Quote Originally Posted by littlemountain
just started my first indoor grow- been doing it outside since 1972- got a lot to learn for-sure I have started my seeds , sprouting today- I have them under a 1k MH , I am able to maintain a 72 degree temp 24 inches from tops- should I be running a 20 on 4 off for now- or should I be doing a 16 on 8 off then switch to 20-4 after roots are established- googled this ? and got a bunch of different opinions on using MH at this stage, it is what I have for now HELP !:thumbsup:
Just pick a light schedule and stick to it. Otherwise you stress the plants and risk hermies. Opinions vary on what is best. Some people run 24/0 some 20/4, and some 18/6. 18/6 is what is most widely recommended.

I'm interested to hear from others the benefits of running the longer lights on schedules. Obviously the plants get more light but is there a sacrifice? The plants need lights out for certain processes, no? I have read that there is little benefit to running longer light schedules. I run 18/6 due to heat issues and electricity use.