Flowering with a 250s HPS. Side lights are still 6500k t8s. Swap to 2500k?

IXOYE

Active Member
Howdy all-

Like the title says; I just switched my MH to HPS for flowering. But my side lighting is still the 6500k T8s (two at 48" long 38w each). I just haven't made it to the hardware store to buy new 2500k tubes for the fluros - but I am wondering if keeping the side lights 6500k will help or hurt.

Does side lighting matter as much during flowering? Perhaps I will remove the fixture all together and ad it to the veg cabinet I am planning to build.

via con Dios!
 

tomatogrowop

Active Member
it doesn't matter your HPS will outshine those worthless T8's, plus A bit of blue spectrum never hurt. The only reason for the red spectrum is to induce flowering. The plant actually grows more under blue. T8's are basically worthless besides in veg for a bit it really won't make much difference either way. If I were you I'd replace the T8's with some of the 100w equivalent CFL's the twiry looking kind you would do far better. I know some people will argue the T8's claim to produce more lumens but it's total bullshit if you test both with a light meter CFL's out perform T8's easy.
 

kingofqueen

Well-Known Member
Any extra lighting helps . You could experiment with half 6500 and 2500 to broaden your spectrum . Side lighting is great for shining under the canopy where your 250 doesn't penetrate . I use a 250 HPS also and actually "have " to supplement , I use CFLS on clamp on fixtures so that i can place light where I need it . I also found that 250 isnt great for tall plants . I started LST'ing mine to achive bush shaped plants that are shorter with multiple colas trained to be the same height for even light distribution where its most important .
 

IXOYE

Active Member
King - They sell some $25 LED stakes at my garden center for under lighting...I was considering grabbing a couple of those. In the meantime though I will pick up some 2700 bulbs. I go with the LST as well--I do it for space reasons but glad now hearing that the 250 isn't all about the taller plants.
 
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