New Grower Advice needed

[Mike Smith]

What is the best lamp to have/strategy to get going ? I am getting a new grow set going and need advice.

(1) Start grow with HPS

(2) Start Grow with M/H and then Swap to HPS (Flowing)

(3) Use multi spectrum bulb.

Also, What point should you switch to HPS if you start with M/H? cheers guys.

 

[neurocrash]

I'd say the two most common ways to run HID would be either HPS all the way through or start with one, then switch to the other. I can never remember which one starts and which finishes, though. Personally, I'm using a ceramic metal halide, which is multi-spectrum. It wasn't too expensive and is working well, but I'll be getting a full spectrum LED for my next grow. If you've got the cash then maybe get a couple different lights and test them out over a series of grows. It may take a while to figure out what works best for you, but you'll definitely be getting good results in the end. If you're just looking for one light to use all throughout I'd say go with HPS or (if you can afford a good one) LED.

 

[namvet25]

I think all three ways can be used with similar results. Start HPS when your veg growth has slown down and they are showing terminal buds with full pistol coverage.

 

[A4]

Mike,
There are many different ways to light your room. Most are personal opinion, what someone feels comfortable using or what someone already has on hand. You will get 100 different opinions to this question and all 100 of them will be correct because that is what they have success with. I suggest you do some reading, some research, get a budget together on what you want to spend and then buy the best equipment you can afford on your budget.

To answer your last question, if you decide to go with MH, you will switch to HPS when vertical growth slows and your plant enters flowering stage.

 

[GoAuto6]

(1) Start grow with HPS.......................................................................................This works.

(2) Start Grow with M/H and then Swap to HPS (Flowing).......................................this is better for veg.

(3) Use multi spectrum bulb..................................................................................This is what I prefer.

Also, What point should you switch to HPS if you start with M/H? cheers guys..........Switch when vertical growth stops or slows to a almost stop.

 

[Bgrt]

one of each.. :firedevil:

aslong as you are well lit anything will work, hps has a spectrum that helps more with bud growth while MH is good for veg and puts out a little uv which supposedly helps with tric formation (if it makes it through the glass itself.)
id go mixed spectrum bulb at a guess but have never myself. just seems like it would suit autos, a bit of everything and i usually have some bit of a mixed spectrum going anyway myself.

 

[ninja1]

I use cfl for first 10 days only as my digi isn't dimable and how far I'd need the 600w from the young uns would cause a stretch IMO.

 

[bud head]

one of each.. :firedevil:

aslong as you are well lit anything will work, hps has a spectrum that helps more with bud growth while MH is good for veg and puts out a little uv which supposedly helps with tric formation (if it makes it through the glass itself.

I remove the glass so there's no interference ...and no I don't spray my plants so there's no need to worry about shattering the bulb from the spray

 

[Bgrt]

I remove the glass so there's no interference ...and no I don't spray my plants so there's no need to worry about shattering the bulb from the spray

some thread on here was saying that mh bulbs are usually manufactured so that the glass blocks it in the bulb itself and that some dont. just vague memories but might be something to check.
ive a 4 ft t8 reptile uvb flouro im always tempted to use to see if it doubles the frost

 

[bud head]

I thought you meant the glass window on the reflector (I took mine out)