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Best light cycle for Autos?
- Thread starter Zappas Beard
- Start date
Zappas Beard
New member
Here ya go man, this is my first indoor grow, so i won't be expecting much for yields. Growing a couple of Sweet Seeds SAD and a Royal Queen Seeds Royal Haze. Estimating another 3-4 weeks left for the SADs
https://www.icmag.com/ic/showthread.php?t=318801
https://www.icmag.com/ic/showthread.php?t=318801
Ras Sativa
New member
My first auto grow also and I've been on 18/6 seems to be growing fine.
Some run 24/0, most give autos a rest (18/6, 20/4) to allow uptake of nutrients. We prefer short period of darkness.
From another auto breeder besides ourselves, Secret Garden Seeds" "....for 24/0 the plants have a higher chance of getting stressed a bit and never seem as healthy, but this isnt always the case its really strain dependent".
Roasty McToasty
Member
From the 10yrs + messing with AFs... I have tested all the various light schedules for running AFs indoors. 12/12(not that its needed) 14/10, 16/8, 18/6, 20/4, 24/0...
The results have been , 18/6 and 20/4 are about the same,, you wont see much of a difference if at all... as for 24/0 the plants have a higher chance of getting stressed a bit and never seem as healthy, but this isnt always the case its really strain dependent. If you dont want a timed power fluctuation on your power bill then go with 24/0,, if that doesnt matter always run in 18/6 - 20/4 and you will be more then happy. personally I run 20/4. or if im to lazy to put the timer on they go in 24/0. Its really not that big of an issue.
As for yields its more based on the quality of growing methods used and genetics potential... Good stable genetics that produce high yields consistently... and Good clean soil , organic or chem, and a lot of light... they will always produce more under a 1000W than a 400w just due to light intensity. if you want the most out of your AFs strains Hydro is the way to go with an appropriate light for the area.
SGS
I'm curious as to the results of the 16/8 and the 14/10 cycles. Were the results much less than say 18/6?
Very true. More intensity of outdoor light vs. indoor, being that we are trying to replicate el sol.....outdoors if you can do it, best!
iwantmorebuds
Active member
I think its not that easy bro. Its hard to compare the sunlight with led or hps.
I tried 18/6 and 20/4, i didint realize bigger yield or anything, looked the same and just wested power for me. I thing full cycle is too much stress for them, they need to rest.
I am doing 3 auto Brooklyn sunrise under 400w hps at the moment, nearly 6 weeks in and looking good, but I also have 1 auto daiquiri lime in the corner of the grow that is just shy of two weeks old which I am going to put outdoor- when is the best age / size to make the transplant?
I am doing 18/6 on my indoor ones at the moment.... But have been tempted to cut a couple of hours off to save juice - not sure if it would affect the yield badly.
mr. bunch- I've grown 16/8 and didn't suffer any set backs indoors (LED). You do want ample light cycle for growth and dark to rejuvenate.
Transplanting outdoors...let them get 2-3 sets of leaves and acclimate a bit before outside all day...I've put them in part sun/part shade for 4-5 days, then plant. If you have willow nearby, cut a few sprigs/branches and soak in water....great transplant tonic (and free!).
If in the area where critters munch, make a little chicken wire helmet over top until they get big enough.
Nothing like seeing a gorgeous specimen, only to have meesers or a rabbit chomp it! Grrr! But they have to eat, too. I just put wire hut about 1- 2 ft. tall....or surround the plant. By making it a hood, it's harder to fodder.
Good luck! Grow on!
Transplanting outdoors...let them get 2-3 sets of leaves and acclimate a bit before outside all day...I've put them in part sun/part shade for 4-5 days, then plant. If you have willow nearby, cut a few sprigs/branches and soak in water....great transplant tonic (and free!).
If in the area where critters munch, make a little chicken wire helmet over top until they get big enough.
Nothing like seeing a gorgeous specimen, only to have meesers or a rabbit chomp it! Grrr! But they have to eat, too. I just put wire hut about 1- 2 ft. tall....or surround the plant. By making it a hood, it's harder to fodder.
Good luck! Grow on!
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Thanks for the advice, very much appreciated. I use a 400w in just over 5 sq ft rectangular white painted space indoor, so the intensity is pretty good, does the job.
I have never grown autos before ( was tempted by lowrider when it first came out, but thought I would wait a few years for new breeds) and I have to say I am totally impressed so far, with the speed of growth especially.
Many thanks
I have never grown autos before ( was tempted by lowrider when it first came out, but thought I would wait a few years for new breeds) and I have to say I am totally impressed so far, with the speed of growth especially.
Many thanks
I don't remember where I read that but I've seen the same information about the 18 hour limit. Who knows? Everyone is so opinionated about lighting it's difficult to tell the truth from personal preferences.
Experiment....let us know.
Have successfully grown hundreds at either 18/6 or 20/4. No appreciable difference. So I opt for 18/6 to save on electric bill.
