UVB BULBS

[driftmaster]

anyone use em currently? im thinking about it but would like to know if they are any good. and also what kinda temp does it (they) put out

[driftmaster]

somebody...? anybody...?

[sd6515]

I'm experimenting with a uvb bulb in flower and was wondering if anyone else out there has. I got the idea from this video

here is the link my embedded videos never work if someone else can embedded it it would be appreciated.
YouTube - THC, UVB and Me (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPcpt3Be28o)

It seems to make sense but I wanted to see if anyone else out there has done this and if they noticed any difference.

[sd6515]

Sorry tried again and it still won't work

[klondike_bar]

ooh...shnazzy

[sd6515]

I have notice an almost immediate and drastic change for the better over the last 10 days, the bud sites had almost no visible crystals before and now every site every plant is completely covered. The leafs feel like velvet and the stink has gone through the roof so I will keep this up until harvest and thats when I will know for sure.

[Zcomp]

Yup, you guys need to read this: http://www.greenmanspage.com/guides/thc.html

[Zcomp]

I'm with ya man. lookin for a good bulb. One article I read recommended a "Zoo" brand or type(reptile bulb). from the pic, it looked like several diff. Floro tube sizes. They mentioned something on "most UVB/psf" with that bulb. I'm about to go shopping shortly at a few pet stores, I'll repost with what I get.

[klondike_bar]

eep: more crystals...must...have...crystals....

im gonna get a bulb now!

[Zcomp]

Its not really about "more crystals", Its really about "more THC".

[Zcomp]

This was off my bulb. 24" 20W Floro. 30%UVa 5%UVb. I didn't go with the 10% cause I've been reading about the potential harm to you and your plants. I'll start with this 5%, and if it goes well I might move up.

[stinkyattic]

Couple things to think about:
1- UVB is harmful; don't enter the room with that light on, and if you do, be certain to use eye protection.
2- You are making more resins, so provide more available carbon for the plant to use. This is the ideal moment to start giving molasses at a couple tbsp per gallon as a safe carbon source.

[GoldenGoblin]

Yeah take precautions but that is excellent that it works.
Any particulars on bulbs your using?

[sd6515]

I tried to find the bulb online it look likes a cfl and it says gives 10% uvb and i have it slowly moving around the plants on a light mover I rigged up. The light is designed for reptiles and I got it at petsmart. It is only on about 4 hours a day.

Thnx Stinky I did set it up so that I turn it on and off after exiting the room.

Stinky I have been giving them only 1 tbs per gal of molasses I should up it then?

[Zcomp]

Well you know me stinky, molasses is already part of my regimen. As I have read though, it would seem that the Glandular trichomes concentrate the UVb to synthesize more CBD into THC.
I'm using a repti-glo 5.0. I chose that because the 10.0 seemed too intense. On the box it read "for use when a screen is on top of your terrarium blocking some of the UVb from your reptiles". Plus then there is the abundant warnings about potential danger of UVb.
I have my light "door triggered". When my door opens, The UVb light goes out.

[klondike_bar]

ooh. triggers sound technical....awsome!

any noticable difference withy the uvb?

all the bulbs in stores are like 40-50 and only like 10 less on ebay.....

[klondike_bar]

we should merge this w/ the other uvb thread

[driftmaster]

merge it if you must....but as far as i know about these bulbs they supposedly produce more resin glands in the plant(s) in which produces more crystal on your bud and leaves....i went out and got 4 of em little buggers and the effects on my blueberryxbubblegum are amazing!crystals growing everywhere and every new leaf is even more packed than the older bigger leaves.....thanks for the help guys....

drift

[Zcomp]

I can't say anything about the results until I smoke them. I do notice my girls packing on more crystals and smelling pretty pungent, but its due to note that this is normal for 7 weeks into flower with this strain.
On the plus side, The one I'm harvesting in the next 5-6 weeks is a sativa dom. then about 4-6 weeks after that, I'll harvest my indica dom. This will give me a good idea about which type reacts best to the added UVb.
edit: The trigger is very simple, they sell them for home security systems. its a very simple pressure activated switch. a hole must be drilled into the door jam, the switch goes in the hole. When you shut the door the switch is depressed. then just wire in and your done. Be sure to use proper electrical safety when attempting this.

[sd6515]

I got mine for 15 at petsmart I didn't see it online but in the store they have them and those screw into a regular socket

[stinkyattic]

Geez zcomp. You DO think of everything, you and your door trigger. Very nice. high five.

[Zcomp]

Well I can't take credit for the idea(found it while I was researching the subject). But I'll take the high five for implementation.
For everyone else remember, when you purchase these bulbs, the manufacturer thinks that you'll be looking at this light through glass. Glass filters almost all UVb. They aren't guaranteeing your safety staring straight at the bulb. You wouldn't stare at the sun would you? no you'd wear glasses. Also your eye's aren't the only worry, your skin gets very damaged from UVb. were talking skin cancer here. If you can't rig up the switch, please place them facing away from where you enter and shut them off the instant you walk in.
I'm just trying one 5.0 bulb to see. then if it works, I'll see if I can/should add more.

[stinkyattic]

I've merged these threads to get all this neat info in one place.

[Zcomp]

The more I read into this, I'm finding that, you girls only accept UVb until trichs start going amber. possibly that UVb is what causes ambering of trichs. I'm reading that HID bulbs put off some UVb as well. MH more so than HPS.
This is all conjecture so see what ya'll can find. Since glass filters UVb, I've taken my glass off my HPS. Anybody think this could be a mistake?

[sd6515]

I don't have glass on my 400w HPS but I have great circulation and ventilation and my 2nd round under that is going great with no problems, I have a fan blowing directly across the bulb as when as circulation and ventilation.

No problems here though.

[qdavid]

I've got this sativa dominant strain finishing up. It's in it's freaking 9th week of flower and not done. Sativas are so freaking slow. So I put in this black light bulb for the hell of it. They began to really stank and the trichs are huge. I don't know if that was it as it's about that time anyway. But cool.

