Viewing post #1007375 by DavidLMO

Mayo62 said:
I'm thinking of making a shelf inside, so I'll have twice the floorspace x 3' high or is that not a good idea?

Great idea. Otherwise you will waste a LOT of space. I would put in a multi tier shelf. Of course lighting will be an issue.

Mayo62 said:

- how many armatures (with 2 lamps in it) will I need per floorspace of 3.6' x 3.6' ?

I am not familiar with that light - as I suggested above, I would put some shelving in there - the 6 ' of vertical space is a waste. My hunch is 2 will be needed.

Mayo62 said:
I'm not sure how much heat the lamps will produce.. nor how cold the garage will get this Winter...
- what is the optimum temperature for my seedlings inside my tent?

I shoot for 62 - 72 F in my grow area in general. Tropical seeds at the upper level. You have no idea how cold it will get in there?

Mayo62 said:
I can insulate the outside of the tent if needed and will insulate the floor.
Or, if it might get too warm I can place a fan and open up the tent zipper

Sounds good.

Mayo62 said:
- Are heating mats a must? Or is that only usefull for germinating seeds?

Heat mats help to germinate seeds and I usually keep them on til plant has 2 sets of true leaves. For tropical seeds they are pretty much a must. They are mostly used for germintion. For Tropicals I leave then on for much longer.

Mayo62 said:
- Will leaving the lamps on 24/7 be benefical or do plants really need their off-time?

Leaving them on 24 hrs would be disbeneficial. How many hours of sunlight do you have in summer?

I usually run mine 12 on/12 off. Sometimes a bit more. Hardly ever less. Some people run them far more. It is a matter of personal preference.

Mayo62 said:
- Will I need to water and feed the seedlings as if it is Summer and they are in the ground, or do they need less?

You do not feed until they are 3 inches or more tall. Never feed seeds. You will need to water less than outside and not over do it. Over watering kills more than under watering. It can also lead to damping off.

Mayo62 said:Are there things I have forgotten?

Yes.