deekjl

hey
I didnt know where to post this so u can move if need to


now the problem;

i have a 400w MH lamp and when i started my seedlings it was about 14-16 in away and they streched like u wouldnt beleive.
what causes streching? i thought with a light that big i could keep it up a little higher. the light is alittle old could that be a factor?I have a fan on them and the temp was steddy at 80F.could it be the humity level? im despret to stop the streching these are really good seeds and dont want to lose them.


THANKS deek

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trevorbstreets

stretching is caused by lack of light.
now i doubt that is your problem, unless of course the light is too far away. stick your hand directly above the plants, if it is comfortable there, then so are the plants. but if you can move it down and still feel comfortable, then do so. it will help prevent stretching.
an easy solution would be to get some compact fluorescent bulbs and put them one inch above the top of the plants but you already have a nice setup and don't really need to.
take it easy.
good luck.
trev.

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skizank

With a 400watt MH 14-16" away, I don't think the problem is the light being too far away. In fact, that even sounds WAY too close for seedlings. Newborn seedlings should be about 36" away from HID lights. I have a seedling that was about 22-24" away from a 400watt HPS, and the cotyledons got completely fried.
Yes. How old is the bulb? MH bulbs lose a great amount of lumens way before the bulb life is even close to being over. If the bulb is pretty old, try replacing it and put the light about 36" from your sprouts.

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halfpriceorless

what is your light cycle 24/24 16/24 or less?

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DB7

Your light could be too old and starting to burn out. Your lighting schedual is 24/0, I hope.
- Peace

lilmama

i have a 400w MH lamp and when i started my seedlings it was about 14-16 in away and they streched like u wouldnt beleive.
what causes streching? i thought with a light that big i could keep it up a little higher. the light is alittle old could that be a factor?
_____________________________________

I agree, sounds like your bulb needs replaced. Until you can do so, use a coupla flo's (4' dual shop lights are $4 at Walmart) and keep them 1-2" above the tops of the plant. If your temp at the tops of the plants are 80*, and it's ONLY 14-16" away, the bulb is shot.

Good luck, lil

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deekjl

thanks for the advice
im gonna go out tomorow to get some comp. flos
how many do u think ill need? i have 15 seedlings in 6oz dixis
and also ive been looking around at bulbs and i found a place that carries a SUNMASTER 400w MH. it says it has a red coating.
would that be better then say a blue MH(regular)?





thanks deekjl

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DB7

You should probably get the regular one. The blue spectrum is what you need for veg anyway.
-Peace