[Zcomp]

Yeah, I got a sativa dom. that takes almost 13 weeks. I blame the genetics and superthrive, which I just learned will extend flowering.
Black light bulb huh? does that put out comparable UVb? I hadn't really thought about them since reptile bulbs scream about there UVb. I hope black lights don't put out UVb, I've spent too many raves staring at the black lights. LOL

[klondike_bar]

lol i dont think black lights have much, since theyre always debunked for thier use in growing.

TY for the merge, i noticed on the weekend we had two uvb threads

[klondike_bar]

"These black lights for reptiles are NOT the black light tubes used for lighting fluorescent minerals, posters, and psychedelic paraphernalia (often called BLB lights). Fish/aquarium and plant 'grow' lights, either incandescent or fluorescent, do NOT produce UVB. You need a black light which emits light in the 290-320 nanometer range."

there we go, and off a reptile site too.

wonder if you can buy leds in that sprectrum?

[Zcomp]

Yes absolutly. Led's can be configured for any(subjective) exact nm. Thats what makes them so interesting to growers.
I have some nightlights on my aquarium that are led, I'll check there nm and get back to ya.

[klondike_bar]

ive searced it, and there are reference to experiments with uvb leds here and there, but no apparent way to buy such a light

[Zcomp]

UVb is between 290nm-320nm. This link tells you how to get'em
LEDs - Gallium Indium Nitride UV, violet, purple, blue, aqua, turquoise, green, white. Also Gallium Arsenide and others. New LED MUSEUM! GaN, InGaN, SiC, GaAs, GaP, GaAlP, ZnSe, flashlight, flashlights. (http://ledmuseum.home.att.net/uvledavi.htm):

[Zcomp]

This is where to purchase:
Roithner Lasertechnik Vienna Austria ------x laser diode laserdiode optic collimator YAG laser semiconductor laser laser module lasermodul LED photodiode MID-IR InGaAs DPSSL UV-LED GaN white LED (http://www.roithner-laser.com)

[qdavid]

Doh!

[Zcomp]

yeah, get ready to shell out $300-$400 per led. LOL.

[klondike_bar]

thats not at all pricy when you can buy a lamp that emits more light for 10% the cost.... :p

guess its partly due to lack of demand

[klondike_bar]

found some medical bulbs, not leds tho:

Phototherapy Bulb Types & Pricing - UVB Narrowband, UVB Broadband, PUVA - Solarc Systems Ultraviolet Phototherapy Equipment (http://www.solarcsystems.com/phototherapy_bulbs.html)

they have a 36w for 105$

[Opie Yutts]

If this whole UVB thing were true, wouldn't people growing outdoors notice that their plants have more THC than when they grow indoors? There is a lot of UVB outdoors.

Has anyone seen or tried a side-by-side on this? Like getting 8 cuttings as identical as possible, growing 4 with and 4 without UVB, then measuring THC? Or is it just people say that they noticed an improvement in THC amounts and/or trichome quantity after starting the use of UVB. Well hello?! There would be an improvement whether they put some UVB in their grow or not. Besides Zcomp says it's not about trichomes, but the ability to convert CB into THC. How can anyone say they have noticed an improvement in THC amounts unless they have the equipment and knowledge to measure CB and THC percentages? I doubt you are going to be able to smoke the two and know which is which from smoking alone. Am I wrong? OK teach me wise ones.

And Zcomp, sorry. It's just a little too stoney in here for me to read all of that article. Is this the conclusion?: The heads or balls on the trichomes magnify UVB, and this makes more THC, which by the way is one of many cannabinoidals (just under 70 at last count).

[sd6515]

I was growing side by side and was noticing significant differences and was forced to harvest the non uvb early b/c of problems, still good bud but not far enough along. And now all results are null & void because obvious differences in conditions were most likely the biggest factor, however what is under uvb and should finish up by christmas is the most ridiculously crystallized shit I have ever seen, in seriously undersized pots. As long as you are safe with uvb it is a cheap experiment that I have experienced no ill effects from and am having my best results in some of my worst conditions, still good, just not ideal. All for only a $15 bulb, 2 $.89 extension cords and a homemade aluminum can reflector so for that price if your wondering be safe and give it a try.

[Opie Yutts]

...what is under uvb and should finish up by christmas is the most ridiculously crystallized shit I have ever seen...

Have you grown that particular strain before without uv lights, and notice that with uv you get more resin? Or is that strain usually ridiculously crystallized?

[Opie Yutts]

Yeah, I got a sativa dom. that takes almost 13 weeks. I blame the genetics and superthrive, which I just learned will extend flowering.

I say again: SuperThrive should not really be used for flowering.

[mariboogie420]

hey i'm new to this site, but i have only 2 10% uvb repti-sun cfl's and 4 sun light cfl's all on for 20 hours a day. the three plants seem healthy, but the plants leaves that are near to the repti-sun cfl's (about 4 inches away) have turned shiny orange-brown and silky and the plant is still alive and other than that the leaves look healthy. any advice, i am not trying to throw away the repti-sun because they were 45 each at the store, even though my friend had a five finger discount. any advice?

[mariboogie420]

hey i'm new to this site, but i have only 2 10% uvb repti-sun cfl's and 4 sun light cfl's all on for 20 hours a day. the three plants seem healthy, but the plants leaves that are near to the repti-sun cfl's (about 4 inches away) have turned shiny orange-brown and silky and the plant is still alive and other than that the leaves look healthy. any advice, i am not trying to throw away the repti-sun because they were 45 each at the store, even though my friend had a five finger discount. any advice?

[keeko]

a picture would help a lot.....

and next time leave the part about being a five finger discount out of the topic. you wont get much respect here when people find out you hang out with theifs.

[GreenDestiny]

Yup, you guys need to read this: http://www.greenmanspage.com/guides/thc.html

Interesting stuff there...

