24 hours of light vs. 18/6 for a seedling

TheDankMann

Active Member
I'm trying to decide whether or not to keep my week and two day old seedling on her same 24hr light schedule or go ahead and make a switch to 18/6. I've heard that 18/6 makes the root system stronger and feels more natural to the plant...I have no clue if that's true or not. But I was just wondering about everyone elses preferences and what works for them. I want my plant to be as strong as it can be. Any input will be greatly appreciated.
 

kudaross

Well-Known Member
Everyone is going to give you different answers. If you're using a MH for the veg cycle, 18/6 would cut down on the electric bill at least. Personally I do 24/0 because I veg with a 1000w HPS for 12 hours and put them under CFL's for the other 12 hours. But i'm no professional, I just wanted to chime in.
 

ganjaluvr

Well-Known Member
24/0 isn't really the ideal light cycle. Why? Sure, the more light.. the better.. during the veg. cycle... but! The plant needs some 'downtime' or 'sleep' so to say.. in order to complete the photosynthesis process.

I would stick with a 18/6.. I've heard of some people using 20/4.. but ehh I dunno about that. Not sure that 4 hours of "sleep" would be efficient enough for the plant to be able to fully process... the photosynthesis process that it needs.

hope that helped..

peace.
 

TheDankMann

Active Member
I'm using cfls throughout the whole grow because i'm a newb and cant afford a HPS or anything like that. So if it varies from type of lighting...what's best for a plany grown with cfls.

And by the way...thanks for the input!
 

TheDankMann

Active Member
24/0 isn't really the ideal light cycle. Why? Sure, the more light.. the better.. during the veg. cycle... but! The plant needs some 'downtime' or 'sleep' so to say.. in order to complete the photosynthesis process.

I would stick with a 18/6.. I've heard of some people using 20/4.. but ehh I dunno about that. Not sure that 4 hours of "sleep" would be efficient enough for the plant to be able to fully process... the photosynthesis process that it needs.

hope that helped..

peace.
Alright thanks ganjaluvr! That makes sense...so I guess I'm gonna make the switch to 18/6!
 

tsky

Active Member
i was for 24/0 but i tried both and tbh i wouldnt say 18/6 is any better but its certainly no worse so i use that now as its cheaper and gives equipment time to cool down
 

TheDankMann

Active Member
i was for 24/0 but i tried both and tbh i wouldnt say 18/6 is any better but its certainly no worse so i use that now as its cheaper and gives equipment time to cool down
Yeah that's what i was thinking too...if the difference will be basically unnoticed then i might as well save some energy. Thanks
 
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