skip to main content

Growing under Lights

So I think I went a bit crazy

14 years ago

So I have been using a single T5 HO light to start seedlings but this time around I wanted to start some more so in fear of having the seedlings "reach" for the light I decided to buy a new setup. While pricing things out I decided to get an 8 bulb T-5 setup (it was only a bit more than the 4 or 6 bulb). So I received it, and its... well... huge! So I've been using it but its generating quite a bit of heat. I have a fan on it so its keeping the temps down but I think I over did it. Now my question is, is there some kind of a system I can install to keep it cooled down or should I just start switching off some of the bulbs?

My seedling mix has been drying up really fast... but the seedlings under the light are really enjoying it and are growing like crazy, its just hard to keep the temp down and the mix moist!

Thanks,

Jon

p.s. This may be a x-post from the seedling forum.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (2)

franknjim
14 years ago
I would take out half of the lamps. I bought a $600.00 seedling cart with T5's and it only uses two 4' lamps per shelf. An eight lamp fixture would be more for permanent growing of plants or corals.

If it has multiple cords you can use multiple timers to simulate dawn, mid day and dusk. That way all of the lamps are on for only part of the day.
dba1954
14 years ago
I use 3 - 8 bulb T5HO 54W 6400k fixures and had the same drying issue. I also purchased a lux meter and it is reading some 26,000 lux at the plant level in the middle and 17,000 on the ends at plant level. This is after raising to 1 ft from the plants to avoid dring. What I am saying is that with 8 T5HO 54W 6400K bulbs don't listen to people saying to put the lights 1-2 inches from the plants, it will totally dry them out too quickly and is not needed, especially for seedlings.
Related Professionals
Albany Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Morgan City Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Lynchburg Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Augusta Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Beatrice Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Seattle Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Covington Landscape Contractors · San Luis Obispo Landscape Contractors · Valdosta Tile and Stone Contractors · St. Louis Tile and Stone Contractors · Petersburg Tile and Stone Contractors · Flint Tile and Stone Contractors · Rochester Tile and Stone Contractors · Kingman Tile and Stone Contractors · Cody Tile and Stone Contractors

Related Stories

PETS So You're Thinking About Getting a Dog

By Alison Hodgson

Prepare yourself for the realities of training, cost and the impact that lovable pooch might have on your house

COLOR Every Room Needs a Little Bit of Black

By Becky Dietrich, Interior Designer

‘I’ve been 40 years discovering that the queen of all colors was black.’ — Pierre-Auguste Renoir

GARDENING GUIDES New Ways to Think About All That Mulch in the Garden

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Before you go making a mountain out of a mulch hill, learn the facts about what your plants and soil really want

FUN HOUZZ Everything I Need to Know About Decorating I Learned from Downton Abbey

Mind your manors with these 10 decorating tips from the PBS series, returning on January 5

Ideabook 911: I Need Help Staging for Resale

By Becky Harris

SMALL KITCHENS 10 Things You Didn't Think Would Fit in a Small Kitchen

By Becky Harris

Don't assume you have to do without those windows, that island, a home office space, your prized collections or an eat-in nook

MODERN ARCHITECTURE Building on a Budget? Think ‘Unfitted’

Prefab buildings and commercial fittings help cut the cost of housing and give you a space that’s more flexible

BATHROOM WORKBOOK Standard Dimensions and Measurements for a Primary Bath

By Steven Corley Randel, Architect

Create a luxe bathroom that functions well with these key fixture dimensions and layout tips

DECORATING GUIDES Mosaic Tile Designs That’ll Thrill You to Bits

By Karen Egly-Thompson

Whether you go for simple stones or imaginative expressions, a mosaic can turn any surface into a work of art

WINTER GARDENING 6 Reasons I’m Not Looking Forward to Spring

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Not kicking up your heels anticipating rushes of spring color and garden catalogs? You’re not alone

Sponsored

Hope Restoration & General Contracting

35 Reviews

Columbus Design-Build, Kitchen & Bath Remodeling, Historic Renovations