According to that article:

Cannabinoid pathway: Anywhere in this pathway UVB does a better job than UVA in energizing a phytochemical reaction that will produce more fully realized THC because "all cannabinolic compounds show an absorption maximum between 270 and 280 nm in the ultraviolet region."

So then if those findings are correct, that would mean the most beneficial range of 270-280 doesn't quite fall into the UVB category... it's UVC.

Every source I find will list the cutoff between UVB and UVC at 280 or 290 nm. That's just splitting nanohairs! Never-the-freakin-less, anything between 270 and 280 is still gonna be considered as UVC.

Actually, who cares what it's called, right?? It's close enough.
As long as it works!
The UVB light should work great but if you want to get technical about it and purchase some LEDs, then perhaps that 270-280nm might be your best bet... but good luck figuring out how many individual LEDs you need for that!

Oh yeah, and if you want more confusing stuff to read about it, check this out:
Comparison of three advanced chromatographic techniques for cannabis identification (http://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/data-and-analysis/bulletin/bulletin_1994-01-01_2_page009.html)
3rd paragraph of the Findings section mentions all that UV absorption stuff with and a couple graphs to look at.

And now for another bit of random info from iguanaden.org
"Most tube-style UVB bulbs lose their effectiveness in about 6 months, even though they still produce light.

I'm not even growing at the moment yet I'm starting to get obsessive over this stuff.... someone please put me out of my sobriety

[Opie Yutts]

GD, thanks. Interesting.

mari, I agree with keeko on both counts. I hate thieves, and we need a picture of the problem. Pimping and stealing are not things to be proud of, and I don't understand how that can get turned around for anyone. I've never heard of leaves turning shiny and silky. Even a picture from a phone camera would be better than nothing. You need 50 posts to put up an image here, but you could always supply a link to your image on a free image hosting site, like photobucket.

[keeko]

GD, thanks. Interesting.

mari, I agree with keeko on both counts. I hate thieves, and we need a picture of the problem. Pimping and stealing are not things to be proud of, and I don't understand how that can get turned around for anyone. I've never heard of leaves turning shiny and silky. Even a picture from a phone camera would be better than nothing. You need 50 posts to put up an image here, but you could always supply a link to your image on a free image hosting site, like photobucket.

:thumbsup: thanks bud, "must spread before giving to OY again"

[dindyman]

I was told that these bulbs would be the absolute best by someone who has done thois before with great results...they are mercury vapor bulbs that produce the right amount of uvb used to properly mimic the sun in a tropical climate, 250-300 microwatts per square centimeter (uW/cm2) of UVB and 2,000uW/cm2 of UVA at a 3 foot distance...most tropical places get about 400 uW/cm2 of uvb at mid day so id say about 2 feet away, use this bulb about 4 hours in mid light cycle for best results, check out the links to read more and tell me what you think, i was looking at the external ballasted zoo one, these also last a hell of alot longer than a normal reptile uvb light that might only last a maximum of 5-`6 months before it looses its power and stops producing uvb light

ReptileUV Mega-Ray Mercury Vapour Lamps for Reptiles - Test Report UV Guide 2006 (http://www.reptileuvinfo.com/html/mega-ray-narrow-flood-report.htm)

Mega-Ray® & ReptileUV Products (http://www.reptileuv.com/megaray-products.php)

[stinkyattic]

You get banned here for bragging about theft btw...

On the subject- I just feel the need to interject here that while strains grown at high altitudes and subjected to more intense UV light do produce more resin (along with less yield due to the thinner air), for 99.9% of growers, the extra cost of purchasing and operating supplemental UVB bulbs simply doesn't make sense for one of a number of reasons, the most common one being that other factors in the grow are not yet optimized. This is similar to running CO2- but even less likely to make the grower say, 'ohhey, that was like, TOTALLY, worth it!!!'

So as with all other things, get the basics locked down tight before spending money on what is simply a gimmick in the hands of a less experienced grower.

[cture]

Thank you all for your thread guys! I have found this lamp and starting to use it!
1 lamp per 1 meter ^2 This will provide a highland uv b or equatorial UV b
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[the image reaper]

pretty doubtful many here, speak that language :wtf:

[Rusty Trichome]

Actually, it links to a picture of the lamp, with the writing in english, lol.


This thread is an old one...but a couple things to remember when using the UV bulbs.
1. Whether they are the self-balasted compact fluorescent type, or tube fluorescents...limit your exposure, and use proper UVA and UVB eye protection. (turning it off when in the growroom is a good idea) UVB is the range that causes skin to burn. And contrary to what the tanning bed operators say, these lamps also put-out UVA, which is known to cause skin cancer with prolonged exposure. (they are unsafe for frequent tanning, or frequent growroom visits) The eyes are the most important to protect, though. Damage is likely irreversable and permanant, from what I understand.

2. Effective range on my CFL UVB bulb is 12". (the effective distance that provides the necessary UVB that makes reptiles shed...the original reason for these lamps) But I've found that placing my 7% UVB bulb about 6" from the plant, for about 6 hours in the middle of the day, is best. (so far it seems best...but I'm still experimenting)

Have you watched this video? :
THC, UVB and Me (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPcpt3Be28o)
If not...I'd do so now. Shitloads of quality insight on trichomes, and the potential for positive UVB effects. :jointsmile:

[bigtopsfinn]

Hey Rusty, what kind of light are you using?

I went to the pet store the other day, and they wanted like +65â?¬ for a 50cm 20w (i think) 10% (i'm sure) uvb fluoro... I can almost get 400w hps system for that much...

Do they make a uvb cfl light that screws into a typical socket? And if so, where can you get them? Who makes them? The only ones I've found are minimum 100w... Any and all info is much appreciated :D

[Rusty Trichome]

The one I'm using is a self-balasted compact fluorescent bulb that fits in normal lamp sockets. The bulb is in a clamp-fixture, and can be raised and lowered to the plants needs. All lights are raised so I could get a good picture.
I was going to do a thread about this in a side-by side test, but the range of the UVB is up to five feet, so a true side-by-side is impossible for me.

