Girls Gone Wild - Cannabis Flowering with Supplemental Red Lighting

[MiGrampa]

Hey everyone! I’m kicking off a flowering diary where I’m testing some new techniques and experimenting with supplemental red lighting in my cannabis grow. I’ll be documenting the entire journey, from the start of flowering through to harvest, and sharing my observations and results along the way.

Setup Overview:​

I’m growing in a 5' x 5' grow tent with a Nanolux 640-watt full-spectrum LED grow light, which I’m currently running at 320 watts of full-spectrum white light. The goal is to gradually increase the intensity as the plants enter heavy flowering, eventually running the light at 530 watts towards the later stages. To further enhance my setup, I’ve added two sets of AC Infinity Ion Beam lights at the soil level, primarily for the flowering phase. These will stay on throughout the grow, providing additional light coverage.

Strains:​

• Gorilla Roadkill by Skunk Works
• Dante’s Inferno by Greenpoint Seeds
• LemonGrass by Humboldt Seed Company

Growing Medium:​

I’m using FoxFarm Ocean Forest soil with a 10% perlite addition for extra drainage, which seems to be working great for healthy root growth. I'm also following an aggressive feeding schedule using General Hydroponics Flora Series nutrients, sticking to their feeding chart. I’ve been using 1 teaspoon of Epsom salts per gallon but will be switching to General Hydroponics Cal-Mag around week 2.5 of the flowering cycle.

Lighting Experiment:​

The real star of the show here is my lighting experiment. I’m incorporating supplemental red lighting into my grow. Here’s the new light cycle setup:

• Main Light (440nm Blue): 110 watts of 440nm blue light are running on a 12/12 light cycle along with the main Nanolux LED light.
• 660nm Red Lights: 110 watts of 660nm red lights are on a 12-hour and 16-minute light schedule, coming on 8 minutes before the main lights and turning off 8 minutes after they go off.
• 730nm Far Red Lights: 60 watts of 730nm far red lights come on 20 minutes before the light cycle starts and turn off 30 minutes after the main lights go off, providing a total of 12 hours and 50 minutes of far red exposure.

This setup is designed to test how different spectrums and timings of red light affect plant morphology and flowering. After 7 days of running the experiment, I’ve already started seeing early signs of flowering, and the plants appear to be stretching less than in previous grows where only red lights were used.



This picture was taken on 2/26/2025, just a few days before changing to the flower cycle.



This picture was taken today 3/08/2025.



Here's a close-up shot showing the main stem tied down with a pipe-cleaner to promote vertical growth.

Defoliation and Lollipopping:​

During the flowering phase, I plan to perform mild defoliation and lollipopping to ensure that energy is focused on the buds and not excessive foliage. I’ll be monitoring the plants closely to assess when defoliation is necessary, and I’ll be doing so cautiously to avoid stressing the plants too much.

Temperature, VPD, and Growth Environment:​

I’m currently running a VPD of 1.1kPa and plan to gradually increase this to 1.4kPa during the later flowering stages to encourage optimal transpiration and nutrient uptake. I’m using an AC Infinity UIS system to regulate temperature and humidity, with an AC Infinity 8" fan and carbon filter setup to maintain airflow and prevent any odor buildup.

Current Observations:​

• Health: The plants are looking great so far! No signs of uncorrected deficiencies, and stretch has been well-contained by tying down the main stems.
• Stretching: The supplemental blue and red light experiment seems to be keeping stretching under control, which is exciting. In my previous grow, where I only had red lights, I noticed much more vertical growth.
• Light Cycle Experiment: I’ve been running the 440nm blue lights alongside the Nanolux for 12 hours, and the 660nm and 730nm red lights on their own modified schedules. I'm looking forward to seeing how the combination of these wavelengths impacts the overall growth and bud development.

That's it for now! I’m excited to see how this experiment progresses and will update you all with any changes, successes, or setbacks. If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to drop them below. Let’s see where this journey takes us!

 

[steamroller]

This will be very cool to follow.
I'm in.
You had me at Girls Gone Wild to be honest~!

 

[MiGrampa]

This will be very cool to follow.
I'm in.
You had me at Girls Gone Wild to be honest~!

This should be fun. The lighting and timing is a bit different. I had a chat with Claude AI and this what we came up with.

 

[SiamSam]

Hey everyone! I’m kicking off a flowering diary where I’m testing some new techniques and experimenting with supplemental red lighting in my cannabis grow. I’ll be documenting the entire journey, from the start of flowering through to harvest, and sharing my observations and results along the way.

Setup Overview:​

I’m growing in a 5' x 5' grow tent with a Nanolux 640-watt full-spectrum LED grow light, which I’m currently running at 320 watts of full-spectrum white light. The goal is to gradually increase the intensity as the plants enter heavy flowering, eventually running the light at 530 watts towards the later stages. To further enhance my setup, I’ve added two sets of AC Infinity Ion Beam lights at the soil level, primarily for the flowering phase. These will stay on throughout the grow, providing additional light coverage.

Strains:​

• Gorilla Roadkill by Skunk Works
• Dante’s Inferno by Greenpoint Seeds
• LemonGrass by Humboldt Seed Company

Growing Medium:​

I’m using FoxFarm Ocean Forest soil with a 10% perlite addition for extra drainage, which seems to be working great for healthy root growth. I'm also following an aggressive feeding schedule using General Hydroponics Flora Series nutrients, sticking to their feeding chart. I’ve been using 1 teaspoon of Epsom salts per gallon but will be switching to General Hydroponics Cal-Mag around week 2.5 of the flowering cycle.

Lighting Experiment:​

The real star of the show here is my lighting experiment. I’m incorporating supplemental red lighting into my grow. Here’s the new light cycle setup:

• Main Light (440nm Blue): 110 watts of 440nm blue light are running on a 12/12 light cycle along with the main Nanolux LED light.
• 660nm Red Lights: 110 watts of 660nm red lights are on a 12-hour and 16-minute light schedule, coming on 8 minutes before the main lights and turning off 8 minutes after they go off.
• 730nm Far Red Lights: 60 watts of 730nm far red lights come on 20 minutes before the light cycle starts and turn off 30 minutes after the main lights go off, providing a total of 12 hours and 50 minutes of far red exposure.

