What size light is needed for autos?

VACAVILLE,CA.GROWER

Well-Known Member
I am going to grow some autos inside a 32x32x60 tent. I was thinking maybe 2 autos more if possible. I was just curious what size light would be good enough for autos? Could I use a 150 watt hps or maybe a T5.
 

sunny747

Well-Known Member
I am going to grow some autos inside a 32x32x60 tent. I was thinking maybe 2 autos more if possible. I was just curious what size light would be good enough for autos? Could I use a 150 watt hps or maybe a T5.
You'll need a lot of light for that space to grow good bud. The more light the better. 400 watt HPS would do well in that space. You could do probably 6 in 3 gallon pots. I think they'll fit. 400 watt setups with digital ballast and hood are pretty cheap these days.

If you just want two plants you could use a 150w hps for each plant. So two 150's. That would rock two autos. But why buy two 150w HPS for $160 when you could get a whole 400w switchable setup for the same price.

Another option if you want just two autos is to use CFL. 8 26w or 5 42w during flower, surrounding each plant would work great.

You will have a lot of heat with any of these so you will need decent cooling.

One 150 w on two autos won't really yield much, but if they are "ryders" then yes, you'll have some ok bud for your personal stash. Nothing amazing.

My vote is the 400w setup and a good fan and filter. It will produce the best bud, cooling will be simpler, you can run it at 250w during veg, you'll have good coverage from the hood and the best penetration.

Something like this.. It's the "budget" setup, but way better than the other options I presented.

http://www.amazon.com/iPower-GLSETX400DHMAC6-400-Watt-Digital-Dimmable/dp/B005GYMM6U/ref=sr_1_12?s=lawn-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1434437303&sr=1-12&keywords=400+watt+grow+light
 

rnint

Well-Known Member
Im growing under a 250W HPS for flower and 200W CFL for veg so I reckon a 250W HPS would do fine, btw did you do your measurements in inches or what because if its inches then yeah 250W HPS will do you fine but if your talking cm or anything
 

Nummingtons

Well-Known Member
Go with a 400 HPS it will give you right around 50 watt per sqft and 5000 lumens per sqft. For some good home grown you don't really need more than that. I would not go more than two in that space unless you get off the autos and go to photos and grow a sea of green. Find a used ballast and hood it will be about half the price of a new one, spend your money on a decent bulb.
 

VACAVILLE,CA.GROWER

Well-Known Member
Im growing under a 250W HPS for flower and 200W CFL for veg so I reckon a 250W HPS would do fine, btw did you do your measurements in inches or what because if its inches then yeah 250W HPS will do you fine but if your talking cm or anything
Hello my grow tent is 32x32x60 inches.
 

Desr

Well-Known Member
thats where the advantage comes in getting a dimmable ballast. You can just switch bulbs for room size 400/600 etc
 
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