How soon is too soon for MH?

[Dr. Manny Bowles]

Hello,

I've got some sprouts about ready to pop up and I have some questions about the lighting I need when they do.
I've got some CFL's and a 400w MH. I figured I would start them off with the flourescents and then move to the MH as it seems a bit intense for the little ones.
Am I being too cautious?
Should I start them right away with the MH, just at a good distance?
Any help, as always, is greatly appreciated:farm:

[lyfr]

cuatious is good...when i move my clones under the 400 i put the the light as far as i can get it(about40in) and lower it a couple inches a day till i get it where i want it.make sure you keep a close eye on plants during this. i dont do seeds so ill let someone else advise on how soon

[Dr. Manny Bowles]

thanks

[smokybear]

I would place them under the 400 but at a good distance away and lower daily as lyfr suggested. That will harden your plants up to the more intense light. Just my thoughts. Take care and be safe.

[snuggles]

I think these guys have it right. I start my clones and seeds under floro then move to the HID but I have done just the HID and everything is fine. However for rooting clones they do not like real intense light right away, only when they root should you put them under real intense light.

[Dr. Manny Bowles]

Awesome, thanks for the info. Gonna start them on the MH asap!

[bombbudpuffa]

I start everything right under my mh but it is a 175w.

[Dr. Manny Bowles]

I start everything right under my mh but it is a 175w.

How close?

[smokybear]

With a 400 watt, I would start at like 24 inches or so from the tops and lower the light bit by bit each day until you reach your desired height. I think around 12-15 inches is the norm for a 400. Just my thoughts. Take care and be safe.

[Dr. Manny Bowles]

Ok, sounds good. Mmm I can't wait to see them take off:hubba:

[bombbudpuffa]

How close?With the 175w I put it about 8-12 inches. Not too sure about a 400w. I have to say that the fluoros can't compare with the MH as far as growth and no stretching is concerned.

[Dr. Manny Bowles]

I have to say that the fluoros can't compare with the MH as far as growth and no stretching is concerned.

Do CFL's or fluoros in general cause stretching?
My biggest seedling is about 3 inches tall, only a couple days old and the stem looks thicker at the top than at the bottom. I've just been rockin the CFL's so far, tomorrow I'm hooking up the vent and MH.

[bombbudpuffa]

Do CFL's or fluoros in general cause stretching? No. I've had many successful grows with cfl. You'll notice what I mean when you hook the mh up though.

[Dr. Manny Bowles]

Ok thanks. I will post pics soon

[smokybear]

We cant wait to see. Keep us posted. Take care and be safe.