This setup is designed to test how different spectrums and timings of red light affect plant morphology and flowering. After 7 days of running the experiment, I’ve already started seeing early signs of flowering, and the plants appear to be stretching less than in previous grows where only red lights were used.

View attachment 92435

This picture was taken on 2/26/2025, just a few days before changing to the flower cycle.

View attachment 92436

This picture was taken today 3/08/2025.

View attachment 92437

Here's a close-up shot showing the main stem tied down with a pipe-cleaner to promote vertical growth.

Defoliation and Lollipopping:​

During the flowering phase, I plan to perform mild defoliation and lollipopping to ensure that energy is focused on the buds and not excessive foliage. I’ll be monitoring the plants closely to assess when defoliation is necessary, and I’ll be doing so cautiously to avoid stressing the plants too much.

Temperature, VPD, and Growth Environment:​

I’m currently running a VPD of 1.1kPa and plan to gradually increase this to 1.4kPa during the later flowering stages to encourage optimal transpiration and nutrient uptake. I’m using an AC Infinity UIS system to regulate temperature and humidity, with an AC Infinity 8" fan and carbon filter setup to maintain airflow and prevent any odor buildup.

Current Observations:​

• Health: The plants are looking great so far! No signs of uncorrected deficiencies, and stretch has been well-contained by tying down the main stems.
• Stretching: The supplemental blue and red light experiment seems to be keeping stretching under control, which is exciting. In my previous grow, where I only had red lights, I noticed much more vertical growth.
• Light Cycle Experiment: I’ve been running the 440nm blue lights alongside the Nanolux for 12 hours, and the 660nm and 730nm red lights on their own modified schedules. I'm looking forward to seeing how the combination of these wavelengths impacts the overall growth and bud development.

That's it for now! I’m excited to see how this experiment progresses and will update you all with any changes, successes, or setbacks. If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to drop them below. Let’s see where this journey takes us!

Not sure if we've ever sèen such a complete grow description. One Drop from the old place used Budbuddies red supplement lights. He was a chicken farmer and made cigar box guitars. Great minds.....right here on Budbuilders.

 

[Zen_seeker]

Hey everyone! I’m kicking off a flowering diary where I’m testing some new techniques and experimenting with supplemental red lighting in my cannabis grow. I’ll be documenting the entire journey, from the start of flowering through to harvest, and sharing my observations and results along the way.

Setup Overview:​

I’m growing in a 5' x 5' grow tent with a Nanolux 640-watt full-spectrum LED grow light, which I’m currently running at 320 watts of full-spectrum white light. The goal is to gradually increase the intensity as the plants enter heavy flowering, eventually running the light at 530 watts towards the later stages. To further enhance my setup, I’ve added two sets of AC Infinity Ion Beam lights at the soil level, primarily for the flowering phase. These will stay on throughout the grow, providing additional light coverage.

Strains:​

• Gorilla Roadkill by Skunk Works
• Dante’s Inferno by Greenpoint Seeds
• LemonGrass by Humboldt Seed Company

Growing Medium:​

I’m using FoxFarm Ocean Forest soil with a 10% perlite addition for extra drainage, which seems to be working great for healthy root growth. I'm also following an aggressive feeding schedule using General Hydroponics Flora Series nutrients, sticking to their feeding chart. I’ve been using 1 teaspoon of Epsom salts per gallon but will be switching to General Hydroponics Cal-Mag around week 2.5 of the flowering cycle.

Lighting Experiment:​

The real star of the show here is my lighting experiment. I’m incorporating supplemental red lighting into my grow. Here’s the new light cycle setup:

• Main Light (440nm Blue): 110 watts of 440nm blue light are running on a 12/12 light cycle along with the main Nanolux LED light.
• 660nm Red Lights: 110 watts of 660nm red lights are on a 12-hour and 16-minute light schedule, coming on 8 minutes before the main lights and turning off 8 minutes after they go off.
• 730nm Far Red Lights: 60 watts of 730nm far red lights come on 20 minutes before the light cycle starts and turn off 30 minutes after the main lights go off, providing a total of 12 hours and 50 minutes of far red exposure.

This setup is designed to test how different spectrums and timings of red light affect plant morphology and flowering. After 7 days of running the experiment, I’ve already started seeing early signs of flowering, and the plants appear to be stretching less than in previous grows where only red lights were used.

View attachment 92435

This picture was taken on 2/26/2025, just a few days before changing to the flower cycle.

View attachment 92436

This picture was taken today 3/08/2025.

View attachment 92437

Here's a close-up shot showing the main stem tied down with a pipe-cleaner to promote vertical growth.

Defoliation and Lollipopping:​

During the flowering phase, I plan to perform mild defoliation and lollipopping to ensure that energy is focused on the buds and not excessive foliage. I’ll be monitoring the plants closely to assess when defoliation is necessary, and I’ll be doing so cautiously to avoid stressing the plants too much.

Temperature, VPD, and Growth Environment:​

I’m currently running a VPD of 1.1kPa and plan to gradually increase this to 1.4kPa during the later flowering stages to encourage optimal transpiration and nutrient uptake. I’m using an AC Infinity UIS system to regulate temperature and humidity, with an AC Infinity 8" fan and carbon filter setup to maintain airflow and prevent any odor buildup.

Current Observations:​

• Health: The plants are looking great so far! No signs of uncorrected deficiencies, and stretch has been well-contained by tying down the main stems.
• Stretching: The supplemental blue and red light experiment seems to be keeping stretching under control, which is exciting. In my previous grow, where I only had red lights, I noticed much more vertical growth.
• Light Cycle Experiment: I’ve been running the 440nm blue lights alongside the Nanolux for 12 hours, and the 660nm and 730nm red lights on their own modified schedules. I'm looking forward to seeing how the combination of these wavelengths impacts the overall growth and bud development.

