UVB BULBS

[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
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

[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

[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...

[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: