What lights should I use for propogation?

James!

James!

Active Member
Hello :)

I am in the process of building a grow cab and I am going to put in a small propagation area (for about 8 seedlings). I was just wondering what lights are best to use for this (what type to use?, what wattage to use?, what spectrum should they be? etc.), I have heard that CFL's are a good idea ?

Much apprecaited :)

James!
 
any low level light is good i prefer to clone under red spectrum light, 5000k or 5500 cfl is great often i will just clone off to the side in the flowering room, they just need indirect light or soft light, nothing intese. you can root 10 cuttings under a 26w cfl easy.
 
Thanks Guys :)

I have found a 55w, Full spectrum 5000k CFL... Good idea or over kill? And aren't those T series lights the long ones :) if they are are there anyones I can get that are like a foot long (Hot dog sized :p) heard nothing but good things about them but thought they were too long?

Thanks :)

James!
 
I use 2x23w cfls in a 1x2 cabinet just big enough to fit a standard size propogator. I use 6500k (veg) but I have to as tight internodal spacing is critical to me. Cheap too.
 
6500k for the seedlings? I looked up some things on it and people say 5000k to 5500k is good, must I believe them :p.... So far I have found a foot sized T5 fitting and blub at 8w (gonna get 2 of them) so is 16w good enough :) also gonna be in a small section of my cabinet maybe 2 wide x 1 high.

Thanks :)

James!
 
A rough gauge is 10,000 lumen per square foot of space for goor growth rate. A 4 light 2ft. T-5 for the tops and a couple of cfl's for additional and our golden.

I only use 6500k for propping and vegging. I found that adding red made them lanky. I set my table to the side of my vegg area and the side light is enough for them.

thenewERA007.jpg
 
Hmmm maybe I shouldn't listen to others :) so is 6500k on the blue end of the scale.... Remember this is for propagation and in a small space for a few plants :) I can always get a different spectrum light bulb and keep the fixture, right?

Thanks :)

James!
 
well kelvin rating arent very accurite but in design a 5000k bulb puts off a beeter overall spectrum but once you hit some real growth more blue is better for the most part.

anyways x2 8w bulbs isnt bad. but you can get cfls that put off more lumens 55w would have been just fine
 
Thanks :)

The two 8w bulbs are just gonna see the seedlings through about 2 weeks of their growth and then I will move them up to the HID chamber, I only have a small space to do the seedlings in anyways :), sound good? :p... Oh and should I go for the 6000k CFL bulbs or 5000k for the seedlings :)

Muchos Gracias :p

James!
 
I need 6500K as I do a single plant 'U-scrog' in a very tight space (height-wise) and I need to hit 4 nodes in the first 3 inches of main stem. The other trick I do is to place the rooted cutting between 2 cfls, not below them. When veg growth has started, I fim at 4th node then every 2nd node from side growth (every 3 as the screen fills). I swear I could fim with a blindfold on now!
 
If you have a small space then 6500k is what you want. Keep the light close so the little ones do not stretch as much.
 
Learnt something new :) so you say put them between the cfls, is this fine even if I use a propagaiton dome? Or is using a dome a whole new ball game ? :), Will go with the 6500k and if I can get a 5000k then ill get one too... Thanks guys, you have been very helpful :)Thanks :) James!
 
James! said:
Learnt something new :) so you say put them between the cfls, is this fine even if I use a propagaiton dome? Or is using a dome a whole new ball game ? :), Will go with the 6500k and if I can get a 5000k then ill get one too... Thanks guys, you have been very helpful :)Thanks :) James!
Click to expand...
I start under the lamps in a propogator until they root then remove the lid and lift the plant up between the lamps. It's only because I need so many nodes so soon. Another trick I use is to not only take tip cuttings but also along a branch (If that makes sense). The cuttings from these are, effectively already topped.
 
Thanks :) Definately gonna put that into practise :)... Yes it does make sense :p... Now a few more things :)... Humidity, what should it be at and will the humidity dome/propagation dome help with this? and lastly :) should i use just normal soil and add noting until thry go to the big girls room? :p

Thanks :)

James!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

M
Which light to use??
Replies
2
Views
365
Prof Cecil B Heimerdinger
Prof Cecil B Heimerdinger
M
Help with new flowering room setup--HID lighting
Replies
10
Views
760
soilgrower85
soilgrower85
P
4x4 grow lights on a budget?
Replies
12
Views
2K
tstick
tstick
N
Leaf tips curling down and brown
Replies
5
Views
440
Phytoplankton
P
O
mixing biobizz allmix and lightmix what schedule should i use?
Replies
5
Views
370
conor c
conor c
Back
Top