Fluoros to HPS. When?

[soulsmoker]

I just was given some plants, 6 of which all have sprouted. The biggest is about 2-3" and has great looking leaves already. I do not know what they are, but as of last night I jerry-rigged my closet to get me through the day so I can go get the proper supplies.. They are currently under 6, 32-34 watt fluoros, all have a blueish tint except one which is more reddish in color. I'm running them dam near 24 hrs right now, but when should I switch to run off my 250 watt HPS light I just hing in the closet? And about how big they need to be before switching to a 12/12 routine? Thanks so much..

 

[diablo_cannabis]

i'd let them veg for about 4 or 5 more weeks then switch to 12/12.

 

[Rockster]

I'd give them maybe 7-10 days under fluoro then fire up the hps as I personally get them under hps as soon as possible.

As to when to flip to 12/12 it'll depend on how big they are so it's size more than time dependent as different strains have different growth rates.

 

[soulsmoker]

When I do switch should I continue to run the HPS 24hrs, or more of a 18/6 or 20/4.. Does it matter? And should I keep my hps light as far away as possible from the plants cause of the heat? Or within a certain distance?

 

[BBFan]

Rockster- You don't recommend a longer veg under a higher kelvin spectrum? Straight to red after less than 2 weeks?

 

[soulsmoker]

BBFan - You suggest something different? How long should I keep them under fluoros before switching?

 

[Icex420]

I would run the flouros around the sides of the plants and hang the hps about a foot above..

 

[willowgrow]

you can start 12/12 whenever you would like really. when the plants reach around 12" in height or so is usually a good time. since you are in a closet and it seems you have limited space you shouldn't let them get to big; i agree with ice, that you should leave the flouros run along with the 250w hps in 12/12.

 

[BBFan]

Hey Soulsmoker- I use MH for veg and hps for flower. Many people here use floros- mostly cfl's for best results- and have great results. Hopefully some will give you some feedback- Metal Halide has a higher kelvin rating than HPS- typically over 4000k and up to 6500k. Most people prefer this range for the veg stage of growing- you can get cfl's in these higher ranges also. HPS on the other hand has a lower kelvin rating, typically below 3000k. Most people prefer this for flower.
As far as when to switch- that's really up to you and your priorities. If you have limited space or are in a hurry- you can switch pretty quickly- say 2 weeks after sprout and go straight to 12/12. You'll get bud- but your yield will be lower than if you veg for a longer period. You'll get it sooner and your plants won't be as big- something to consider if space is a concern.

I sprout under standard flouros for about 7 days at 24/7. There is some stretch on the seedlings, but I then transplant and plant to about 1" of the first leaves. I then switch to MH and an 18/6 schedule and keep them there for about 6 weeks which is usually when I will start to see preflowers. That is when I destroy the boys, transplant the girls, give them a few more days at 18/6 under the MH then switch to HPS and a 12/12 schedule. It works for me.
Good luck to you.