Need advice... seedlings are bending

[JohnWaynebud]

I am growing chocolope:

100% germination rate in peat pucks after 24 hours. 2 days later seedlings were 2-3 inches above soil, so I transplanted them to a tray under a T5 fluorescent lighting system about 16 inches away. Over the next 2 days they grew very well, but then they started to bend. I put a fan on them (day 4 post transplant, and lowered the light to 12 inches above. Most are still bending, and so I tried lowering the light to aboit 8 inches above.

I had soil temps around 86 degrees for 36 hours, but have since gotten the temp back to the desired 76-78 with some improved ventilation.

Any suggestions? Books suggest the lights should be 16 inches above the plants right now, is that accurate?

Please help!

[bonedaddy420]

get your light closer, 16 inches is for HID lights, your babies have stretched badly. Like 1-5 inches for flourescent lights man...

[Dutch Pimp]

1. maybe? you can add more soil to the pot?... to prop them up?

2. you should be using 5000-6500k fluorescent bulbs

3. I use T-12 bulbs, 6500k within 1-2 inches the first 3 weeks of vegging...(high output T-5's might need to be a little further away?)..never used them

[JohnWaynebud]

I'll try putting them closer to the light and adding some more soil.

[disrupt86]

u should also use something to support them other than soil.i find that twisty ties work rather well,u can get them from the produce section for free.it helps a lot.:)