I'm not totally sold, but early results are pretty good for my indica's, so-so for my sativa's. Increases aroma and by extention, flavor. Seems to age the leaves, and dry them out quicker than without the treatments. Possible 'burning-off' of nitrogen (or chlorophyll) as treatments continue. (will get pix next go-around) Apparent increase in numbers of pores 'opening-up' and developing trichomes, on both sides of the leaves.

From there, my experiment was cancelled, due to the fact I was getting low on smoke, and harvested. Will continue to experiment, though. Going to be real tough to discern any difference in positive psychotropic effects, as what I grow, get's me pretty fucked-up already. But am willing to contimue to keep pushing the envelope, in the name of science of course. :jointsmile:

[bigtopsfinn]

Thanks for dropping the info and experience Rusty :greenthumb:

Definitely something to think about for the future, but from your description it sounds like it's possible to screw things up worse if you are already experiencing problems. Like StinkyAttic said, it's like the CO2 thing. Better for me to get everything perfect first before I try to get anything more out of grows :D

[the image reaper]

leave the tempered glass ON ... it does not filter out that much light, and provides protection for your eyes, etc... if you wind up blind, you'll not miss that tiny bit of lost lumens :wtf: ... I am now legally blind in my right eye, the loss came about rather quickly, a matter of months ... a cracked high-pressure globe emits dangerous rays, and the crack tends to be almost invisible ... it has me suspicious of the reason for my current eye situation ... :wtf:

[Rusty Trichome]

Ouch. Bummer. Hopefully it was from watching MTV video's too close, and not a cannabis-related incident... Sucks either way though. :(

Has the eye doc offered any possible reasons for the bad eye? Not that it helps to dwell, but for future information.

Gee. Makes me wonder how many growroom-related skin and eye injuries there are from different growroom practices. Info like using no lens with HID's = 20% increase in melanoma occurance, UVB use = 50% more incidents of retna burn and loss of sight...stuff like that. Would be handy info for those of us already suffering with major illnesses and diseases.

Or, I uess we can just assume the worse case scenario, and take as many precautions as possible, huh...?

Stoned and bored. Bad combo, as I tend to ramble, lol. :jointsmile:

[Dutch Pimp]

I always wear my shades; when my Ceramic Metal Halide bulb is on...:cool:

[Dogznova]

Red 660nm will produce more trich's the one can shake a stick at and know harm to you or your plants. Leave the UVa,b,c to reptiles.

[Rusty Trichome]

Thank god.......somebody with personal knowledge and experience. :thumbsup:

Mind providing some proof or personal insight? My preliminary findings say you're wrong, but I'm not done testing, either. But time will tell, so pardon me if I seem amused by a statement like yours, in which you've provided nothing in support of this claim. :jointsmile:

[oldmac]

Red 660nm will produce more trich's the one can shake a stick at and know harm to you or your plants. Leave the UVa,b,c to reptiles.

Dogznova;

There are some subjects that I try to avoid on these boards....one of them is the use of UVB supplemental lighting. But you've pushed my LED button so I guess it's time for me to address it.

First, I have noticed a slight increase in trichome production using LED lighting. The two Procyon's I used for awhile showed this effect, but they use red Cree LED's at 635nm.....not 660nm. While the full bandwith probably includes some 660, it could not be enough to explain the effect. Just possible the effect comes from the blues, Cree's peak at 450nm, and thier bandwith may include some UV or near UV. Hmmmmmmm interesting.

I currently have 2 Ti Pro-Blooms and they show even more trichome production then the Procyon's did and you know what, they have 660nm! But wait, they also have (drum roll please) UVB (ta da). It's one of the reasons I bought them, they where smart enough to use an enhanced light band that included UVB.

Main reason I avoided talking about UVB, I know it works and I can't see why there is even a discussion about it. It is so easy to demonstrate. I've tried back to back grows with and without, and there is no doubt in my mind it makes a big difference, not just trichome production but THC production.

Maybe you should have tried a little experiment with UVB before moving on to Martian Night lighting.....

[Dogznova]

Rusty If you can get a hold of some red 660 give it a try. Soon there will lots of proof. Your right, it would be foolish of me to tell you I can 100% proof this fact. I can't nor will I try.. But this proof you want does exist. It's just not public at this point.

Rusty here is something I always like to say.

Laugh at me, Laugh with me, as long as your Laughing. :S2:

Also Rusty I enjoy reading all your post. You've got a great way of making your points. Keep those fingers typing. :thumbsup:


Old mac you are right. But I personally don't think your plants need that uvb like you think they do. What if you could get the same effect with just 660. Would you drop that harmful uvb. I think most would. Sure a small amount of uvb is just fine, don't get me wrong. I think the future will show that your particular purpose for uvb (trichome production) is not needed and is harmful to you and your favorite girls. :smokin:

[Dogznova]

Maybe you should have tried a little experiment with UVB before moving on to Martian Night lighting.....

Sorry.... I just seen this.

I have done experiments with UVB before I moved on to Martian Night lighting... Someday you will come over to the dark side. :jointsmile:

[oldmac]

Yo' Dog,

Sorry.....I couldn't help taking a cheap shot at ya.

You also touch the other reason why I don't discuss UVB, there is a safety issue. It's also why I never talk about certian methods for CO2, I really don't want to be responsible for hurting someone.

While the science is sketchy about trichome production, it is pretty clear about about the production of THC. UVB is necessary for that.

I'm still waiting for the Martian Nights to produce an "ah ha" moment, then I'll look into it. So far tho I've been a little put off by you or your uncle's various poor takes on fundemental horticulture, but I am still interested.

[Dogznova]

Sorry.....I couldn't help taking a cheap shot at ya.

So far tho I've been a little put off by you or your uncle's various poor takes on fundemental horticulture, but I am still interested.


Looks like that's two holes in my head now. :( Sorry my uncle and I offended ya somewhere down the line..

