Propagation Question

[The Griff]

Hi

I have germed 10 seeds in a heated propagator. They all popped and some are stronger than others. I have them under 3x 20w halogen lamps and a couple of them are streching towards the light (one of them is about 6" tall). What I want to know is: When do I put them under the HPS? They have been in the propagator for 10 days now and most of them have 2 sets of leaves. Pic attached.
Thanks in advance for any help offered. (First time I've grown from seed).

 

[Guest]

First off, ditch the halogens and get some flouros or an MH. Bad spectrum on the halogens. Your plants will stretch like crazy.

You can use nothing but the HPS if you choose. Many people get very good results that way. Go ahead and get them under it, but not too close. What wattage is your HPS? That'll determine how close to the plants you need to put it.

 

[The Griff]

Hi

It's a 600w.

 

[Guest]

Cool. I'd start 'em about 24 inches from the light. After a week drop it to 18 and let 'em grow.

Good luck. Don't worry about how stretchy they look now, they'll recover.

 

[The Griff]

Thanks for the advice Elvis, they are now under the light 24" below on an 18/6 cycle

 

[Growdoc]

Drop that light down...

 

[Guest]

for a budget; shop lights - the 2 40 watt for 7.00 @ wallmart + 2 grow bulbs for 12.00 & for under 20.00 U have a Veg light - I am using 4 of them & Veg like crazy - keep Ur tops as close as possable under the flors.

U will need to transplant - when U do make sure U cover up some of your early stretch with Ur medium

 

[Harry Gypsna]

and for good measure, slap whoever advised you to use halogen, hehehe.
Im only kidding mate....I remember frying a plant when i was a teenegaer with a halogen, .
good luck with the grow

 

[Growdoc]

I agree with Harry G, slap that mother f*#cker...

I also agree with Fred, You need to transplant ASAP and plant them deep as you can get them, all the way to the neck if u can.

 

[The Griff]

Could I transplant them into their final big pots at this early stage?

 

[Guest]

http://www.icmag.com/ic/showthread.php?t=4986

Go through this thread; BOG does a great job of keeping it simple - He also has a book out now that would be of great use to you.

Transplanting can be a lot of work - but I am finding that 'timming the shoot' with a transplant is working very well for me

Keep us informed & ask any questions U run across - someone here will have the answer.

Many blessings on your life & in your grows

 

[Growdoc]

I would step up the pots slowly and this will help you learn more also...

 

[Harry Gypsna]

i wouldnt put them in te final pots now, as theyll take ages to root the pot befor they grow!....as was said, you are better stepping them up a bit at a time.......once they have rooted the pots they are in, maybe go up to a 5 litre pot...then repat until ur at ur final pot size!.....

 

[The Griff]

Is a Metal Halide lamp better than a HPS for the vegging stage?
Does it give off the same heat as an HPS lamp?
Can it be screwed into the same mounting as an HPS lamp?

 

[Guest]

Is a Metal Halide lamp better than a HPS for the vegging stage?

It has a spectrum, strong on blues, which the plants prefer for veg.

The HPS has a yellower spectrum which simulates the autumn sun. Along with a 12/12 light cycle this helps to trigger flowering and larger bud production.

Does it give off the same heat as an HPS lamp?

There's not alot of diff, but the HPS is a touch hotter.

Can it be screwed into the same mounting as an HPS lamp?

They can use the same socket, but require different ballasts.

 

[Mr Gumby]

They can use the same socket, but require different ballasts.

Although there are ballasts that can go both ways. At least mine claims so.

Haven't tried it out yet, but i will someday.

A little edit: here's what it says on the cover: "HPS or MH 250w/ 3A lamp"

 

[Guest]

lol........yes, there are switchable ballasts available.

 

[The Griff]

I'm going to try one of the MH bulbs that work with a HPS or MH ballast.

 

[The Griff]

Haven't recieved the new bulb yet, but they seem to be coming on OK (except for the runt of the litter!)