New to growing your own tomatoes? This is the forum to learn the successful techniques used by seasoned tomato growers. Questions are welcome, too.
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#1 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Somis, Ca
Posts: 649
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When I bought bulbs (florescent) for my shop light in the past ...I used both 6000k (standard) and 3000k bulbs (trying for "full spectrum"). The 3k light seems almost pink and less bright. I wonder if I might be better off using just 6000k bulbs???
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#2 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Abingdon, Va
Posts: 184
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The 6000 is probably 6500. I use and have heard the 6500s are the best that are readily available.
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#3 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Illinois, zone 6
Posts: 8,407
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I buy "cool white" spiral flourescents.
I don't think seedlings need full spectrum. Red light would be more for flowering and fruiting. |
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#4 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Somis, Ca
Posts: 649
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that makes sense....thanks
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#5 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Germany 49°26"N 07°36"E
Posts: 5,041
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Ed, I use 5500K power Twist full spectrum T12's and 6700K CFL's. As we are growing the seedlings under light for 4-6 weeks there is no need for the 3000K Warm Lights. Anything from 5000K and up should work fine.
Ami
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#6 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Somis, Ca
Posts: 649
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I need some...I only have "cool" left (3500 I think). thanks Ami
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#7 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Slovenia
Posts: 4
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Since I have a similar question i'll use this thread.
I grow my seedlings with 250w hps and fluorescent and 2 58w osram cool whites but i think 4000 K is to little Can i also use 58w osram sky white since i found the lights in my basement or should i buy some 6500 K? Any other suggestions? |
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#8 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Illinois, zone 6
Posts: 8,407
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HPS is supposed to be the wrong light for seedlings, because the light is red, but I have used them with good results. I did not get leggy plants at all.
I don't know the lumen count on each of your lights, but I would guess most of your lumens are from the HPS light. The flourescents would balance out your spectrum and add additional point sources, which is also beneficial. The lights you have are probably fine. |
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#9 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Slovenia
Posts: 4
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The lumen of cool whites and sky whites is the same-4800 each. Is 8000K better than 4500K for the seedlings. I know optimum should be around 6000K.
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#10 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: May 2012
Location: NW Indiana
Posts: 355
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I use grow lights what you want for the vegetative stage is blue light spectrum. This link will explain everything in detail. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grow_light
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#11 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Alberta, Canada
Posts: 645
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