Hey all, another noob grower (well technically not even a grower yet, doing my pre-grow research..lol) I am planning on getting a 600w hps with dimmable ballast, which can be run @ 1/2 power, so I am wondering if I can't start them right off from seedling under that. The proposed plan is to germinate using the paper towel method, then into 1" rockwool cubes surrounded by hydroton in 6" net pots in 5gal rumpleforeskin style bubble buckets. Can I start them right off (probably 4 plants) under the 300w, and if so how far from the top of the bucket (I'll be using an air cooled hood) should I start off at? Thanks!
I put my seedlings under my 400w from day one. I just don't put the light down as close as I do for normal growing. several feet up. i lower it bit by bit over the next few days. they are now 5 days old and i have the light down to vegging postion, about 8inches above them.