How close do I place my lights? Taller is better?

[Blender]

Greetings

I have some Jack47, White Widow and Cream Caramel all grown from seedlings in 3 gallon rose buckets under 8 t5 fluoros, 5 plants total. My friend debates that I should move the light higher so that the plants can grow taller, yet I remember reading that during the initial growth stages it is preferable to have a bushy plant rather than a tall and lanky one? Should I move the light higher or should I keep it low? The canopy temps min and max are 68 F/21C (night) and 77 F/25C (day) if I keep the fluoros close and the plants receive about 7800 lumens near the top(s). I plan on mothering these to clone into hydro grow media.

My question is what are the optimal grow temps for the canopy of the plants under the fluoros? I remember reading or watching somewhere that the plants need the light as close to it as possible so the leaves get as much light as possible, including the leaves growing at the nodes, but those sprout out new stems/branches looking for light anyways. The temperature with the lights raised is currently 21.3C, and I'm thinking the plants can handle the lights being closer so the smaller leaves down by the base can get stronger light underneath the shade of the larger leaves.

I also have a small desk fan that oscillates that cools down the plants from 25C to 23.5C around bucket level. The plants are approx 4 and 1/2 to 6 inches tall. I'm using Happy Frog mixed with Roots Organic and Perlite.

 

[Blender]

Here are some pics of how high the lights are currently placed. Thanks guys

 

[Blender]

Additional pics. ALso the thermometer is currently located on the wall where the average canopy height is next to the wall.

 

[Riippe]

Your plants look great.

Keep on reading,that´ll get you a lot further
than listening that kind of advices.
Bushier the better.More internodes means more bud.

There is a ton of information here.

Happy growing and blessings!

-Riippe-

 

[Blender]

Your plants look great.

Keep on reading,that´ll get you a lot further
than listening that kind of advices.
Bushier the better.More internodes means more bud.

There is a ton of information here.

Happy growing and blessings!

-Riippe-

Thanks man, will report on the bushier findings. Additionally, plants at that stage how much do you think I need to water? A A lot, a little run off or a tiny bit?

 

[chubbynugs]

I put my T5 right on my plants pretty much. Leave a few inches for growth and keep checkin them. If you start LSTing them early you will get bushier plants faster. Dont really know anyone who would rather have a lanky tall plant compared to a stacked noded up plant of the same genetics. Doesnt really make sense to me especially for indoor growing.

 

[Riippe]

Additionally, plants at that stage how much do you think I need to water? A A lot, a little run off or a tiny bit?

Yes,you´re supposed to get a little runoff.
But I bet you´ve already know that..
Go ahead,make mistakes,but make notes so you can learn to solve problems.
Thats the way to become a better grower and smoke topshelf nuggets!

 

[Blender]

Thanks much guys I appreciate it.

 

[intotheunknown]

get yourself an infared thermometer, you know like the little laser thermometers?

that way you can get accurate temps right off the tops.
this will allow you to position the lights as close as possible and keep temps right.

theres my 2 pennies.

 

[Blender]

get yourself an infared thermometer, you know like the little laser thermometers?

that way you can get accurate temps right off the tops.
this will allow you to position the lights as close as possible and keep temps right.

theres my 2 pennies.

That's what I'm talkin about. Thanks man, I will definitely invest into one of those

 

[billgee]

Just keep doin it not talkin bout it, not necessarily listenin. Just Do It.

 

[billgee]

get yourself an infared thermometer, you know like the little laser thermometers?

No
Like What?

 

[ThaMagnificent]

great looking plants!

 

[LeeROI]

No
Like What?

Mastercool MSC52224A is the gun I bought from amazon but cheap ones from Harbor Freight might work fine. Search term: "infrared thermometer"

 

[rocketman420]

keep lights as close as possible. and when you water make sure the soil is dry when they are young, the first week or two, the roots grow in search of water. i have i thermometer that is $30 sunleaves brand it tells room temp and has a 10 foot wire that you hang from your light at canopy level. tells you room temp, canopy temp and humidity, you dont even have to open your box to see what temp it is, it also has alarms on it so if your humidity or temp get to high it will beep at you. check your local hydro shop for them. they have them cheaper too.

 

[highonmt]

Your plants look very happy. I would not waste money on a infra-red thermo you have a very good one attached to your arm. Put the back of your hand at the tops of your plants if the heat is comfortable your fine if too hot it's too close. I put my t5 plants about 2 inches below the bulb to give them a little room but in reality they would be fine even closer. I think they need a bit of room for good air circ tho. Good luck and welcome.
HM

 

[highonmt]

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