Keep 18/6 or 12/12 cycle

I am new and would like some advice from those in the know. I have two auto flowers that are 5wks and 5days in. One is showing signs of flowers and other not yet(It was delayed from start). My question is. What is best light cycle 18/6 or 12/12 now(running on a 400w HPS). I have researched but never get a good answer. Do I trim off fan leaves? Whats your preference? Here is a picture. Excuse the light balance and the leaves look curly but the aren't damaged etc.
Thanks in advance334514921_974847600537523_1323509941632154129_n.jpg
 

Jjgrow420

Well-Known Member
Those are both in the beg stages of flower. Autos tend to keep growing as they flower at least for a little while. Looks like poor watering practice or heat issue could be causing the clawing and droopy look. Maybe too much nutes. Hard to say without info.
Autos tend to like a slightly lighter feed. I tend to run them 20/4 or 18/6. Usually 18/6
 

PadawanWarrior

Well-Known Member
Those are both in the beg stages of flower. Autos tend to keep growing as they flower at least for a little while. Looks like poor watering practice or heat issue could be causing the clawing and droopy look. Maybe too much nutes. Hard to say without info.
Autos tend to like a slightly lighter feed. I tend to run them 20/4 or 18/6. Usually 18/6
I agree. I was thinking watering, pH, or nutes. He should fix that ASAP if he wants decent buds.
 

Budzbuddha

Well-Known Member
A little overfeed as shown by new growth curl and shiny dark leaf.
Let her continue thru transition phase on “ veg “ nutes until after stretch ( then she will slow and concentrate on blooming ).

Then you can begin a bloom only feed .
 

PadawanWarrior

Well-Known Member
A little overfeed as shown by new growth curl and shiny dark leaf.
Let her continue thru transition phase on “ veg “ nutes until after stretch ( then she will slow and concentrate on blooming ).

Then you can begin a bloom only feed .
It looks like it's got more than enough nutes. You really think he should keep giving them more?
 

Oldreefer

Well-Known Member
12/12 is fine as long as dli/ppfd is in a reasonable spec. The law of 'diminishing returns' becomes apparent with increased lighting schedules. May fly in the face of those who run 18/6 or 24/0 for autoflowers but I for one, must weigh costs of energy to get a few more grams.
Having run 12/12 for autos for a couple of decades, I'm happy with my yeilds but even more happy with lower elec bills.
 

Nope_49595933949

Well-Known Member
12/12 is fine as long as dli/ppfd is in a reasonable spec. The law of 'diminishing returns' becomes apparent with increased lighting schedules. May fly in the face of those who run 18/6 or 24/0 for autoflowers but I for one, must weigh costs of energy to get a few more grams.
Having run 12/12 for autos for a couple of decades, I'm happy with my yeilds but even more happy with lower elec bills.
Why even bother with autos then? You can do the same with photos.
 

harris hawk

Well-Known Member
growing cycle of autos:
Vegation stage weeks 1-3
Flower stage weeks 4-12
light cycle: run autos at 18'6 or 20/4 till harvest
If you are going to "take" some leaves - just fan leaves (no sugsar leaves)
 
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