Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Only thing that would cut it at that height is HPS or metal halide, at least you know now why your seedlings are dying. Expend all their energy to get enough light weaken and die.

I know it's not what you want to hear, but even over the 2 sqft area the seller recommends... that light will be ineffective! This is what you need to get effective growth out of a 2 sqft area: https://www.hydrogrowled.com/84X-PRO--- ... 84C60.aspx

I've been through this scenario many times with customers and I've seen what works and what doesn't. Like I said before, I don't sell LED's anymore, but one of my customers has purchased that exact set of LED's I linked to, he uses it in a 2 sqft area and is very happy with it. Prior to purchasing it he had bought a number of cheaper and/or lower wattage LED arrays online that all claimed to be suitable for a 2 sqft area... they are all in the bin now.

I wouldn't put any into the system, citric acid is one of the most effective anti-bacterial agents there is, they use it in hospitals for this reason.

Someone was daft enough to spend close to $600 on 2 square ft of grow area?

Yep, in fact when he bought them it was closer to AU $800 by the time he landed them here. It all depends on how much you like your "tomatoes"... and whether or not you would prefer to grow them yourself, or buy them off someone else.

I should have been more clear about the citric acid. I sprinkle a little on top of the soil in seed starter trays. Not in my system water.

Hi
Leaving the discussion on LED lights aside for one moment.
PH in seed germination is often overlooked but is an important factor.
Your citric acid on soil is an example Ron.
Check the PH of the plants you wish to germinate and adjust accordingly.
Titus
Becoming a bit of a PH fanatic.

Now you've got me intrigued.

What's the optimum Ph for germination?

Hi Colum
Watercress is my specific area of reading where a PH of 6.3 is preferable.
Generally however I would say Ph 6 - 6.5 is optimum.
Google it. Specific thanks to a school boy in California who germinated beans at varying PH as part of a school project
Titus