That's it for now! I’m excited to see how this experiment progresses and will update you all with any changes, successes, or setbacks. If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to drop them below. Let’s see where this journey takes us!

Nice write up.

I keep a real journal I write in but my online one I tend to leave a lot out. Nice to see the work behind the photos.

 

[MiGrampa]

I lied

My light is at 315W now and not 320W, and I plan to boost it to 420W by Wednesday 3/12/25. This gradual wattage increase is ideal, as it gives the plants time to acclimate to the higher intensity instead of a sudden jump, which can be stressful.


Since the light is currently positioned at 24 inches above the canopy, I’ll be raising it slightly as the wattage increases to 420W. This adjustment helps to create the perfect scenario for the plants, as they enter the flowering stretch phase:

• Gradually increasing light intensity while the plants stretch
• Raising the light slightly to maintain a safe buffer of intensity
• Allowing the plants to "grow into" the increased light during their early flowering stretch

This approach minimizes stress and maximizes the plants' photosynthetic potential. As they naturally stretch and grow taller during the first few weeks of flowering, they will naturally move closer to the light. This results in a natural increase in PPFD, which matches their increasing light needs and prevents light stress.

 

[moe.red]

Nice gramp. I’m with steam couldn’t resist the click with that title.

I have an apogee quantum sensor with far red( normal par sensor with a switch to also give you the far red only ppfd) if you want to borrow it. I trust it will be in good hands!

 

[MiGrampa]

Nice gramp. I’m with steam couldn’t resist the click with that title.

I have an apogee quantum sensor with far red( normal par sensor with a switch to also give you the far red only ppfd) if you want to borrow it. I trust it will be in good hands!

I have a quantum light meter. I haven't had it out yet for this grow. I don't think mine has the far red sensor though. Mine is not an Apogee though. For now I am good. If I do use extreme amounts of red in future grows, I might reconsider. Apogees are supposed to be the cream of the crop when it comes to light meters

 

[Driver77]

Are you running the MH bars or SF's??
I run all the supplements too.....ir, blue, uva, and red. Pretty close to what your doing except I use the blue for veg only...I use the uva(365-370nm) to counter the red stretch. The uva also helps with terps and potency....I think it helps bud density also but no scientific proof. The uv also helps with mold and pathogens.
It's a game of balance with all the spectrums to shoot for the proper ratios of each....although the worst effect I've noticed was all the plants pointing at the supplement bars instead of straight up or excessive stretch if the reds get carried away. I do think the supplements get a little more out of the plants genetic potential when dialed in.
I've found that different cultivars react differently.....if something sativa gets the red treatment they shoot for the stars and hard to keep in check with the uva. My current grow is a great example.
Following

 

[Driver77]

I have a quantum light meter. I haven't had it out yet for this grow. I don't think mine has the far red sensor though. Mine is not an Apogee though. For now I am good. If I do use extreme amounts of red in future grows, I might reconsider. Apogees are supposed to be the cream of the crop when it comes to light meters

I have the old style of this one that doesn't have the ir and uv capabilities and it works fine. I'm thinking of upgrading to this one to better dial things in.

https://www.amazon.com/VBR-300-UVAFAR-Photon-Meter-365-400nm-730nm/dp/B0CG5LF4L1?ref_=ast_sto_dp

 

[MiGrampa]

Are you running the MH bars or SF's??
I run all the supplements too.....ir, blue, uva, and red. Pretty close to what your doing except I use the blue for veg only...I use the uva(365-370nm) to counter the red stretch. The uva also helps with terps and potency....I think it helps bud density also but no scientific proof. The uv also helps with mold and pathogens.
It's a game of balance with all the spectrums to shoot for the proper ratios of each....although the worst effect I've noticed was all the plants pointing at the supplement bars instead of straight up or excessive stretch if the reds get carried away. I do think the supplements get a little more out of the plants genetic potential when dialed in.
I've found that different cultivars react differently.....if something sativa gets the red treatment they shoot for the stars and hard to keep in check with the uva. My current grow is a great example.
Following

I don't have UVA or UVB supplements in there for this grow. I have the lights but I will probably wait and experiment with those on a future run. This run is more about the changes in plant morphology under the influence of crazy amounts of red light.

The 440 nm blues and the 660 nm reds are from the Mars Hydro line-up. The 730 nm reds are from SpiderFarmer as Mars was out of the higher wattage 730 nm bars when I placed the order. The blues are still being used to help control the stretch. I also tied down the mainstems to promote lateral shoot development and to help keep the canopy even.

 

[Max]

Not sure if we've ever sèen such a complete grow description. One Drop from the old place used Budbuddies red supplement lights. He was a chicken farmer and made cigar box guitars. Great minds.....right here on Budbuilders.

OD doesn’t live all that far from me .b good to get him over here.he was another site I was on with him but I can’t for the life of me remember what it was called..i think he got busted when he was at other place..

 

[Max]

I like letting the plants grow to the light through stretch..you hit the nail on the head with your answer Gramps.makes a lot of sense.

 

[MiGrampa]

OD doesn’t live all that far from me .b good to get him over here.he was another site I was on with him but I can’t for the life of me remember what it was called..i think he got busted when he was at other place..

I remember One Drop "OD" ... yes, if you can find him, bring him on over here! He would fit well in this group.

I've found that different cultivars react differently.....if something sativa gets the red treatment they shoot for the stars and hard to keep in check with the uva. My current grow is a great example.
Following

My cultivars are all indica leaning. Of the group, the LemonGrass is showing the most "sativa" tendencies. It wants to be a bit more leggy with its shoots. Since we're on the topic of "BLUES." I asked Claude AI (artificial intelligence bot) what it had to say.

