Lighting Mh/Hps bulb question

[AutoBudz]

Hey guys, this may be posted somewhere out there but I found it hard to search for exactly what I was trying to ask, so here it is!

Had a few ladies stretch a TON during early flower and I'm thinking it may have reduced my yield quite a bit

I used only a 600w HPS from start to finish, and due to some heat issues had to keep the bulb at least 3-5 feet from the tops of the plants, 5ft being when they were little, 3ft as they grew taller towards light.. (light was in a fixed position)

I'm wondering if an MH bulb during veg would reduce the amount of stretch?? I have a dimmable ballast that'll run either bulb, but the kit I purchased only came with 1 Hps bulb.. I would understand if the Mh might not effect the "stretch" at all since it is really the same wattage output as the Hps, but seeing as they seem to enjoy Mh more during veg anyways, it would be cool if that kept them at a comfortable height as well!

Any comments are welcomed!

 

[Muddy]

Excess heat will cause the plants to stretch. That, in conjunction with how high you had your lights, are the likely causes. Switching to a MH bulb might give you better veg but unless you get your heat under control I'm afraid it won't help the stretch.

 

[AutoBudz]

Excess heat will cause the plants to stretch. That, in conjunction with how high you had your lights, are the likely causes. Switching to a MH bulb might give you better veg but unless you get your heat under control I'm afraid it won't help the stretch.

Understandable. I was able to correct my heat issue with a couple of extra fans, and will be able to run the lights at normal level the next time around. Just wanted to see if the difference in spectrum would affect the stretching of the plants at all. Probably going to purchase some Mh's for a better veg cycle next time :smokebuds:

 

[deadkndys]

Using HPS in veg causes stretching I believe.

 

[GoAuto6]

Using HPS in veg causes stretching I believe.

Bud Iv used hps from start to finish for years now I just recently got a MH bulb..Iv never had any stretch issues with the HPS Truth be told the red light tends to cause shorter nodes because it mimics the flowering months in nature.

 

[jayp]

Well said Muddy and GoAuto. I use HPS from start to finish and don't have problems with stretch but have had problems with some plants not stretching enough but I think that might have been the genetics.

 

[Muddy]

Also bear in mind that there are a lot of differences in HPS bulbs. One of the reason ones like Hortilux and Digilux cost more is that they are built with expanded blue spectrums to enhance veg growth. This was the type I used when I ran HPS. They worked great for growing full cycle.

 

[jayp]

I have never had the chance to use any of the bigger name brand bulbs but the one I got really works well from start to finish.

 

[PS4Gamer]

Keep in mind using a HPS in veg may or may not cause your plants to stretch depending on which brand you use. The main thing with using a straight MH lamp (blue enhanced) during veg is density and thicker leaves, so when you switch to the hps for blooming you already have the thick density to promote maximum yield.

Brands like Sunmaster, Ushio, GE and Hortilux have the enhanced 25% more blue in the light to help minimize the stretch effect.

Another method that I found is amazing is using a full spectrum lamp during the whole cycle instead of a HPS lamp.

 

[AutoBudz]

Also bear in mind that there are a lot of differences in HPS bulbs. One of the reason ones like Hortilux and Digilux cost more is that they are built with expanded blue spectrums to enhance veg growth. This was the type I used when I ran HPS. They worked great for growing full cycle.

I was running the Apollo Horticulture Hps bulb the first time.. And thinking about purchasing a few more for next time both HPS and MH.. Anyone have any experience with this brand? They're pretty well priced and work well imo. Should I check out some other stuff or stick to em?