Thanks Shed that's a really interesting read. I'll have to do a bit of research not sure what ppfd the lights I have actually put out and don't have a lux meter. To start I think I'll go with 18/6 for the hydro savings plus a longer dark period will help get rid of heat that might build up now that we are getting into some warmer weather that will get hotter as the grow progresses.
A Lux meter would definitely be a good thing to pick up I'll look into that. Would be nice to know how much light I'm actually getting to the canopy so I can really dial my light height and intensity right in, I'm going on guess work at the moment.
I really need to find out too. Im maybe a little too high from lights to canopy. Im still trying to find my sweet spot for her happiness and a push to bulk her up too..
..lol
I usually try to keep the lights around 18 to 24 inches away from early veg all the way through flower. I have 3 different lights I switch between depending on their age. 135 watt led for seedlings and early veg and a 260 watt led or cmh for later veg or flower depending if I need the heat from the cmh during the winter months. I use the hand test for the cmh to judge my distance if I think it's getting to close I put the back of my hand between the light and the plant if it's too warm for my hand I raise it. With the led if the tops look a bit droopy and it's fine everywhere else lower on the plant it's my signal to raise the light. It's not scientific in any way but seems to work lol.I really need to find out too. Im maybe a little too high from lights to canopy. Im still trying to find my sweet spot for her happiness and a push to bulk her up too..
Usually start about 30/32inches away start of flower and let them grow into it after the stretch..they usually settle at the end of flowing around 18inches.
Just rambling
Thanks Penny! I'm thinking 18/6 and will probably have my dark period start at noon so the lights are off during the hottest part of the day.
That's a really good point Hh. I'm assuming you get faster growth on 20\4? Might be worth trying 20/4 for the veg cycle while I do my training and try to get them a decent size before they start to flower. Then once they are flowering reduce it an hour a day until I get to 18/6.
OK that makes sense. It's still fairly cool in the garage where the tents are set up just trying to find a good balance of temperatures and the right intensity of lighting to start them out with. The more I think about it 20/4 sounds like a better approach to try and maximize the ppfd they get in a day as well as keeping them nice and warm.
You and me both buddy!
I'm on the edge of my seat!
Ya it should be interesting I almost gave up on Purple Punch and dropped another seed of her, I'll plant her and see what happens.
