Indoor Best LED spectrum for vegging Autos?

[918AutoGrower]

@918AutoGrower

Related question: since I’ve got that 600w HLG light running full bore in the flower tent, would I be almost as good just putting my Auto seedlings in there almost from the get-go? Or, would a less (1/3) powerful light in 4000k that’s running 20/4 be better? I have no idea how that trade off works. More light for less time or less light for more time on autos?

So you don’t have a separate tent for veg? I grow my autos in my 5 x 5 veg tent. One reason autos grow so quickly is because they are able to switch to flower and stay there while also benefitting from 18-20 hours of light per day compared to photoperiod plants which can only receive up to 12 hours of light per day. Growing your autos in a flowering tent with a light cycle of 12 on, 12 off will give you smaller autos overall. Don’t get me wrong-I have grown autos under a 12 on, 12 off light cycle because I didn’t always have a separate veg tent. If you can’t setup a separate tent for veg and put them in there, they will still do fine....they just may not get as large as their genetics would easily allow them to do if they were receiving more continuous light.

I hope this helps you make the best decison.



“Tyranny anywhere is a threat to freedom everywhere.” — someone awesome

 

[918AutoGrower]

This is my 5 x 5 veg tent. I think they make awesome veg tents. Plenty of room to move plants around when you need to get hands-on with each plant.

I grow my autos in the back right corner under a single QB-96.

“Tyranny anywhere is a threat to freedom everywhere.” — someone awesome

 

[918AutoGrower]

Actually, HLG told me they don’t need heatsinks or ANY thermal interface or active cooling system.
I didn’t mean that these new boards, the version 2, are somehow different and suddenly now not needing heatsinks. I’m only waiting on the V2 because of the improved efficacy. These particular boards did not need heatsinks in the V1 either. Here’s a link to them on the HLG website (in the 3000k, which is not what I’m looking for) for you to check out: https://horticulturelightinggroup.com/products/qb120-quantum-board

I know a couple guys that built veg lights with the V1 and really liked them - very cheap to build and very effective. HLG recommended waiting for the V2 to drop.

I may not have mentioned that I am flowering in a 3 x 3 with 4x QB-132 boards in 3500k. These have the V1 diodes but now I’m considering picking up 4 more but with the V2 diodes (on the QB-132s).

I LOVE my QB-132 boards. They are kicking ass in my flower room.



“Tyranny anywhere is a threat to freedom everywhere.” — someone awesome

 

[DTOM420]

I may not have mentioned that I am flowering in a 3 x 3 with 4x QB-132 boards in 3500k. These have the V1 diodes but now I’m considering picking up 4 more but with the V2 diodes (on the QB-132s).

I LOVE my QB-132 boards. They are kicking ass in my flower room.



“Tyranny anywhere is a threat to freedom everywhere.” — someone awesome

You didn’t mention flowering with them, specifically, but I kinda figured you were from the way you were talking. I just noticed that the QB120’s are back in stock in 400k for $119 for a 4 pack!!
https://horticulturelightinggroup.c...ts/qb120-quantum-board?variant=14318973616177


Oh boy oh boy!

After talking with you, I wish they had the 3500k boards. With those I could always use them in a 3x3 flower tent in a pinch and they ought to be just fine for a good veg light. I’m going to go ask one of those lighting gurus and see what they think about going that route. I love being able to have options and if I can have the best of both worlds....why the heck not? If they think it’s a good idea I may wait on them. But heck, at $119 I could buy BOTH 4000k AND 3000k and swap them out when I want to flip!

 

[Sour D]

I think 4k or higher for veg. 6500 would be badass!

I don't know why we don't see more 6500. In photography 6500 is supposed to be the closest to daylight.
I had florescent in the bus and come winter I'd always get a bit down feeling. Changed em all out to 6500 led and now no problem.