what light to use

Wvuarmyeng · March 28, 2015

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

Cole_Robbie · March 28, 2015

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.

Wvuarmyeng · March 28, 2015

ok wasnt sure if the plant aquarium one would be better or just a daylight one

Cole_Robbie · March 28, 2015

Is the aquarium light also a flourescent? Is the only difference spectrum? Look at the lumens they each put out as well.

luigiwu · March 28, 2015

I use T8 Alto Daylight Deluxe (home Depot.) For wire-type restaurant shelving I have 4 fluorescent bulbs per shelf

LindyAdele · March 28, 2015

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!

ContainerTed · March 28, 2015

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.

FarmerShawn · March 29, 2015

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.

Wvuarmyeng · April 2, 2015

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

March 28, 2015	#1
Wvuarmyeng Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: connellsville, pa Posts: 22	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

March 28, 2015	#5
luigiwu Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: ny Posts: 1,219	I use T8 Alto Daylight Deluxe (home Depot.) For wire-type restaurant shelving I have 4 fluorescent bulbs per shelf __________________ Subirrigated Container gardening (RGGS) in NY, Zone 7!

March 28, 2015	#7
ContainerTed Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: 6a - NE Tennessee Posts: 4,538	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. __________________ Ted ________________________ Owner & Sole Operator Of The Muddy Bucket Farm and Tomato Ranch

March 29, 2015	#8
FarmerShawn Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Vermont Posts: 1,001	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. __________________ "Red meat is NOT bad for you. Now blue-green meat, THAT'S bad for you!" -- Tommy Smothers

March 28, 2015	#2
Cole_Robbie Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Illinois, zone 6 Posts: 8,407	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.

March 28, 2015	#6
LindyAdele Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Ontario Canada Posts: 323	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!

April 2, 2015	#9
Wvuarmyeng Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: connellsville, pa Posts: 22	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