Effects of 440 nm Blue Light on Plant Morphology​

Blue light at approximately 440 nm has profound effects on plant morphology and development. This specific wavelength falls in the high-energy portion of the visible spectrum and triggers several key photoreceptor proteins in plants:

Primary Morphological Effects​

1. Phototropism​

• 440 nm blue light activates phototropin photoreceptors (primarily phototropin 1)
• These receptors trigger asymmetric distribution of auxin in stems and leaves
• Results in directional growth toward the blue light source
• Creates curvature in stems as cells on the shaded side elongate more rapidly

2. Stem Development​

• Inhibits stem elongation, creating shorter, more compact plants
• Increases stem diameter and mechanical strength
• Promotes branch development and lateral growth
• Decreases internodal spacing, creating more nodes per plant height

3. Leaf Development​

• Stimulates expansion of leaf surface area
• Increases leaf thickness and density
• Enhances development of palisade mesophyll cells
• Triggers higher chlorophyll synthesis, especially chlorophyll b
• Promotes stomatal opening and development

Cellular/Biochemical Mechanisms​

Blue light at 440 nm is primarily detected by:

1. Cryptochromes(CRY1 and CRY2): These flavoproteins respond strongly to blue wavelengths and regulate:
   • De-etiolation (greening response)
   • Photoperiodic flowering
   • Circadian rhythm entrainment
   • Gene expression related to photomorphogenesis
2. Phototropins(PHOT1 and PHOT2): These photoreceptors with LOV (Light, Oxygen, Voltage) domains control:
   • Phototropic responses
   • Chloroplast movement
   • Stomatal opening
   • Rapid inhibition of hypocotyl elongation

Practical Applications​

The 440 nm wavelength is particularly effective for:

• Preventing leggy growth in seedlings
• Promoting compact, bushy growth habits
• Enhancing leaf development in leafy greens
• Increasing nutritional density in many crops
• Controlling flowering in photoperiod-sensitive plants

When used in horticultural lighting, 440 nm blue light is often combined with red wavelengths (660 nm) to optimize photosynthesis while maintaining desired morphological characteristics.


Here's what was said about UVA:

How does UVA effect plant morphology in cannabis
Edit

Effects of UVA Light on Cannabis Morphology​

UVA radiation (315-400 nm) produces specific morphological and biochemical changes in cannabis plants that differ somewhat from its effects on other plant species. These responses represent both stress adaptations and potential quality-enhancing changes:

Primary Morphological Effects on Cannabis​

1. Growth Patterns​

• Moderately reduces vertical growth, creating more compact plants
• Decreases internode spacing, especially in late vegetative/early flowering stages
• Increases lateral branching when applied during vegetative growth
• May cause slight reduction in overall biomass at higher intensities

2. Leaf Development​

• Induces smaller but thicker leaf formation with UVA exposure
• Increases trichome density on leaf surfaces, particularly on sugar leaves
• Triggers mild leaf curling or cupping as a protective response
• Enhances development of epidermal waxes and cuticle thickness

3. Flowering & Reproductive Structures​

• Significantly increases trichome production on floral structures
• Improves trichome head development and size
• May slightly decrease flower size but increase density
• Can accelerate flowering response time in some cultivars

Biochemical Responses & Secondary Metabolites​

UVA exposure in cannabis triggers production of:

1. Cannabinoids:
   • Moderate increases in total cannabinoid content
   • Enhancement of THC production in some chemotypes
   • Potential modification of cannabinoid ratios, often favoring THC
   • Earlier onset of cannabinoid synthesis
2. Terpenes:
   • Increased terpene concentration, particularly monoterpenes
   • Enhanced production of myrcene, limonene, and pinene
   • Modified terpene profiles with more complex compositions
   • Improved development of aromatic components
3. Protective Compounds:
   • Elevated flavonoid production (anthocyanins, quercetin)
   • Increased phenolic compounds for UV screening
   • Enhanced production of antioxidant compounds

Cultivation Applications​

Cannabis growers use UVA supplementation for:

• Increasing trichome density and resin production
• Enhancing cannabinoid and terpene profiles
• Reducing vertical stretch during early flowering
• Creating more stress-resistant plants
• Potentially increasing pest and pathogen resistance

The optimal UVA exposure appears to be moderate intensity during late vegetative and flowering phases, with gradual introduction to prevent excessive stress responses. Many cultivators introduce UVA supplementation during the final 2-4 weeks of flowering to maximize secondary metabolite production without significantly impacting yield.

UVB -

Effects of UVB Light on Cannabis Morphology​

UVB radiation (280-315 nm) exerts more intense and distinct effects on cannabis morphology compared to UVA, triggering significant stress responses and protective adaptations. Cannabis has evolved specific UVB responses due to its origins in high-altitude regions with naturally elevated UV exposure:

Primary Morphological Effects​

1. Growth Patterns​

• More pronounced inhibition of vertical growth than UVA
• Creates significantly shorter internodal spacing
• Reduces overall plant height by 10-25% with sustained exposure
• Produces notably more compact and dense canopy structure
• May decrease total biomass production at higher intensities

2. Leaf Development​

• Dramatically increases leaf thickness and density
• Causes pronounced leaf cupping/curling as protective response
• Significantly reduces individual leaf size
• May induce visible stress symptoms like slight yellowing at leaf margins
• Promotes development of a waxy, reflective leaf surface

3. Trichome Development​

• Triggers dramatic increases in trichome density (up to 50% higher than controls)
• Stimulates development of larger trichome heads with more glandular content
• Enhances trichome production on sugar leaves and smaller fan leaves
• Creates more mature, amber-headed trichomes earlier in flowering

Biochemical Responses​

UVB exposure in cannabis produces stronger metabolic responses than UVA:

