LST and cooltube question?

[Rambro]

when should i LST my autos and is this recommended to increase yield for autos? i usually see people let their plants grow straight up but i only have a 63w LED and i heard it doesnt penetrate well. maybe i should stick my 70w hps in there for some bottom/side lighting if i can keep temps down. would it help keep heat down to put an hps light inside of a vase or something(kinda like using it as a cool tube, but without airflow through the tube to exhaust the heat. its hard to explain but im just thinking if i could use a clear vase to put around the light to keep the heat inside the glass around the bulb and not reall have it dissipate into the cab) thanks everyone

 

[MMJcali]

if air doesnt flow through the vase, it will trap hot air and radiate heat. The heat will build. it would be better (not good though) to just have the bulb naked, with a fan blowing on it directly. buy some lamp stands and put some CFL's in em, put them all around your grow. thats pretty good side lighting.

LST should be okay, but most ppl dont train autos because they finish so quickly; you dont want to set them back. I've seen it done though, so yea if you want to go for it.

 

[mitch_connor]

You can LST AF's with good results, if you give them a decent sized pot to help maximise their growth.

I would begin LST the day you see them sex until the pre-flower/stretch stage is over - this is normally around 10 days to 2 weeks after sex - depending on strain.

Obviously research what strain you fancy as this will play a big part in how successful the training could be.

Like MMJ says above, you need some airflow over the bulb to reduce temps with a barebulb or in a glass arrangement. I'd advise you run some tests of maybe the LED + 70w hps combo, and the 150w alone, then consider your next move.

150w hps can make for nice AF buds, 20/4's perpetual thread is all 150w hps and he does well.

There are DIY options for cooltubes and aircooled setups that don't cost the earth if that is a concern.

cheers, mitch

 

[hisser]

I LST as soon as possible, usually around 3rd node period, the earlier you start, the more you will be able to train it, which means more yield
good luck