[oldmac]

Looks like that's two holes in my head now. :( Sorry my uncle and I offended ya somewhere down the line..

Hey Dog,

You and your uncle did not offend me at all, it's just that a few of the things I've read where not based on sound science. That then makes me leary to imbrace other things that are said. I have said to you and others on the martian thread, I appreciate the expriments and efforts you're making and I really am looking forward to a break thru using the method.

Plus you can't be all bad, you see the wonders of LEDs just like I do.
Here's a LED only trichome covered (young) bud.

[Dogznova]

Nice flower oldmac. I'm glad I didn't offend you. :thumbsup:

[oldmac]

Thought I might post a pic of a small finished bud, that's manicured.

This was grown under T5 vho and UVB. No LED, No HPS.

[Dogznova]

Nice. Is that dirt or hydro?

[oldmac]

Hi Dogz,

That's both. It's hydro drip to waste grown in Pro-Mix Bx. I consider pro-mix dirt, I would prefer growing in aero/fog, and that's comming very soon.

[Dogznova]

Oldmac you are clearly getting better results then we did with uvb. The reason I asked hydro or dirt is. With our strain the flowers will produce more trich when done in a hydro setup then done in a dirt setup.

We currently are getting better results using the method you talked about in the other post. We tried supplemental uvb and I think my uncle got up to about 4 to 6 hours a day (not sure thou). How many hour per day is good for uvb supplemental lighting?

Personally I would rather be in your shoes. When the correct M Method and bulbs are released you will have it dripping of your flowers. Althouugh can you get much more on there now. :D

[oldmac]

For Dogznova and anybody else interested,

First: WARNING UVB light is dangerous to your eyes, skin and health.
DO NOT go into your bloom room while it is on.

In the pure T5 set up I used there where 6-4' T5 2700K fluorescents, driven to VHO levels (85watts/bulb) using an IceCap ballast.
I used 2-4' T5 Zilla desert 50 fluorescent bulbs that only come as NO (normal output, 28watts) but of course I overdrive them to VHO levels of 85watts.
That's 3X normal for at least 3 times the output.

How long to use them each day is very strain dependent. The above bud (NLxJackHeher) was the result of abt 2 hours per day. Some of the pure indicas I have tried made good use of up to 4 hours a day, but at a certian point you get no more Trichome prodution or increase in potency. So far my observations indicate that equatorial sativas and high altitude indicas like much more time then other strains. And if you think about it, that makes perfect sence since those are the areas that recieve the most natural UVB light.

I honestly have not experimented enough with the pure T5 setup, I used the frame and 4-T5s to build a hybred LED/T5 light.

Curently I'm using the 2-T5 Zilla bulbs to suplement a 1kw HPS light, again just a few hours in the middle of the light period.

[Dogznova]

Great info. I'm not sure witch bulbs my uncle tried (I will have to ask him). I do know they weren't T5's. Maybe the uvb bulb was not strong enough (you think?). Don't get me wrong he was getting some extra trich production with the uvb bulb, just not as much as he is getting now with the red.

Thanks for sharing Oldmac :thumbsup:

[Rusty Trichome]

With UVB, doubtful anyone will convince me that it's inconsequential, and I wouldn't participate in this thread if I hadn't had personal experience and a result worth mentioning.

But I'm a little dubious that a single-point in the UVB spectrum is the desired course, but honestly...I like what my wide UVB spectrum provides. At worst, it costs me about $1 a month to run the light. At best it reminds the plant that production of THC and CBD's is still important for it's survival against the harshness of the sun's rays. (at least the UVB and UVA) IMHO, this gives the plant more aromatics and likely improved effects. (although quantifying potency is truly subjective, as CBN, CBD and THC levels can fluctuate within a given strain)

I'm not at all slamming the LED theology...but I am of the opinion that, like ph, nutes and seasonal light spectrums, there is an effective UV range. :thumbsup:

As previously stated a couple of times...safety before stupidity. Use proper care if adding this light to your growroom.

[Bubbleblower]

Thank you all for your thread guys! I have found this lamp and starting to use it!
1 lamp per 1 meter ^2 This will provide a highland uv b or equatorial UV b
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Few questions (I have many).

According to technical data this lamp is 260nm to 320nm, but according to the spectograph it peaks at like 305nm and has a much broader range. How can I find out what all these lamps really emit (nm, range and mw/cm2)?
It would be usefull to know to get the right full spectrum and to not destroy the plants.

Also I wonder how much of sunlight is UV(-B) in desert and high altitude areas and how that changes throughout time.
Preferably in an exceptional good year (like you have in wine).
Typically "98.7% of the ultraviolet radiation that reaches the Earth's surface is UVA".
How much UV do high THC areas get and how much of it is A or B? It would be nice to have a kind of light schedule per region and it would make sense to imitate that, because that is what the plant is adepted to and what should prevent burning.

It seems like you only need little UV-B and I wonder if there would be UV leds (at a normal price) that have enough of it.

Finally, sand reflects 25% of UV and snow 85%. How much would the foil in a growroom reflect?

I did find this in my search for answers:TEMIS -- Clear sky UV index and ozone at a location (http://www.temis.nl/uvradiation/nrt/uvindex.php?lon=37.23&lat=-3.05)
Now I still don't know anything, but it was fun playing with.
Imagine growing your plants there; 100% guaranteed you will get high. :D

[gr8budz4me]

Hello herb lovers,

These UV-B posts are always interesting threads to read... thanks for everyone's input. I am just getting into my garden herb hobby after a several year hiatus but several years ago I did some experimenting with supplementing my HPS and CFL bloom closet with UV-B. In 2005 I did tons of googling and I found a link to a scientific study on the effects of UV-B lighting on marijuana. The study definitely showed a cause and effect of greater THC production on the study group plants that were exposed to UV-B during their growth. This study was done using UVB medical T12 fluorescent style lamps and they cited a particular Philips T12 bulb. I wish I could find the same study and if anyone knows where it can be found I'd love to read it again.

