Lighting

I do 20 hours for seedlings and then going to 18 when bigger happy growing

I’m on week 14 of my first grow and have been on 18/6 the entire time for a zkittlez auto. I bought a 4 pack of Govee dual smart plugs. Fairly cheap and you can set timers for each right from the app! 18/6 has been working great for me and this strain! I just go to other diaries and see what they did and how their plants grew throughout the process. Love it! Good luck!

Yes, the lights will help keep the soil warm, which will speed up germination, but once they sprout go to 18/6, the optimum lighting schedule. Cannabis NEEDS sleep to complete its photosynthesis cycle and have a properly functioning metabolism. 24/0 could only be recommended by people who dont't understand photosynthesis or how plants fuction, or perhaps both principles. Remove the "humidity domes/covers" too, cannabis does not need artificially high humidity, it is not a rain forest plant. Besides, the seed needs access to good air exchange for successful germination, something covers prevent. Also, once they sprout, covers and high humidity will favour fungal growth/attacks which can be fatal to seedlings. You also run the risk of overheating the plants and cooking them. High temps and high humidity and with stale air can promote stretching and weak stems and is also a perfect environment for disease too. The only time extra (high) humidity is needed is when cuttings are taken and while waiting for roots to develop, otherwise atmospheric humidity is just fine. Also, also, those cups are way too small for proper root development, black plastic pots about 4 inches across and 5 inches deep are ideal for the first 2 weeks of growth, before transplanting into their final pots. Those cups are really only adequate for 2-3 ays growth, after this the roots will start getting cramped, limiting growth. I am constantly astounded by people on this forum who want to grow the biggest plants possible, then start the seeds in thimbles half filled with soil! Transplanting 2-3 day old seedlings is a risky operation, hence the 4 x 5 inch pots, which if looked after will last for years, reducing garbage to land fill too! Anyway, wait until they start emerging then change to 18/6 and transplant once they are on the third set of leaves and everything should be alright. And remove those covers asap too, they have been thriving for Millenia without them! Hope this helps, Organoman.

I would do 24 7. I taught me buddy some tricks his first grow was an auto. He didn't have a timer so he just left his light on the whole time. He had like 3.5 oz .. test it ;) ice arena. Fee videos I would watch and proved cannabis did best without any sleep or rest just light on 24 7 . If its a smaller auto I would def try 24 7 light. But remember your light may not last for the long run doing so . Good luck growmie

Hey buddy the secret to autos is itleast 20 hr veg and j have seenepic super results by 24 7 light never turned off. I've personally did 20 hr veg them put them outside or stayed 20 hrs vegging and seen like a qp a plant or more. The more light the better with an auto for everything . Depending on the genetics and size. If its XXL auto il top it and tie down both tops once they grow !! Best of luck hope that helps

@Tubington9 for the win!

I’m just going to add since you have so many responses, that if those are auto flowers I would get them in the final pots asap. Transplanting autos cause be tricky, they have a hard time with the shock.

I keep 24hr of light until they sprout. Then 18/6 til harvest

18/6 is what I do all through the grow, It works and is simple. I want to try 24/0 or 20/4 for the first few weeks or so to see if it helps plants bulk up, then move down to 18/6. This test wont be for a while so cant help yea that info. If your really tight on hydro you can go below 18 but not a lot of people do. I've read about a person who put their autos on 12/12, not a good idea, low yields. they where very tight on hydro usage. Good Luck!

I prefer 24 hour light if you dont have issues with heat. When the lights are on the plants are growing. The more hours of light they get, the faster they will grow.

18/6 the whole way. Some like 20/4 but studies have shown no difference between the tow, so save the electricity Good luck with your grows

I'm not sure for the ak-47 I've never run it personally I run 20 hours on 4 hours off as the for second part of your question I would keep the lights on until I see the first leaves and then turn on the timer to run whatever light schedule you choose. Good luck on your grow and hope for big buds!

18 hours light 6 hours dark is perfect. 24 can be done but the plants can use a dark period. Some people here say the plant doesn’t care but it actually does care. So just sit back and watch em grow my friend. 🤙