1. Cannabinoid Production:
   • Substantial increases in THC production (15-30% in many studies)
   • More significant impact on THCV levels in strains with this capability
   • Enhanced conversion of THCA to THC
   • Potential increases in CBD in high-CBD cultivars
   • Overall shift toward higher total cannabinoid content
2. Terpene Profile:
   • More pronounced terpene production than with UVA
   • Significant increases in sesquiterpenes (caryophyllene, humulene)
   • Elevation of specific monoterpenes (limonene, pinene)
   • Development of more complex and intense aromatic profiles
   • Generally higher total terpene content
3. UV-Protective Compounds:
   • Dramatic increases in flavonoids and anthocyanins
   • Enhanced production of specific UV-screening phenolic compounds
   • Higher levels of antioxidants throughout plant tissues

Practical Applications​

UVB supplementation in cannabis cultivation is typically used for:

• Maximum enhancement of cannabinoid production
• Controlling plant height without chemical regulators
• Developing more complex terpene profiles
• Increasing overall potency metrics
• Enhancing plant resilience to environmental stressors

Most commercial growers introduce UVB gradually, beginning at low intensity during late vegetative growth and increasing during flowering, with peak exposure during the final 2-3 weeks before harvest. Careful management is necessary as excessive UVB can cause tissue damage, diminished yield, and plant stress beyond the beneficial range


UVC in low doses can be effective in germicidal/fungicidal applications. Otherwise, its harm can outweigh its benefits and is typically not used in cannabis cultivation.

 

[Driver77]

This Claude AI guy seems like a pretty smart dude. This is a great breakdown!
I got my blue bars too late for veg in this grow but I got another round just starting to play with them in! The problem is I see it work in one tent and then feel like I have to buy it for allll the tents!....and alll the colors!

 

[MiGrampa]

@Driver77

Meet Claude AI https://claude.ai/download

You could also use ChatGPT, Gemini, to mention a few ... there's others out there too. These are online artificial intelligence bots.

 

[spartacusve]

I am looking forward to see the results! You convinced me to add the led strips and the far red. The set-up looks very good and the ladies are gorgeous!

 

[MiGrampa]

Update time

I have 9 ladies in red. Today I will share a few pictures and I will share excerpts from my chat with Claude AI regarding the 660 nm red, the 730 nm red, and how they work with the 440 nm blues. But first, take a moment to enjoy ... If you want to honor each one of these ladies, you'll have to listen to the song 9 times lol.

 

[MiGrampa]

lets talk about 660 nm far red light in detail as it relates to cannabis

The 660 nm wavelength falls within the far-red spectrum of light, which is at the edge of human visibility. This specific wavelength has several important effects on cannabis plants:

Photomorphogenic Effects​

660 nm light activates phytochrome, a photoreceptor protein that regulates many aspects of plant development. When cannabis plants receive 660 nm light, it triggers:

1. Stem elongation - Plants may stretch more, which can be either beneficial or detrimental depending on your cultivation goals
2. Reduced time to flowering - Can accelerate the transition from vegetative to flowering stage
3. Changed leaf morphology - Affects the size and thickness of leaves

Photosynthetic Contributions​

While 660 nm light isn't the most efficient wavelength for photosynthesis compared to blue (450 nm) or red (630-660 nm) light, it still contributes to the process. Cannabis can use this wavelength to power photosynthesis, though with somewhat reduced efficiency compared to other red wavelengths.

Flowering and Yield Effects​

660 nm light is particularly valuable during the flowering stage because:

• It can increase flower density and potentially boost trichome production
• It may enhance secondary metabolite production, including cannabinoids and terpenes
• When used in the final weeks of flowering, it can help increase overall yield

Practical Applications​

In cannabis cultivation, 660 nm light is often incorporated in:

• LED grow lights as part of a broader spectrum
• As supplemental lighting during specific growth phases
• In end-of-day lighting treatments (15-30 minutes of far-red light after the main lighting period)

The Emerson Effect​

When 660 nm light is combined with other wavelengths (particularly in the blue spectrum), it can trigger the Emerson Effect, which enhances photosynthetic efficiency beyond what would be achieved by either wavelength alone.

 

[MiGrampa]

What happens when you add 440 nm blue light to the 660 nm reds

When you combine 440 nm blue light with 660 nm red light for cannabis cultivation, you create a powerful synergistic effect that offers several significant benefits:

The Emerson Enhancement Effect​

This combination triggers what's known as the Emerson Enhancement Effect (or simply the Emerson Effect), where the photosynthetic rate exceeds what would be achieved by either wavelength alone. This happens because:

• 440 nm blue light primarily excites Photosystem II
• 660 nm red light primarily excites Photosystem I
• When both photosystems are activated simultaneously, electron transport becomes more efficient

Improved Photosynthetic Efficiency​

The blue-red combination optimizes photosynthesis because:

• Blue light (440 nm) drives stomatal opening, increasing CO₂ uptake
• Red light (660 nm) is efficiently absorbed by chlorophyll
• Together they provide energy to both photosystems, creating a more balanced photosynthetic process

Morphological Effects​

This combination influences plant structure in beneficial ways:

• Blue light helps control stretching and promotes compact growth
• Red light encourages elongation and flowering
• Together they create a balanced growth pattern with appropriate internodal spacing

Cannabinoid and Terpene Production​

The blue-red combination can enhance secondary metabolite production:

• Blue light tends to increase trichome density
• Red light supports flowering and resin production
• Together they can potentially boost both THC/CBD levels and terpene profiles

Practical Applications​

In cannabis cultivation, this combination is implemented through:

• Full-spectrum LED grow lights with pronounced blue and red peaks
• Adjustable spectrum lights that can modify blue:red ratios for different growth stages
• Using blue-dominant lighting during vegetative growth and adding more far-red during flowering

This combination approximates key portions of the natural sunlight spectrum that cannabis has evolved to utilize most efficiently. Many commercial cannabis growers use lighting systems that emphasize these wavelengths while also incorporating other spectral components for complete plant development.

