So I think I went a bit crazy

12 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.

Comments (2)

franknjim
12 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
12 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.
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