# Metal or HPS for auto seeds? **URL:** \ **Category:** Lighting\ **Created:** [September 14, 2017, 10:14pm UTC](https://ilgmforum.com/t/metal-or-hps-for-auto-seeds/15222 "2017-09-14T22:14:14Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 5\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![escape](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/f475e1/32.png) [@escape](https://ilgmforum.com/u/escape)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2017, 10:14pm UTC](https://ilgmforum.com/t/metal-or-hps-for-auto-seeds/15222/1 "2017-09-14T22:14:14Z")
I am an experienced grower for years with photoperiod seeds. This year I want to try all auto seeds, I have three grow tents with 400 watt light systems. My question is, should I use metal halide or high pressure sodium to grow auto seeds? Since they are not photoperiod, which light should I use? Could I start out with MH and when I see them start to flower switch to my HPS? I’m confused here and I can’t seem to get an answer anywhere. I really don’t want to go out and buy new lights or change my fixtures. I’ll be waiting to see what you guys recommend. Thank you in advance! RA ---
**Author:** ![Ron330](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/growingmarijuana/user_avatar/ilgmforum.com/ron330/32/39831_2.png) [@Ron330](https://ilgmforum.com/u/Ron330)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2017, 10:35pm UTC](https://ilgmforum.com/t/metal-or-hps-for-auto-seeds/15222/2 "2017-09-14T22:35:52Z")
@escape I would Just run them like a normal grow. The veg light for veg, and when you see the flowers start, switch to the flower light… I mean the only real difference between an auto and photo is the trigger for flowering… Most everything else remains identical… disclaimer – I use LED, so I am far from any kind of expert… ---
**Author:** ![Noctis420](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/growingmarijuana/user_avatar/ilgmforum.com/noctis420/32/477592_2.png) [@Noctis420](https://ilgmforum.com/u/Noctis420)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2017, 11:17pm UTC](https://ilgmforum.com/t/metal-or-hps-for-auto-seeds/15222/3 "2017-09-14T23:17:29Z")
I started my auto with four T5 lights. Then I switched to a led and she’s doing wonderful. Check out my journal if you would like to see pics. I agree with Ron though. Honestly they are much easier to manage because you don’t have to worry about light leaks too, I know a little off topic. Anyway a little bit after she flowered I put my led in there. Now I’ve got two in there. She is doing great. ---
**Author:** ![Wishingilivedina420state](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/growingmarijuana/user_avatar/ilgmforum.com/wishingilivedina420state/32/115327_2.png) [@Wishingilivedina420state](https://ilgmforum.com/u/Wishingilivedina420state)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2017, 11:37pm UTC](https://ilgmforum.com/t/metal-or-hps-for-auto-seeds/15222/4 "2017-09-14T23:37:04Z")
I gotta agree with both @Ron330 and @Noctis420 use the light the way it is meant to be used its way better that way. I use hps and led in flower and by far the hps is superior but uses way more power and can burn a plant way faster. Follow the guidelines and adjust slowly as needed. That applies to everything… ---
**Author:** ![escape](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/f475e1/32.png) [@escape](https://ilgmforum.com/u/escape)\ **Post date:** [September 15, 2017, 12:10am UTC](https://ilgmforum.com/t/metal-or-hps-for-auto-seeds/15222/5 "2017-09-15T00:10:48Z")
Thanks Ron330, like I said I have been growing superior plants for years and I figured I would run them as photoperiod plants. Yeah, as far as led, I don’t want to change something that works great! Thanks to all for the reply!