The nice thing to me about this Philips bulb (in addition to the study citing that it works!) is that it produces very little heat and operates in a standard fluorescent fixture and with a 4 foot length it fits perfectly into my 2' x 4' x 8' bloom closet. My bloom closet already had a 600w HPS with a Hortilux bulb and a six lamp HO T5 fixture mounted on the back wall of the closet. I placed the UV-B lamp between the 600w and the fluoros approximately 8" from the plants. I started with a couple hours of exposure and slowly ramped up the exposure to about five hours per day. I was growing THSeeds' "The Hog" and "Hash Plant," and "White Widow" in dirt at the time. Within a few days I noticed a visible difference and at harvest all of the varieties were at least 20% more dank and smelly than my previous grows of the same strains when you compared buds.

Fast forward almost four years later and here I go again... I got rid of ALL of my shit several years ago & I have a buddy who now bought his own pad and we set up a closet at his place with similar dimensions for a bloom space. This time we're using a Quantum 1000w dimmable digital ballast with a Solar Max Dual Arc bulb and an eight bulb T5 fixture loaded with five bloom and three grow spectrum lamps. I'm really looking forward to seeing the girls EXPLODE with flowers under this full spectrum barrage... :cool:

Now for the UV-B... If only I wasn't SUCH a fucking pothead I might be able to remember something but for the life of me I coudn't find the place I ordered the bulb from years ago or remember what the model of lamp it was... lol...:stoned: Any-hoo... I did another round of exhaustive research and found the model of the bulb: Philips FS40T12/UVB. These bulbs are used for the treatment of psoriasis and other skin ailments. They are to be used under medical supervision and some suppliers don't readily sell them to just anyone. When I bought my bulb in '05 I had to send the sales dude a fax with a statement that I wasn't using them for medical purposes or where humans would be exposed to their radiation. When he asked me what I was going to use them for, thinking quickly on my feet I told him that I grew culinary herbs for area top end restaurants and the supplementing of UV-B in the grow light spectrum made the herbs develop more of their natural oils and consequently, their flavour and aroma were enhanced. Whew! He thought it was interesting and asked me to fax him the disclaimer and sold it to me.

If you search the bulb make and model number above you can come up with sources for purchasing. They sell for around $75 per bulb and they have to ship them in a special container that some charge $25 for in addition to the shipping if you buy less than a box of six. Another very good attribute of these lamps is that unlike many of the zoo UV-B bulbs for reptiles, they produce very little heat.

I can't stress SAFETY enough... you really need to limit your exposure and especially protect your eyes. This can be very bad voodoo folks... Serious bidness... Proper placement so that you don't look at them and they don't shine on you as you enter the grow space is the way to go. Also, a closet door trigger style of switch is your best bet of all. UVB should be reserved for more experienced growers that have all the other factors under control in their setup. UV-B isn't necessary to grow great pot but using it will improve things. Mother Nature knew now I do too...

Peace!

[oldmac]

I can't stress SAFETY enough... you really need to limit your exposure and especially protect your eyes. This can be very bad voodoo folks... Serious bidness... Proper placement so that you don't look at them and they don't shine on you as you enter the grow space is the way to go. Also, a closet door trigger style of switch is your best bet of all. UVB should be reserved for more experienced growers that have all the other factors under control in their setup. UV-B isn't necessary to grow great pot but using it will improve things. Mother Nature knew now I do too...

Peace!

Hello gr8budz4me,

Very nice post, good heads up on the bulbs. I quoted just your safety warning because it really should be repeated, often.

Excellent idea about using a closet door trigger switch, a safety switch like that might make it idiot proof, and thats a good thing.
Looks like you got a good handle on light issues.

Good luck to you and your partner on your grow. Keep us posted.

[sd6515]

yeah good "safety tips" and "idea" about the trigger as they have all been mentioned in this thread about 100 times, in fact this thread seems pretty dead as this last post was just a summary of this thread plus some mis-information about the reptile uv-b bulbs getting hot, they're cfl's so yeah they get as hot as them but nothing more.

Also as far as extensive googling, if you just google uvb and growing you get several reports, a couple videos, and basically every growing forum out there. It was a nice long post but unfortunately it was just exactly the same info that has already been beaten to death in this thread repeated, the only new info in there is the fact that you can spend $100 on a bulb that you have to make up a story to get if you can get it, you have to sign a waiver pay by credit card and wait for it to arrive, instead of a $15 bulb that you could buy a couple if you want in cash, which is a plus, not have it shipped to your address, a huge plus and have it that night for less. Besides if your room is 4' then these wont fit width ways b/c with the fixture they go in it is over 4', I know I got screwed when I was high setting up my room and I made it exactly 4' b/c the floros were 4' and I had to have them on an angle before I got my HPS.

Just seems like this thread has completely died out when new posts become summaries of the thread and nothing more.

[Rusty Trichome]

Also as far as extensive googling, if you just google uvb and growing you get several reports, a couple videos, and basically every growing forum out there. It was a nice long post but unfortunately it was just exactly the same info that has already been beaten to death..blah, blah, blah...
Just seems like this thread has completely died out when new posts become summaries of the thread and nothing more.


And the content you added to our knowledge-base is...? (nada) Come back when you've got something to add, and don't bother thanking us for the insight...we know you appreciate it. :thumbsup:

[sd6515]

And the content you added to our knowledge-base is...? (nada) Come back when you've got something to add, and don't bother thanking us for the insight...we know you appreciate it. :thumbsup:

Read the thread first genius I STARTED it RFLMAO:thumbsup::jointsmile:

Try reading the whole thread before you chime in that I have contributed nada when I started this thread over a year ago LOL, Aug 07, and I've been watching the whole thing degrade since. I've been using uvb for more then 10 grows now and have not learned anything extra from the same stuff we started this thread with being repeated :mad::beatdeadhorse::postexcuseme::S2:

[Rusty Trichome]

You have been using it for 10 grow cycles, and dont have any additional insight to add yourself, yet bitch at us to provide you more? ROFLMAO.