 

[MiGrampa]

What happens when you add 730 nm red to the 660 nm and 440 nm light

Adding 730 nm far-red light to a spectrum already containing 660 nm red and 440 nm blue creates a more complete light environment with several important effects on cannabis:

Phytochrome Conversion and Flowering​

The 730 nm wavelength significantly impacts the phytochrome system:

• It converts the active form of phytochrome (Pfr) back to the inactive form (Pr)
• This conversion signals to the plant that night is approaching
• For photoperiod cannabis strains, this can accelerate flowering responses

Enhanced Canopy Penetration​

730 nm light penetrates deeper into the canopy than other wavelengths:

• Improves light distribution to lower leaves and flowering sites
• Reduces shadowing effects in dense canopies
• Can result in more uniform development throughout the plant

The "End-of-Day" Effect​

A brief exposure to 730 nm light at the end of the light cycle:

• Can shorten the time to flowering by 5-10 days for many cannabis varieties
• May increase flower density in the lower canopy
• Often results in more uniform bud development

Shade Avoidance Response​

730 nm triggers certain shade avoidance responses:

• Cannabis plants may allocate more resources to vertical growth
• Can increase internode length (potentially undesirable in some growing setups)
• May cause rapid vertical stretching during early flowering transition

Improved Photosynthetic Efficiency​

When combined with 660 nm and 440 nm:

• Creates a broader activation of photosystems
• Enhances the already powerful Emerson Effect
• Extends photosynthetically active radiation into the far-red range

Practical Implementation​

Commercial growers typically implement this three-wavelength approach by:

• Using LED fixtures with dedicated diodes for each wavelength
• Applying higher ratios of 730 nm during flowering stages
• Creating "light recipes" with different intensities of each wavelength for specific growth phases

This combination more closely approximates natural sunlight's red/far-red ratio, which cannabis has evolved with, potentially resulting in more natural growth patterns and secondary metabolite production.

 

[Observer]

Hey everyone! I’m kicking off a flowering diary where I’m testing some new techniques and experimenting with supplemental red lighting in my cannabis grow. I’ll be documenting the entire journey, from the start of flowering through to harvest, and sharing my observations and results along the way.

Setup Overview:​

I’m growing in a 5' x 5' grow tent with a Nanolux 640-watt full-spectrum LED grow light, which I’m currently running at 320 watts of full-spectrum white light. The goal is to gradually increase the intensity as the plants enter heavy flowering, eventually running the light at 530 watts towards the later stages. To further enhance my setup, I’ve added two sets of AC Infinity Ion Beam lights at the soil level, primarily for the flowering phase. These will stay on throughout the grow, providing additional light coverage.

Strains:​

• Gorilla Roadkill by Skunk Works
• Dante’s Inferno by Greenpoint Seeds
• LemonGrass by Humboldt Seed Company

Growing Medium:​

I’m using FoxFarm Ocean Forest soil with a 10% perlite addition for extra drainage, which seems to be working great for healthy root growth. I'm also following an aggressive feeding schedule using General Hydroponics Flora Series nutrients, sticking to their feeding chart. I’ve been using 1 teaspoon of Epsom salts per gallon but will be switching to General Hydroponics Cal-Mag around week 2.5 of the flowering cycle.

Lighting Experiment:​

The real star of the show here is my lighting experiment. I’m incorporating supplemental red lighting into my grow. Here’s the new light cycle setup:

• Main Light (440nm Blue): 110 watts of 440nm blue light are running on a 12/12 light cycle along with the main Nanolux LED light.
• 660nm Red Lights: 110 watts of 660nm red lights are on a 12-hour and 16-minute light schedule, coming on 8 minutes before the main lights and turning off 8 minutes after they go off.
• 730nm Far Red Lights: 60 watts of 730nm far red lights come on 20 minutes before the light cycle starts and turn off 30 minutes after the main lights go off, providing a total of 12 hours and 50 minutes of far red exposure.

This setup is designed to test how different spectrums and timings of red light affect plant morphology and flowering. After 7 days of running the experiment, I’ve already started seeing early signs of flowering, and the plants appear to be stretching less than in previous grows where only red lights were used.

View attachment 92435

This picture was taken on 2/26/2025, just a few days before changing to the flower cycle.

View attachment 92436

This picture was taken today 3/08/2025.

View attachment 92437

Here's a close-up shot showing the main stem tied down with a pipe-cleaner to promote vertical growth.

Defoliation and Lollipopping:​

During the flowering phase, I plan to perform mild defoliation and lollipopping to ensure that energy is focused on the buds and not excessive foliage. I’ll be monitoring the plants closely to assess when defoliation is necessary, and I’ll be doing so cautiously to avoid stressing the plants too much.

Temperature, VPD, and Growth Environment:​

I’m currently running a VPD of 1.1kPa and plan to gradually increase this to 1.4kPa during the later flowering stages to encourage optimal transpiration and nutrient uptake. I’m using an AC Infinity UIS system to regulate temperature and humidity, with an AC Infinity 8" fan and carbon filter setup to maintain airflow and prevent any odor buildup.

Current Observations:​

• Health: The plants are looking great so far! No signs of uncorrected deficiencies, and stretch has been well-contained by tying down the main stems.
• Stretching: The supplemental blue and red light experiment seems to be keeping stretching under control, which is exciting. In my previous grow, where I only had red lights, I noticed much more vertical growth.
• Light Cycle Experiment: I’ve been running the 440nm blue lights alongside the Nanolux for 12 hours, and the 660nm and 730nm red lights on their own modified schedules. I'm looking forward to seeing how the combination of these wavelengths impacts the overall growth and bud development.

That's it for now! I’m excited to see how this experiment progresses and will update you all with any changes, successes, or setbacks. If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to drop them below. Let’s see where this journey takes us!

what is the spectrum of the Nanolux LED light you are using?

 

[MiGrampa]

My main light is a 630 watt nanolux LED grow light. How does that fit in the mix? I'm currently running the light at 420 watts

The 630W Nanolux LED grow light fits well into your lighting strategy, especially when considering the specific wavelengths we've been discussing.


