I use the same fixture for metal halide and hps, just switch the bulb after stretch. The bulbs would be considered a conversion bulb and I bought it from Amazon for under $20. Each bulb seems to be good for 3-4 grows depending on your veg time before it starts to loose lumens
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Thanks for all the help. I’m currently using a T5 light but plan on moving them outside. Is this to soon to move them outside?
Hi @msmotu
At first I was worried that the problem you described was due to distance from the light source, but that usually shows up as thin stringy stems. Your stems for the most part actually look pretty sturdy. It appears that they are flopping over right at the base? If this is the case I’m going to agree with another poster that they might just be a little top heavy. If so, there are a few things you can do:
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Gently stake them. Staking seedlings is not actually that uncommon. Bamboo shish-kabob skewers can work really well for this.
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Take some soil and gently build it up around the base of the plant, then gently but firmly pat it down in order to give the stem some extra support.
If you are still a few weeks away from transplanting to a larger pot then you could do these two steps now, otherwise I’d recommend gently transplanting to a larger container and then doing steps 1 and 2 so that once the supports are in place they won’t be disturbed until the plant has had time to regain some structural strength…
If it makes you feel better, I just had this happen to me with my last batch of seedlings. One of the best ones with a monster set of leaves began drooping at the base despite the stem being relatively sturdy. I followed the above steps and the plant appears to have made a full recovery.
Good luck 
Edit: after going back and rereading the rest of the thoughtful replies on this thread a little more carefully, @kabongster makes a good point - your stems do look too thin (I looked at your pics again this time with my glasses on) and they actually do look to be on the stringy side.
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I had always wondered if partially burying the stem would encourage the growth of laterals. This is a common and very effective technique with tomatoes, but so far I haven’t had the chance to test it out with my plants.
So if they are too thin and stringy, any recommendations as to how I can improve this? I just stared giving them Big Bloom. I will add some potting soil and stake them. Are they too young to take outside?
I appreciate all the suggestions.
Thanks for clearing that up for me.
You’ll see a major difference.
Personally I would transplant them into 1 gallon pots, burying the stem almost to the first set of leaves. The stem will develop lateral roots and will stop the floppy problem. Fill your 1 gallon pot 1/4 of the way with soil, place an empty plastic cup in there . Fill around the cup with soil until you are level with the cup top. Remove empty cup and place your plant in that hole. It will fit nicely in there. Add more soil until either the soil is full or you are near the bottom of the leaves, whichever comes first.
Water after you transplant. I generally wouldn’t recommend using any nutrients until you have 3-4 sets of true leaves, but with the energy it used to grow out that stem I feel comfortable with giving them a 1/4 dose of nutrients after the transplant.
You can take them outside if you wish, try to set them in a shady spot for the first day and on the second start increasing the amount of direct sunlight they receive. This will prevent them from getting to much direct strong light to fast, also called “hardening” the seedling.
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Thanks, you have all been such a big help. I’m glad the law finally approved use for my medical issues. Hopefully other states will follow.
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Hi @msmotu
First thing I’d be doing is taking a closer look at my light setup and double checking that I’ve got my plants at the right distance for the lights that I’m using (and also assessing that I’m using the right light). I’d also be tempted to very gently stake them and support the base of the plant with additional soil. Having said that, I’m a newer grower (experienced gardner, but newer to this particular variety of plant ;-)) so I’d be sure to have a careful read over some of the advice offered by other growers here.
The advice that @JTheH and others are giving you about burying a portion of the stem to give the plant added support and encourage lateral root growth is something that I’d consider trying in this circumstance.
In the past, as a general gardener, when faced with stringy seedlings, I’d just chuck them and start over given their reduced viability and the fact that even if I was able to nurse the plant along, it would face the possibility of being stunted or delayed. But if you don’t have an abundance of seeds to work with, I’d give the advice that people are sharing here a shot.
Good luck. I’ve got my fingers crossed for you. And if for some reason this grow doesn’t work out optimally I hope you don’t get discouraged. These sorts of challenges are common and are best combated by having a little bit of experience. Keep gardening 
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Anything called soil has nutes already . I made the mistake of giving nutes too soon and tried to starve them for weeks, like four to five before I saw any sign of yellowing and I grow in promix. Really no nutes but can mag in that stuff. I still have signs of nute burn and just last night fed them a full 1/4 of the bottle suggests. But, in one gallon I have 12 different ingredients once mixed I add 3 gallons of water.takes twelve gallons total. I think they could still use more than two gallons per seven gallon container .
You have been a big help, thanks.
@JTheH … wgat do you mean by ‘hardening the seedling’ ?
Hardening off refers to gradually introduction to the outside elements and sun,or to a more intense lighting. Couple of hours one day, few more the next and so on @Sunflower
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