifets of having them on...
 

email468

Well-Known Member
i think the biggest reason to use 18/6 is to reduce heat in the grow room (and some minimal cost savings on electric bill).
i think the rest of the reasons are mythic or anecdotal.
 

Bud Green

Active Member
go 24/0 with seedlings and clones until they are established, then switch over to 18/6 or you can go 20/4 you want to give the plants a little rest they will grow in the dark.Some people will argue this but most have a dark period.
 

email468

Well-Known Member
go 24/0 with seedlings and clones until they are established, then switch over to 18/6 or you can go 20/4 you want to give the plants a little rest they will grow in the dark.Some people will argue this but most have a dark period.
i won't argue they grow in the dark. I would argue against the need for rest. i mean it's not like plants have muscle fibers that require resting before use.

also - one of the benefits of indoor growing is you can leave the lights on 24 hours a day!

now having said that - i have heard about folks getting more males and hermies using 24/0 rather than 18/6 but my experience has been - it doesn't really matter.
 

matman4444

Well-Known Member
Is it true that youre more likely to get females if you interrupt the 18/6 with an hour or so of light in the middle?
I read this on one of the guides to growing weed, but there are so many out there, who knows how much bs there is.
 

email468

Well-Known Member
Is it true that youre more likely to get females if you interrupt the 18/6 with an hour or so of light in the middle?
I read this on one of the guides to growing weed, but there are so many out there, who knows how much bs there is.
i have a feeling we are wading in it! my opinion is - a lot growers think something works and makes their plants better but the reality is - the plants are doing well IN SPITE OF rather than BECAUSE of things growers are doing. myself included of course.
 

BSIv2.0

Well-Known Member
i have a feeling we are wading in it! my opinion is - a lot growers think something works and makes their plants better but the reality is - the plants are doing well IN SPITE OF rather than BECAUSE of things growers are doing. myself included of course.
Thats hitting the nail right on the head.
 
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