Can I sprout seeds under my 400 watt MH?

[Coldpressed]

I'm curious because if I can, it would be wonderfully convenient for me. I have a bit of room to play with and can move the seeds as far as 7 feet away in order to diminish their exposure to the MH. My closet ranges in temperature from 78 to 80 degress with the MH running. Any thoughts would be appreciated. :)

[notanotherteensmoker]

The short answer: YES

The long, anectodal answer:
With my current crop (first time growing)...
On Jan 22 I soaked seeds overnight in small jars, then sowed them directly in soil in red plastic beer cups, about as deep as my fingernails. Soil was and still is an unmeasured blend of Supersoil, Perlite, worm castings, and a trace of charcoal chips. I placed them 2 feet under a 400W hps on an 18/6 cycle. All 8 of 8 sprouted, most within 3 days, and all within 7. My temps were very high at first, and not intended, ranging from 82 - 92F in a closet with sliding doors ajar (70+ degree January/February weather in CA compounded with bulb temperature). I poked serveral small holes along the bottom of ziplock bags and slipped them loosely over the cups to trap moisture. I spray-misted the soil to maintain constant moisture and removed the bags the first two round leaves unfolded. Off and running, I soon switched to a MH conversion bulb and over time as the plants grew and strenghthened, moved them up and down within 18" to 12". If the plants looked "stretchy" I moved them closer. If the leaves folded like tacos, I lowered them. Now on April 7th, I have 4 females with calyxes starting to swell. Until sexing, it was a constant battle between heat management and maximizing 400w light intensity. In other words, getting as close as possible to the bulb without burning the leaves...I could go on and on, and it looks like I already have.

So yes, sow WITHOUT FEAR under bright light, at least 400w anyway. Just baby them every step of the way.

Hope my experience can help you.

[ganjajoe]

Yes you can but starting seedlings with a 400 is not the best way....too hot for the little seedlings, youll have a constant battle trying to keep em from getting fryed...plus theyll stretch like crazy....your best bet is to start them under double 40 watt flourescent bulbs, (10 or 15 bucks at home depot) use the cool white bulbs....you can put them very close to the seedlings without fear of frying them this way, theyll stretch very little and grow strong (put a small fan gently blowing on them to strenghen their stems) you can use bricks or macaroni boxes at each end to raise the light every day or two....after three wks theyll be ready for the 400 full on....(make sure the room is at least 80 degrees to start them) hope this helped...

[Jdog7000]

You can sprout under 400 watts easy.
I poped a bunch of seeds with a 1000 watt MH once(I'll never do it again) I got way more males then ussual.