I’m still old school with my lights. Really like HID. MH for veg, HPS for flower.
I start my seedlings under an 800w bulb with the ballast dimmed down by 50%.
When they get several sets of leaves and are ready to begin LST I switch from an 800 to a 1000w MH, with the ballast 100% for the remaining of veg. Then at the first sign of bloom I change bulbs again, to a 1000w HPS for the remainder of the grow.
But here’s my question.
I have some small 50w LEDs… Would I gain anything by hanging these small LEDs sideways, as fill in lights for the lower branches and buds?
Even with all the light from the 1000w HPS, and the LST, some of the lower branches still have trouble getting full light. My thinking is by side lighting now the lower buds will get light.
Is there such a thing as too much light? Or is it unnecessary and I’m overthinking it again? BTW these are autos.
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Autos don’t usually require the same amount of light as photoperiod. If you have a tall canopy you may derive some benefit from side lights, particularly late in flower.
You might want to give LED’s another look: MUCH less power consumption and a more diffuse light. I can (and do) slam my lights down within 6" of the canopy for better penetration.
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How many watts is your LED?
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Mine are home made using Gen 1 Samsung EB strips in 3,000K. Peak output per fixture is 240 watts and I can do one decent plant under each one. Each fixture measures 22 X 36". They are also dimmable and can be used for starts and seedlings although I do mine under a little light first.
My current journal if you’re interested:
Fun and Games in Colorado - Indoor Growing / Grow Room - I Love Growing Marijuana Forum (ilgmforum.com)
June’s harvest
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I use side lights. I definitely see a difference! But i only have one plant at a time so i can get it all the way around it. With a bunch i doubt it would be as uniform.
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I’m very interested in side lighting, as I’m not in a reflective tent. I see your side lights are only lighting one side. Is it beneficial to rotate the plant at certain intervals? I’m new and not experienced with all the ways of lighting.
Very old topic 12 months old.
I am close to harvest on a single auto with sidelights for the last 5 weeks in flower. The results are fantastic but honestly totally impractical from a cost efficiency due to the fact that you can train your plants to do the same thing.
Here is my ILGM auto after 5 weeks at 233 watts on a single freaking plant.
Now here are 2 plants properly trained with a max output through the grow at less than 250 watts. I never got over 90% during the whole grow with 300 watts available.
Does it work. YES
Earth shattering new grow method that everyone will use?
Nope
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