I really could care less about your being the OP, as it was your previous post I found to be antagonistic twords all members that did post what they could contribute, but obviously didn't provide the insight you crave. So again I ask...exactly what have you added in bitching about the death of this thread, and the lack of fresh info, that may spark someone's interest in furthering your insight?

I personally have stopped adding to any UV thread. (a request from my wife, who suffers from cancer herself) Not that I don't trust the membership's maturity and diligence that using these spectrums requires, but I'm not all that certain I would like to contribute to another's half-assed approach to growroom safety, which can result in blindness and/or cancers. (not too sure about civil law, but I'd bet there's liability laws to considder as well)

Having said that, good luck with your endeavour.

[sd6515]

Actually I never asked for any info and do not get where you got that idea from, I have all the info I need, I have experimented with different bulbs, the amount of uv, distances from plants, different starting points etc. and did not ever ask for more info, as I have already written an entire report on using uv for increased potency of your final product that I compiled through my experiences and my knowledge of horticulture and uv as I started testing this w/ marijuana as a result of research I completed previously at work and it's just annoying seeing people not only beating a dead horse by repeating the info in the same thread over and over but then basically claiming credit for methods posted previously in the same thread as there own input, if you start at page one like you always should before "contributing" to a thread you would see that everything mentioned was copied from previous posts and the only new info was a way to buy a more expensive bulb that requires you to do just about everything a cautious grower would not do, i.e. paying by card online, signing your name to a waiver, saying you are using it to grow with(regardless of what you say you are growing)etc.. So I mentioned that the info was previously posted so others can go back to when this thread was more active with new info and get the info from the original posters instead of the incomplete bits and pieces of the post being discussed, I really don't get how you could have gotten so offended by that but I guess some people are just a little sensitive, I still think it is funny that somehow you read my post as me wanting more info from someone who won't even talk about uv and someone who copied what I and others wrote, I do not crave any insight lol I really could not be happier with my continued success that I have been able to repeat every single grow.

As to liability laws, there are no laws that would allow any civil action against anyone in this situation in particular as the law specifically does not allow any civil action to be taken against someone when what they are doing is illegal, unclean hands, you can not have civil liability for someone being hurt b/c they used info you posted on a forum on how to complete or improve an illegal act, and beyond that the liability laws for posting on forums are pretty much nonexistent and the precedents set by previous rulings would suggest that there would be zero civil liability, of course then again you still have people who have things like "everything I post is a joke and not true" etc. in there signature and they actually think that would cover them in some way and that is just hilarious.

Anyways my whole point was to get people to go back to the original information and quit repeating the exact same things over and over if anyone has more info of course everyone would benefit from it, but there is no benefit to repeated info or suggesting people go out and by bulbs they have to sign there name to. And there certainly is no benefit to this back and forth b/c you were somehow offended by me mentioning this, this is exactly why I stopped checking cannabis.com for so long, too many sensitive people who are sensitive to the wrong things, instead of being sensitive to people taking credit for info others have already contributed or the fact that someone is suggesting people go out and sign there name and sign waivers when purchasing growing equipment.

Good luck with your grows and next time you get so easily offended by someone who isn't even addressing you, smoke some of your product and relax before ruining a thread with back and forth claiming the person who started the thread and posted nearly all the info that was claimed by another as not contributing to there thread.

[frostymcfailure]

hey now guys dont clown this up now, keep it on track!:thumbsup:

How dangerous is this UVB & how many watts(?) for most efficient thc production when supplemented with HPS to reproduce the blazing suns of the equator? Landrace equatorial sativa's are quiet special no doubt(columbians, panamas, thai's, etc.) could it really be the UVB responsible for there behavior? Posters who've "preformed tests/experiments" what are your results on what strains & you better have a variable and efficient Hydro & c02 skillz.

[sd6515]

Unfortunately I can not comment much on strains b/c I first purchased a bag of indoor mix seeds and all the seeds I now grow with are from plants from that original bag I bought a few years back.

UV-B can be very dangerous to your health and it can be a silent danger b/c it is not as if you open the door and check out your plants and you feel it, you can hardly even tell it is on, but that is one of the dangers of it, UV-B can be used safely as long as it is set up so that you and the uv-b are never on in the room together, it is just something that is not worth the risks of how much is ok it is better to assume none is ok.

I have always used two of the reptile uv-b I use the 20w cfl 10% I believe it is, I purchased them from petco for like $15 a piece and I have them on for like 4-6hrs starting just before flowering and slowly increasing the time they are on so that I do not run the risk of frying the plants with too much uv. Research that I have found online, I found a great 25min video that I can not find anymore, does suggest that strains that would normally grow closer to the equator do tolerate the uv better and have a higher increase in trichs when compared to the same strain without uv-b. While I do think the uv helps those strains I don't believe this has as much to do with it as genetics as one would assume that even the better reaction to uv has to do with the genetics on the strain, however the genetics can also be affected by the region it is native to so it may also be a chicken or the egg type thing as well.

As to the hydro and co2 I always grow in soil, I just prefer it, and I have not ever used co2 in my grows and I have had great results with the uv-b and that is one of the reasons I like it so much. I actually started using uv-b before I completely mastered all of my techniques and I saw "better" bud from the first grow I used it on, which is one of the reason I really started to believe in the uvb.

Hope this helps answer your questions and thanks for getting the thread back on track.

[Dutch Pimp]

My Ceramic Metal Halide Bulb puts out enough UV rays to burn my knuckles on the back of my hand...and that's just from rotating the pots...couple of minutes each day...beware....:smokin:...wear your shades, too!

