Grow Space complete seedlings sprouting-- Unclear on Light scedules

Ok so here is the plan. Flood and drain system, 3x 4ft t8 fluorescent lamp in 2x5x6 ft space with some smaller supllemental fluorescent lamps. here is the querry:

What is the best light schedule to start with for veg growth i gather 18/6 but not sure since i can find no diffinitive threads on the topic. I have read plenty on 12/12 for bloom/flower but as far as veg goes do i want long days and short nights in a 24 hour period? I have heard but not confirmed that 6 on and 6 off has produced quicker growth but not sure if that is bogus or not. Will some one please tell me what the hell i need to do with these lights before i ruin my gorgeous little seedlings.


Follow up question. . . how far away from the plant should my lights be i have heard anywhere from 3 in to 1 ft for fluorescent i am thinking 6 in maybe higher for the seedlings.
Any help would be great thank you all,

6/6 i don't know 18/6 I know works. There is lots of theories but basically its the uninterrupted 12 hours of dark that makes the buds. You read all about flowering so do not give them 12 hours of dark. I like 18/6 for veg and that works. Good luck

Light Height should be 4" from plant for Fluorescent lights . Veg on a 18day/6night and flower on a 12day/12night schedule.

well i think that solves it thank you so much for your help diem!

wow very efficient help thank you both for your answers hopefull in a few weeks i will have a progress report on my babies

VancouverMover said:

. how far away from the plant should my lights be i have heard anywhere from 3 in to 1 ft for fluorescent i am thinking 6 in maybe higher for the seedlings.,

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1 inch maximum. I veg seedlings in full sun in the summer, florescent tubes are like 5 % as intense.