which light for germinating seeds

[pete811]

I have 2 600 watt lights for my extra saltwater tank that im not using. would this be to strong for germinating?

[Crispyfried]

Yeah probably.

[Swizzy89304]

I used a 600w HPS for Lowryder seedlings and theyre just fine and dandy under it.
Go easy on the mylar at first though until theyre a few weeks old - on one of my Lows I got a pretty bad heat burn on it, basically the whole leaf was white-yellow, so I had to chop it off.

[Stickyplant]

Someone on here germinated a seed in the dark. They explained that seeds hold their own energy, and can germinate in the dark.

[daima]

Someone on here germinated a seed in the dark. They explained that seeds hold their own energy, and can germinate in the dark.
you are right.:thumbsup:

dai*ma:stoned:

[mand]

Hello pete :), For germination you don't need light.
I find the best way is to use the damp paper towel method and place them in a dark, regular temperature place. Once they have sprouted leave them out the way after potting, untill they show their heads coming out of the compost,then give them light.


love mand xxx :)

[Zandor]

Someone on here germinated a seed in the dark. They explained that seeds hold their own energy, and can germinate in the dark.

True but........
Seedlings need to be kept vary warm. With out light they will soon die off. They need the light to produce chlorophyll and process the sugars they need to grow and live. It's the safest bet to have them under 24 hours of CFL or 40w cool white FL

[locomark]

Pete,

What they said. You can also drop them in a glass of water and place on the water heater. But what do I know?

Loco

[pete811]

thanx for the tip, the lights i have are blue actnic, i think they'll be to strong but ill replace w/ some 40w after they sprout.
how can you leave them in a glass of water?

[Zandor]

thanx for the tip, the lights i have are blue actnic, i think they'll be to strong but ill replace w/ some 40w after they sprout.
how can you leave them in a glass of water?

This is only for the first 24 hours to soften up the outer shell. After the first 24 hours you take them out of the water. They don't like light on seeds or the tap roots. fyi.