Nanolux LED grow lights typically provide a broad spectrum that includes the key wavelengths we've discussed:

• Blue spectrum (including the 440nm we discussed)
• Red spectrum (including 660nm)
• Some models include far-red (730nm) components

Running it at 420W (about 67% of maximum capacity) is a common approach that balances energy efficiency with light output. Here's how this fits with our wavelength discussion:

Spectrum Coverage​

Your Nanolux likely provides a fairly complete spectrum with emphasis on the photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) range. The specific spectrum depends on which Nanolux model you have, but most of their commercial cannabis grow lights emphasize:

• Blue wavelengths for vegetative growth and compact structure
• Red wavelengths for flowering and cannabinoid production
• Potentially some far-red to enhance flowering responses

Supplementation Possibilities​

If you're interested in optimizing the specific wavelengths we discussed:

• You could consider adding supplemental far-red (730nm) lighting, especially for end-of-day treatment if your model doesn't emphasize this wavelength
• During different growth stages, you might adjust your light's intensity or height to modify the light recipe

Power Considerations​

Running at 420W rather than full 630W:

• Reduces energy consumption and heat output
• May be perfectly adequate depending on your grow space size and plant count
• Gives you headroom to increase intensity during critical flowering periods

Light Distribution​

The Nanolux design likely provides good light distribution, but it's worth considering:

• The footprint size at your current hanging height
• Whether light is reaching lower canopy sites effectively
• If any supplemental lighting might be beneficial for corners or edges

Without knowing your specific grow parameters (space size, plant count, growth stage), it's difficult to say if 420W is optimal, but it's generally a reasonable operating point that allows for adjustment in either direction as needed.

 

[Observer]

@Driver77

Meet Claude AI https://claude.ai/download

You could also use ChatGPT, Gemini, to mention a few ... there's others out there too. These are online artificial intelligence bots.

they are getting pretty good.

 

[MiGrampa]

what is the spectrum of the Nanolux LED light you are using?

It's a discontinued foldable LED grow light with Osram diodes. It has some 660 nm diodes built right into it. I got it very cheap and I love it!

 

[MiGrampa]

Ok, let me fill you in on all the details. The tent is a 5' x 5' ac infinity grow tent. My nanolux is running at 420 watts and is about 30" above the canopy. I also have 110 watts of 660 nm red, 110 watts of 440 nm blue, 60 watts of 730 nm far red and 2 sets of AC infinity Ionbeam 16" supplemental side lighting at soil level. That gives you a pretty good breakdown of the lighting.

My timing controls:

Today is day 11 since I changed to 12/12 on the main lighting. The 440 blues and the ionbeam sidelighting are on the same timer with the 630 watt nanolux. When we approach peak flower, I will run the main light at 525 watts. The 660 nm reds are on a 12 hr and 16 minute timer. They come on 8 minutes before the main light comes on and stays on 8 minutes after it goes off. The 730 nm reds come on 20 minutes before the main light comes on, stays on during the 12 hr main light cycle and then shuts off a half hr after the main light shuts off. It's on a total of 12 hrs and 50 minutes

 

[Observer]

Sweet.

 

[MiGrampa]

Here we have all 9 of these lovely ladies.



A close up of the mainstem showing my LST results. Looks pretty good huh?



A few photos showing the beginning of flowering. The first is LemonGrass



Dante's Inferno



Gorilla Roadkill



I expect by the weekend the plants will be actively entering their flowering phase. Right now they are still transitioning.

 

[Observer]

DO NOT use Far Red for flowering weed

There is some evidence that adding some far red to the grow light spectrum will increase yield very slightly. However the corresponding reduction in cannabinoids and terpenes means a much lower quality of harvest in terms of potency and aroma.

migrolight.com

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0098847224004179?via%3Dihub

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/375696812_The_morphology_inflorescence_yield_and_secondary_metabolite_accumulation_in_hemp_type_Cannabis_sativa_can_be_influenced_by_the_RFR_ratio_or_the_amount_of_short_wavelength_radiation_in_a_spectrum

11 days ago


interesting with all this R:FR talk

;p

just some more data to add, pehaps.


hmmm

 

[Pipecarver]

I remember One Drop "OD" ... yes, if you can find him, bring him on over here! He would fit well in this group.


My cultivars are all indica leaning. Of the group, the LemonGrass is showing the most "sativa" tendencies. It wants to be a bit more leggy with its shoots. Since we're on the topic of "BLUES." I asked Claude AI (artificial intelligence bot) what it had to say.

Effects of 440 nm Blue Light on Plant Morphology​

Blue light at approximately 440 nm has profound effects on plant morphology and development. This specific wavelength falls in the high-energy portion of the visible spectrum and triggers several key photoreceptor proteins in plants:

Primary Morphological Effects​

1. Phototropism​

• 440 nm blue light activates phototropin photoreceptors (primarily phototropin 1)
• These receptors trigger asymmetric distribution of auxin in stems and leaves
• Results in directional growth toward the blue light source
• Creates curvature in stems as cells on the shaded side elongate more rapidly

2. Stem Development​

• Inhibits stem elongation, creating shorter, more compact plants
• Increases stem diameter and mechanical strength
• Promotes branch development and lateral growth
• Decreases internodal spacing, creating more nodes per plant height

3. Leaf Development​

• Stimulates expansion of leaf surface area
• Increases leaf thickness and density
• Enhances development of palisade mesophyll cells
• Triggers higher chlorophyll synthesis, especially chlorophyll b
• Promotes stomatal opening and development

Cellular/Biochemical Mechanisms​

Blue light at 440 nm is primarily detected by:

1. Cryptochromes(CRY1 and CRY2): These flavoproteins respond strongly to blue wavelengths and regulate:
   • De-etiolation (greening response)
   • Photoperiodic flowering
   • Circadian rhythm entrainment
   • Gene expression related to photomorphogenesis
2. Phototropins(PHOT1 and PHOT2): These photoreceptors with LOV (Light, Oxygen, Voltage) domains control:
   • Phototropic responses
   • Chloroplast movement
   • Stomatal opening
   • Rapid inhibition of hypocotyl elongation

Practical Applications​

The 440 nm wavelength is particularly effective for:

• Preventing leggy growth in seedlings
• Promoting compact, bushy growth habits
• Enhancing leaf development in leafy greens
• Increasing nutritional density in many crops
• Controlling flowering in photoperiod-sensitive plants

When used in horticultural lighting, 440 nm blue light is often combined with red wavelengths (660 nm) to optimize photosynthesis while maintaining desired morphological characteristics.


