Do you have to go close with lights for seedlings?

MrWannabe

Active Member
For my upcoming first grow I have a 400w HPS, now is it best to get some fluorescents along with that so I can put those really close to the plant in its early stages or is it just as good to use a MH which I am considering getting as well? Basically asking if it is wise/essential to put lights almost touching plants when they are just starting out?
 

itzCESAR*

Well-Known Member
Well you want to place your lights (any) close enough to give them as much light as possible, but not burn them at the same time. You can stunt them just by giving too much light to seedlings. A lot of ppl will recommend to use CFLs for the first couple weeks. You can put those pretty close depending on the wattage, and heat distribution.
 

homegrownboy

Well-Known Member
Starting seedliings with flouro's is best...most growers have a setup that has multiple rows of lights for the seedlings to be under for the first 1-2 weeks.

Don't put that 400W anywhere near them for the first few weeks.
 

smokeitd

Well-Known Member
Starting seedliings with flouro's is best...most growers have a setup that has multiple rows of lights for the seedlings to be under for the first 1-2 weeks.

Don't put that 400W anywhere near them for the first few weeks.
at what distance would you set the cfls from seedlings?
 

Inkslinger118

Well-Known Member
For my upcoming first grow I have a 400w HPS, now is it best to get some fluorescents along with that so I can put those really close to the plant in its early stages or is it just as good to use a MH which I am considering getting as well? Basically asking if it is wise/essential to put lights almost touching plants when they are just starting out?

I am using a 400 watt MH/HPS conversion. I have the MH about 17 inches from the top of the seedling. But that are plants now. But thats what I was told.
 

itzCESAR*

Well-Known Member
Ya you can use a 400w no prob. You'll just need to keep that light pretty far from the seedlings.
 

itzCESAR*

Well-Known Member
When I used my HID I had to keep the light a little far, they ended up stretching a little. I personally like the CFLs for there efficiency. There a pain in the neck for me tho. I havn't found a setup that I liked for CFLs. I like the easyness of a single HID. That's just me :)
 
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