Thanks Penny & BL for helping out. I always run my lights strapped to the ceiling @ 7.5' - let the plants grow to the lights.
Stretch has more to do with genetics than lighting per se. Lighting helps tho for sure.
What temp light is your QB board?
You're getting sage advice here 100%
The 1 thing I can say is that I see you've been topping your plants at some point. With topping you're creating an even canopy which as BL suggested is optimal.
That said IF height (stretch is your main goal) then go with less topping and earlier in VEG - say top @ 3-4th node and let em rip.
I "usually" don't top, but if I do it's at the 3-4th node & EARLY in VEG. I grow monsters indoors - totally un-even canopy and my grow is more like a jungle. I'm used to it but its not for everyone.
I like 2 things - no messing about with the plants and large yields.
I will do LST training at switch to flower to spread out all the main branches like you are doing with the pipe cleaners. I use wire and strap them bitches down. But then let them grow. Take pics, IPM and water... a few ACTs mixed in.
Here's an example if what I have right now.
Family Picture:
Blue Dream - Hyena style @ 30ish days. It's going to be a cola fest. As you can see.. its a jungle. Not very easy to maintain. I have my (good to me) reasons for not wanting to get in there and touch the plants. Which I rarely do. These BD - some of the colas will be about 3' long at chop, they are just getting going. Those lamps are @ 7' above head high. I had to crack the main colas and bend them over which I usually don't do. My soil is getting ridiculously good the more I use it.
