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Old March 28, 2015   #1
Wvuarmyeng
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Default what light to use

first time starting stuff from seeds. i have some planted just waiting to sprout and while thats happens im trying to find a good cheap setup. i was looking at a 4' shop light that i can hang from 2x4s from a chain so its easy to adjust and it has a plug to add a timer. from what i have read is u want more to the cool side of the cpectrum (blues)

thanks
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Old March 28, 2015   #2
Cole_Robbie
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That should be fine. I don't think seedlings are that picky about spectrum.

The key with flouros is easy height adjustment, so you can keep them very close to the plants.
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Old March 28, 2015   #3
Wvuarmyeng
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ok wasnt sure if the plant aquarium one would be better or just a daylight one
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Old March 28, 2015   #4
Cole_Robbie
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Is the aquarium light also a flourescent? Is the only difference spectrum? Look at the lumens they each put out as well.
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Old March 28, 2015   #5
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I use T8 Alto Daylight Deluxe (home Depot.) For wire-type restaurant shelving I have 4 fluorescent bulbs per shelf
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Old March 28, 2015   #6
LindyAdele
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I have a set up with two shelves, each shelf has a fixed ballast . I inherited this set up, and it works okay. I have to raise the seedlings up to the fixed light on boxes, but it isn't much trouble. Anyway, tbe top ballast has two plant/ aquarium lights. The bottom has two brighter bluer flourescents. Despite the fact that the bottom looks far brighter to my eyes, my tomatoes LOVE the top shelf. I just use the $15 plant/aquarium lights. Tomatoes planted the same day, same variety gow faster, stronger and leafier on the top shelf.They are actually pinkish and warm in light. So I am hoping to replace my brighter ones before next season.

This is obly my experience...but tbat is just to say youe plants will be fie with those lights!
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Old March 28, 2015   #7
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I use 4 foot - T-12 fixtures with "Daylight" bulbs. It seems to make the hardening off process go a lot smoother. Not sure, but it seems to. The fixtures are on timers set at 16 on and 8 off.
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Old March 29, 2015   #8
FarmerShawn
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And I'm also using 4' T-12 fixtures. The number I look for on the bulbs is 6500, or the "coolest." Mine are set for 12 hours on and 12 off. Microgreens are fantastic, and pepper and tomato starts seem to love the setup.
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Old April 2, 2015   #9
Wvuarmyeng
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picked up a cheap shop light with two t8 6500 lights. seeds just started sprouting yesterday. noticed some white stringy mold growing on my plant name sticks. took them out guess i need to get some plastic ones hopefully the light helps
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