just havested my 4th autoflower grow and once again I feel like my buds where loose and airy. Its not a huge deal to me but I would like to eventually get denser buds. When I read about it it seems the main factor is light. I have a 200w spiderfarmwr light. When I think of light I think of area coverage. I only grow 1 or 2 small plants under my light. would a bigger light(higher wattage) increase my bud density or do I need to be focusing on another factor? My yields arent horrible usually 5 to 6 ounces but they are usually pretty airy. I do give minimum nutrients so maybe that is a factor?
1 Like
Nutes can contribute, but the primary factor is indeed light intensity.
6 Likes
Agree with @MidwestGuy. What size is your grow space and autos will generally have less dense buds than photo periods in my experience. I’ve had a few that had the bud density that photo periods have but not many 
3 Likes
my tent is a 5x5 but I keep my plants in a corner directly under the light in a 2x2 area. right now I actually only have one auto growing. I did recently just switch from a 20/4 light cycle over to a 24 constant. because of tent temps. space heater killing my electric bill. I do plan to grow my first photo in a few months once this auto finishes out.
2 Likes
Gotcha, I grow both and sometimes at the same time. Some of the autos I’ve grown were airy, some mid density and some show quality. Consistent Lighting, nutrients and good environmental conditions seem to produce my better auto buds. I’ve recently switched up my flower routine and have been impressed with the last 2 runs of autos. Instead of jacks 321 the whole grow, I start Jacks bloom at the 1st sign of flower and feed this for 3-4 weeks then back to 321 then jacks finish weeks 7-9 or 10 then a straight water feed the last 2 weeks
1 Like
I can not speak as to autos. But here is a comparison of two clones from the same mother grown under different lights.
The buds from both are tight and I have to pry them open to remove sugar leaves and stems when I am trimming. They are also 100% indica. The buds on one are rounder and softer in appearance than the other.
For kicks, if anyone cares to guess which light produced what bud (blue or red)
HLG 260 rspec
Kind XL600 with 4 Photo Boost strips from Pacific Light Concepts (rip)
7 Likes
@Meloco1980 I was the same way when I started with autos they were ok but not as dense as I would like to see them after I got a new light and different genetics could see a difference
2 Likes
I’ll guest the Kind XL 600? I run the X420 in my closet and like the option of the UV on a separate dial. I’ve had 2 grows under and the auto buds were the densest so far
2 Likes
I know from my experiences which isn’t much but went from 6 purple to my 650R made a big difference in my buds and grow, nice to be able to adjust light settings besides adjusting heights, added a KIND LED 3000 to help fill area in.
4 Likes
Thanks all. I think I will get a new light probably go with the hlg. give it a go so at least I will be able to see and compare. I guess I just have an idea in my head of how my buds should look and mine just dont meet that image. I know the potency and smoking quality are there just not the visuals.
1 Like
The Kind is K3 V2 model that it is either on or off. The manual says it has infrared and ultraviolet.
It produced the bud on the blue background.
3 Likes
Both buds are incredible regardless 
1 Like
Gorgeous
1 Like
I dont think my light has any blue diodes. It does have some red ones but I have zero idea if they are inferred. I still find led lights very confusing. my current light is able to exceed recommeded ppfd all across my canopy and I never grow outside its recommended footprint. Could be that I need to learn how to adjust my light better also. or I could very much be lacking some wave on the spectrum. really kinda beyond my understanding and smarts
Yeah, the kind 600 XL is a good light. Little pricey but they will get the job done. I still have mine in the original Box.
3 Likes
What is the Kil-a-Watt meter draw, for that SF200w ?
I have a couple of devices i can plug into to see what my wTtage draw is, will post in morning can show what my 650R and Kindled 330 and spider farm 2000. Bedtime
I was checking little space heater this shows watts while running
1 Like
Why? still in box?
1 Like
Like the saying goes " If I only knew back then what I know now".
1 Like
My HLG650R at 60 percent
full throttle.
Kind led 330
1/2 power then full.
My spider farm 2000
What i have learned is my 650Rs and 330 full throttle run around 930watts hr the little space heaters 1450wt just turning on, dud find a nice unit that runs around 350wt much better. Just trying to keep on top.
2 Likes