Here’s a little experiment I devised to add some life –hehehe- to the lighting debate.
I want to compare how a MH does in side-by-side tests compared with a HPS in the vegging stage. This is a scientific (yep, sure) and controlled (yeah, right) experiment and will no doubt be a benchmark for all future mj growers. Well, maybe not, but at least it will be fun…
Here’s the setup:
- the seedlings will all be treated in exactly the same way: watering, ferts, and light schedule (18/6). The only difference is the MH or HPS lamp. Each seedling has her own pot, and the potting soil is exactly the same (approx 75% soil and 25% perlite).
- the MH is a ‘regular’ 400 W Metalarc (Sylvania). The HPS is a Hortilux 400 W. I chose this lamp because it has the extra blue spectrum, just to see if it really comes close to the MH performance.
- the genetics of the experimental plants are very nearly identical, reducing the possibility of error. All the seeds are White Widow, from the same parents. I know this for sure, since they’re from my last grow.
- there are four plants under each lamp. all were germed at the same time, and all are just about the same size. At least right now.
- lamp height above the seedlings will be maintained equally. The reflectors are identical. Right now, the lamps are about 20 inches above the plants, and measured with a light meter, both sides are illuminated equally with about 4500 lu/ft. sq.
My plan is to record, on a weekly basis, 1) plant height, and, 2) number of leaves. From this data, we will be able to compare the foliage density and the growth rates. Then we should be able to settle the MH and HPS debate once and for all. hehehe. The experiment will continue until there is either a clear winner, or the plants get too big (or until I run out of bud from the last grow
).
Any comments or suggestions or ideas for improvements are welcome. I’d like to get some useful data from this experiment, and if you’ve got any ideas, I’d sure like to hear them.
And which bulb do YOU think will win? Correct guessers will win an all-expense paid vacation to...