Here's what was said about UVA:

How does UVA effect plant morphology in cannabis
Edit

Effects of UVA Light on Cannabis Morphology​

UVA radiation (315-400 nm) produces specific morphological and biochemical changes in cannabis plants that differ somewhat from its effects on other plant species. These responses represent both stress adaptations and potential quality-enhancing changes:

Primary Morphological Effects on Cannabis​

1. Growth Patterns​

• Moderately reduces vertical growth, creating more compact plants
• Decreases internode spacing, especially in late vegetative/early flowering stages
• Increases lateral branching when applied during vegetative growth
• May cause slight reduction in overall biomass at higher intensities

2. Leaf Development​

• Induces smaller but thicker leaf formation with UVA exposure
• Increases trichome density on leaf surfaces, particularly on sugar leaves
• Triggers mild leaf curling or cupping as a protective response
• Enhances development of epidermal waxes and cuticle thickness

3. Flowering & Reproductive Structures​

• Significantly increases trichome production on floral structures
• Improves trichome head development and size
• May slightly decrease flower size but increase density
• Can accelerate flowering response time in some cultivars

Biochemical Responses & Secondary Metabolites​

UVA exposure in cannabis triggers production of:

1. Cannabinoids:
   • Moderate increases in total cannabinoid content
   • Enhancement of THC production in some chemotypes
   • Potential modification of cannabinoid ratios, often favoring THC
   • Earlier onset of cannabinoid synthesis
2. Terpenes:
   • Increased terpene concentration, particularly monoterpenes
   • Enhanced production of myrcene, limonene, and pinene
   • Modified terpene profiles with more complex compositions
   • Improved development of aromatic components
3. Protective Compounds:
   • Elevated flavonoid production (anthocyanins, quercetin)
   • Increased phenolic compounds for UV screening
   • Enhanced production of antioxidant compounds

Cultivation Applications​

Cannabis growers use UVA supplementation for:

• Increasing trichome density and resin production
• Enhancing cannabinoid and terpene profiles
• Reducing vertical stretch during early flowering
• Creating more stress-resistant plants
• Potentially increasing pest and pathogen resistance

The optimal UVA exposure appears to be moderate intensity during late vegetative and flowering phases, with gradual introduction to prevent excessive stress responses. Many cultivators introduce UVA supplementation during the final 2-4 weeks of flowering to maximize secondary metabolite production without significantly impacting yield.

UVB -

Effects of UVB Light on Cannabis Morphology​

UVB radiation (280-315 nm) exerts more intense and distinct effects on cannabis morphology compared to UVA, triggering significant stress responses and protective adaptations. Cannabis has evolved specific UVB responses due to its origins in high-altitude regions with naturally elevated UV exposure:

Primary Morphological Effects​

1. Growth Patterns​

• More pronounced inhibition of vertical growth than UVA
• Creates significantly shorter internodal spacing
• Reduces overall plant height by 10-25% with sustained exposure
• Produces notably more compact and dense canopy structure
• May decrease total biomass production at higher intensities

2. Leaf Development​

• Dramatically increases leaf thickness and density
• Causes pronounced leaf cupping/curling as protective response
• Significantly reduces individual leaf size
• May induce visible stress symptoms like slight yellowing at leaf margins
• Promotes development of a waxy, reflective leaf surface

3. Trichome Development​

• Triggers dramatic increases in trichome density (up to 50% higher than controls)
• Stimulates development of larger trichome heads with more glandular content
• Enhances trichome production on sugar leaves and smaller fan leaves
• Creates more mature, amber-headed trichomes earlier in flowering

Biochemical Responses​

UVB exposure in cannabis produces stronger metabolic responses than UVA:

1. Cannabinoid Production:
   • Substantial increases in THC production (15-30% in many studies)
   • More significant impact on THCV levels in strains with this capability
   • Enhanced conversion of THCA to THC
   • Potential increases in CBD in high-CBD cultivars
   • Overall shift toward higher total cannabinoid content
2. Terpene Profile:
   • More pronounced terpene production than with UVA
   • Significant increases in sesquiterpenes (caryophyllene, humulene)
   • Elevation of specific monoterpenes (limonene, pinene)
   • Development of more complex and intense aromatic profiles
   • Generally higher total terpene content
3. UV-Protective Compounds:
   • Dramatic increases in flavonoids and anthocyanins
   • Enhanced production of specific UV-screening phenolic compounds
   • Higher levels of antioxidants throughout plant tissues

Practical Applications​

UVB supplementation in cannabis cultivation is typically used for:

• Maximum enhancement of cannabinoid production
• Controlling plant height without chemical regulators
• Developing more complex terpene profiles
• Increasing overall potency metrics
• Enhancing plant resilience to environmental stressors

Most commercial growers introduce UVB gradually, beginning at low intensity during late vegetative growth and increasing during flowering, with peak exposure during the final 2-3 weeks before harvest. Careful management is necessary as excessive UVB can cause tissue damage, diminished yield, and plant stress beyond the beneficial range


UVC in low doses can be effective in germicidal/fungicidal applications. Otherwise, its harm can outweigh its benefits and is typically not used in cannabis cultivation.

Sold, where can I get me some blue lighting?