UV Lights

[brownies]

Hey folks!

 

Did a quick search but didn't come up with much, just the odd mention of them.

 

But... What's the deal with UV lights? As a kid the whole 'growing marijuana/hydro' thing revolved around images in my head of big warehouses filled with smelly plants, confusing machines and Ultra Violet lights everywhere. As I grew older and came across websites such as this I realised it's not the case - however the odd movie does show UV lights being used. Is it a myth? Do they work? Are they effective? Anyone used 'em?

 

 

 

 

Just curious. Cheers,

 

Brownies.

[nici]

The only thing I can think of is it makes the trichs glisten without being too overwhelming to the eyes on film. That said there is some indication that UVB (or is it UVA??) spectrum increases resin production as a sort of 'sunscreen'.

[brownies]

Hmmm... must investigate. I got two little sprouts sitting under a CFL and I realised I had a UV bulb sitting around. It's only 20w but wasn't sure if it was okay for them - figured if no one is using them, then they might be harmful but might throw it in and see what happens.

 

Cheers for the input nici

 

 

Brownies.

[merl1n]

Ultra violet light is only one part of the light spectrum

White Light contains all visual colours of light and it contains both UV (Ultra violet) and IR (Infra red)

Plants need a range of the light spectrum that includes both UV and IR. If you feed a plant only one part of the spectrum the plant misses out.

 

 

http://science.hq.nasa.gov/kids/imagers/ems/visible.gif

 

Now the purple lights you remember are more likely to be an LED setup where both blue and red LED's are used and thus the purple glow. I remember seeing warehouses full of such setups and I believe that was from Amsterdam but it was a long time ago.

 

Merl1n

[brownies]

Ultra violet light is only one part of the light spectrum

White Light contains all visual colours of light and it contains both UV (Ultra violet) and IR (Infra red)

Plants need a range of the light spectrum that includes both UV and IR. If you feed a plant only one part of the spectrum the plant misses out.

 

 

http://science.hq.nasa.gov/kids/imagers/ems/visible.gif

 

Now the purple lights you remember are more likely to be an LED setup where both blue and red LED's are used and thus the purple glow. I remember seeing warehouses full of such setups and I believe that was from Amsterdam but it was a long time ago.

 

Merl1n

 

Hey merl1n cheers for the help... seeing as you know my current position (with the little guys and the CFL), do you reckon it would be of any benefit just to chuck in the extra UV globe with my CFL? Would adding the UV to the spectrum help out at all?

 

 

Cheers, Brownies.

[Syb3 rm3nt41_%20]

UV-B is the ultra-violet spectrum utilised as supplemental lighting in canna cultivation ......

[Vape]

http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/biology/ligabs.html

hey Brownies,

 

i hope this link helps clear up a few of your questions..cheers and good luck..

 

i dont recommend using a uv 'black light'

 

Vapper..

[merl1n]

At the moment think of your plant as a baby. You wouldnt expose a baby to intense heat or light their skin is too delicate and UV light does more damage.

Personally I would stay with your cfl, get your baby to grow gently, nuture it a bit. Once its established (a teenager) you can do your experimentation from there.

If/ when you get your HPS I still wouldn't be adding extra UV. If you get a Son-T HPS the full spectrum of light you need will come from that light source and adding more UV may do more harm than good.

Those "black lights" are great for aquiriums and reptiles but I wouldn't be adding it to your system. Your plant needs a balance of light, by adding extra of one part of the spectrum will throw the balance out.

The Son-t has this balance. My advice, Don't fuck with it. Others may disagree, lets see what they have to say. But as a noob you want to start slow.

 

Merl1n

[brownies]

UV-B is the ultra-violet spectrum utilised as supplemental lighting in canna cultivation ......

 

Cheers Indo

 

http://hyperphysics....ogy/ligabs.html

hey Brownies,

 

i hope this link helps clear up a few of your questions..cheers and good luck..

 

i dont recommend using a uv 'black light'

 

Vapper..

 

Thanks Vape - that info looks mighty helpful. Not gonna read it now, my brain is wrecked from uni and need a joint but will definitely give it a look!

 

At the moment think of your plant as a baby. You wouldnt expose a baby to intense heat or light their skin is too delicate and UV light does more damage.

Personally I would stay with your cfl, get your baby to grow gently, nuture it a bit. Once its established (a teenager) you can do your experimentation from there.

If/ when you get your HPS I still wouldn't be adding extra UV. If you get a Son-T HPS the full spectrum of light you need will come from that light source and adding more UV may do more harm than good.

Those "black lights" are great for aquiriums and reptiles but I wouldn't be adding it to your system. Your plant needs a balance of light, by adding extra of one part of the spectrum will throw the balance out.

The Son-t has this balance. My advice, Don't fuck with it. Others may disagree, lets see what they have to say. But as a noob you want to start slow.

 

Merl1n

 

Cheers merl1n! I'll take your word for it and just leave them with the CFL - don't want to hurt the babies!

 

Appreciate the info and advice gents! Makes a huge difference to a noob, knowing I've got obviously experienced blokes like yourself to help me out.

 

 

 

Cheers, Brownies.