I’d start with an 18 hour light cycle until you get better lights. I highly recommend KingBrite lights (the 240w is stocked in the US so you can pick it up for ~$170h). If you want US made, then I’d go for HLG (Horticulture Lighting Group) but they’ll definitely run you a bit more (I think I paid $180 for a 200 watt “Diablo Mini”).
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Yes, the HLG260 was recommended to me but that is close to $300 bucks. Ouch
I still need to wait a few weeks to get a new light. Do you think the 240 will be enough in the 3’x3’ tent or should I hold out to the 260?
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I use fabric pots. I start them in little quart bags.
Seedlings and rooted clones go in these for their first month or so, then I just pop them into a larger pot.
I don’t stop there. These pots can go in or on a larger pot.
There is zero stress on the plant at “transplant” and a whole lot less stress on this grower…
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Let me tap @Nicky ’s brain for that one. I think it would be more than enough for a 2x2, probably a 3x3 would be just fine. The specs allegedly can do up to a 5x5 but I wouldn’t be too involved in testing it over a 5x5.
For what it’s worth I’m using mine to flower out a 4x2 space (it’s in a 4x4 tent but I have an HLG on the other half of the space).
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You will have that. Keep trying but make some changes. Hope you write down what your doing every time you visit your grow.
Might even consider 20/4 light for now. But never 24/0, all livings things need a nap😉
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Correct 240w will work in a 3x3, Infact I run one in a 3x3.
I much prefer to double up and run two 240w in a 3x3 because the coverage is ideal and that leads to a tent of more bud.
However running 1-3 plants under a 240w is doable.
Try to keep the plants short and well even on the canopy.
Yes, 4hr of true darkness will greatly reduce stress and thus deficiencys as those who have ran both schedules know.
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Ooohh so you aren’t taking them out of the starter bags but just sliding them into bigger bags and backfilling with more soil? Can you reuse the bags or do you have to start fresh each time with new bags?
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Thank you, Nicky. Can I run a 240w (will need to get) plus the T5 that I already have and still do ok with that or am I just a hopeless optimist?
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You’ll do fine with that. A 240w being enough means the T5 is entirely supplemental. I won’t say it’s worth nothing but it may not be enough of a boost to warrant the power it takes. I may be wrong - other lighting gurus will do better answering that.
PS if you do go the KingBrite way, when you find their shop on Alibaba (only place to buy em) search the word “drop” - the listing with the $36 shipping will crop up as one of few results.
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More light helps, for sure.
T5 are florescents, which have a very high drop off rate in terms of intensity.
With 6" I would keep them for optimum results.
I highly recommend kingbrites as @Graysin and others know.
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I don’t re-use the quart bags, but all the others are fine.
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Makes sense they would be used for seedlings then.
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Hi Graysin, I was wondering what light you have. I ended up going with HLG 260 XL Kit and I have most of it put together, except I have a little hippcup with the dimmer. I’ve got 3 wires on the output with only 2 wires to the dimmer. I’m worried that if I get it wrong, it will blow my board. I can’t figure where the 3rd wire goes. We understand everything else. Do you have an HLG?
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I do, i got the same kit. but honestly I don’t remember what I did with the dimmer. i won’t be at home for a couple hours but can look when I get there.
@dbrn32 is my lights guy, he may be able to help.
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Thank you! BudzMS was able to answer my question.
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If u haven’t seen @Hoppiefrog thread. He is all organic growing. Might wanna read up his thread but it’s gonna take half a year to get thru that thread lol
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Should be able blk to blk purp to the gray wire I believe that’s how mine is. I’ll look and see for ya. Damn forgot lights r out lol. In a bit if I see u havnt got it I’ll post and tag u. Sorry. Almost positive tho it was purp and blk and tape.off the other.
Just tape up the extra wire with some electrical tape.