Seedling Question

[dejayou30]

How tall should seedlings be? I have a few that just sprouted yesterday and I don't want them to stretch. The CFLs are about 4 inches above them; too far away? Also, when is a good time to switch from 24 to 18/6? I don't want to do it too early because I have read that it might cause stretching as they stretch out to find light in the dark. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

EDIT: The CFLs are the big 150W equivalent.

[romdog11]

when you switch them to 12/12 depends on how big you want them to be. for instance in my grow room my space is limited so i flower my plants at 12 inches or 10 inches.

[dejayou30]

Thanks for the reply, but I know about the flowering times and height and all that jazz. What I am asking is, is it OK to put them under 18/6 right away or should I wait until they develop some leaves? I read somewhere that if you give seedlings a dark period, they stretch in the adrk trying to find the light. And how far should the light be? I have read several sources that say from .5-6 inches, which is a huge span. Mine are aout 4" away.

Thanks!

[dejayou30]

Can anyone give me an answer on this? I have 7 seedlings ranging from .75"-2" and I am worried that this is too high. Please help me!

[FireTheft]

well how old are they!? their height is worthless unless we know how long they've been growing.....

but my preliminary guess is that the height is totally fine. 4inches above them is fine...CFLs dont get that hot.

I can't really help with your 24 to 18/6 question....I'm not a fan of growing at 24 and I'm certainly not a fan of switching the time unless its from 18/6 directly to 12/12

[whatsthatsmell]

the difference in growth and the amount of time is really close. There was a post in here that demostrated the growth of plants on 24/0, 20/4, 18/6. The results are as follows or as close to measurements that i remember. The root growth for the plant that was on 24/0 had about 28cm growth, the plant that was on 18/6 got about 39cm growth, and the 20/4 was right in the middle with about 33cm growth. So it really boils down to just a couple of things, what is your pref in growth, what is your electric bill. Other than that the difference in 24/0 and 18/6 is really not all that much.

[Delta9Haze420]

Pictures pictures pictures... They are worth far more than a thousand words in the amount of additional help we can give you.

[dejayou30]

They just sprouted, half Thursday and the rest yesterday (Friday). They are being watered every 6 hrs in an E&F system.

[whatsthatsmell]

If i were to change the lighting schedule, i wouldnt do it until they have a couple sets, then change to what you want. I think its more of a personal choice