[the image reaper]

ditto on the safety concerns ... I'm pretty blind in my right eye now, happened suddenly, over only a few months ... I think it's just a cataract, which can be fixed, thank God, but I won't know till the eye doctor checks it out ... am curious if has anything to do with my lamps :wtf:

[oldmac]

Hey Dutch,

Recently while looking for a CMH bulb, one of the mfgs (don't remeber which site) was stating they had "new and improved" glass envelope that cut down the amount of radiated UV.

How is that an improvement?

[Dutch Pimp]

Hey Dutch,

Recently while looking for a CMH bulb, one of the mfgs (don't remeber which site) was stating they had "new and improved" glass envelope that cut down the amount of radiated UV.

How is that an improvement?

Everything that I know about CMH bulbs is in here...(and the ICMag link included)...you should be able to read it all...in two or three days...:D...
http://boards.cannabis.com/indoor-lighting/133316-ceramic-metal-halide-bulbs-hps-ballasts.html

[oldmac]

What makes you think I haven't already read it.....
....and it only took me a week. lol
Actually it was you that got me interested in them, you seem to have away about Pimpin' good stuff.

[Dutch Pimp]

I'm not looking to change anybody's mind...I just want them to see the light...:)

[sd6515]

Hey Dutch,

Recently while looking for a CMH bulb, one of the mfgs (don't remeber which site) was stating they had "new and improved" glass envelope that cut down the amount of radiated UV.

How is that an improvement?

Just b/c the uv might help cannabis it may not all plants, also safety is again a concern if you are in the room under that light while it is on, esp extended periods. If you add uvb separately you can turn it off and enter the room safely with your main lights on instead of during there dark cycle risking letting light in. So it is an improvement to not have your main source of light admitting as much uvb. Hope this helps

[oldmac]

That was sorta a rhetorical question.

I understand exactly why a mfg would be lookin' to make thier bulb safer, for the general idiotic public to use.

I had avoided this UVB bs for a long while, but as a user and believer in UV felt compelled to comment at some point. I had avoided it because while I know I hold no civil liability for an idiot's misuse, I felt a moral obligation not to get people involved in something that held a very real potential for harm, and might hurt them.

Check my posts here, I preach safety.

[gr8budz4me]

I came back to share a good thread I found on UV bulb experiments but Geezus what a tough crowd... fuck this... Thanks the few friendly growers who have something positive to say but to those who shoot a guy down for poking up his head... Wow. Smoke some more weed already.

No wonder I don't come 'round here no more... Excuse the fuck outta me for trying to help out.

Even the assholes out there can check this out though, it's an equal opportunity thread... I do hope it helps the few who really want to know more.... or excuse the fuck outta me for the omniscient ones. Sorry to waste your time.

hXXp://www.cannabis-world.org/cw/showthread.php?t=5072]10K Bulbs....are they good for anything? - Cannabis-World


Peace!:hippy:

[oldmac]

Yo' Gr8budz4me,

First if you are interested in 10k bulbs, there is a company making PSMH bulbs in various Kelvin tempertures. They are designed to work in digital and electronic ballasts. Thier recomendations for various temp bulbs for various stages, is interesting. Here's a link to them, Sun Pulse - Home (http://www.sunpulselamps.com).

Second, I had to look back thru the thread to see wtf you were talking about. Ok one guy (the old Rusty) gave you a hard time, but that was literally 2 months ago...let it go man. If you spent more time here lately you'd see a new Rusty who is trying harder to temper his responces to folks. While looking back further I saw I was pretty harsh to Dogznova, more then I needed to be. I too have been trying harder to be more "user friendly" with my posts. I figured out a few months back that part of the problem is we all have certain passions about how we do things, and there are so many growing styles with varied techniques that what works for one person might not be right for someone else. Toss into the mix controversial topics and well you can see what happens. We all need to try and work together, after all we all share one passion, growing mmj, and that should provide for a large tent.

Back to UVb, I have always been a proponent of it's use, tho for various reasons avoided the topic. Someone who's opinion I respect, Weezard, holds the opposite view that UVb does not add anything and is in fact harmfull to plants. We talked about it, back and forth, and I had to admit it was a long time since I did a good back to back comparison. So I decided to try a run without the UVb in my personal grow. I'm about 5 weeks now into a run of White Rhino and I am not using any UVb this time around to see the differences. And I'll let everyone know those results in another 3 weeks or so. But so far there is not much difference to report. The plants seem to be packing on the trichomes at about the same rate as before, just like you would expect any of the white strains to do. We'll see tho what the outcome is.

[Dogznova]

Hay oldmac.... Weezard is exactly correct.. BUT the problem is UV-B will produce more trichomes, but only because it's a defensive light. From my understanding the reason for her producing more trichomes (using a defensive light) is so the flowers can catch more pollen because she feels threatened. UV-B light actuly deteriorates THC production.... The truth will come out soon..

Your better off building trichomes with a different light that does not deteriorate THC production like UV-B will.

Old mac your on the right track by doing a good side by side comparison. :thumbsup:

[oldmac]

Hey Dog,

I have a feeling that my back to back experiment is going to probably lead to another dealing with this first aspect. I've started to think tric production is really a function of genes more then what light is used.

About 10 months ago I got some cuttings from someone who was using a mmj plant that seem to have a lot of the properties desired for cancer patients; good nausea control, stimulate appetite, and had good pain control properties, all without the heavy couch lock effect. He would not tell me what strain or crosses were used but because a patient I had seen moved to his area and was now using it I was interested. We nicknamed it "apricot" cause this fellow was into alternative medicine and was promoting the use of apricot seeds as part of his treatments. When I got the cuttings he told me that the tric production was low, hence THC was less then stuff I had been using, not to be concerned. All I thought was, let me grow this and we will see about that. Well even with UVb both as a supplement to HPS growing or when using the TI pro-blooms this stuff will not put trichomes onto the leaves they only form on the bud. This has been the first plant I've ever grown where the leaf trimmings were so deviod of trics we throw them out. Could not get any kief out of the trim, made me start to rethink, does UVb really add to tric production.

First we'll see what happens with this first experiment, then I'll see what needs to be compared next.