the hydro shops in reno tell me that commercial growers in northern Nevada are replacing their 1000 watt HPS lights with 630 watt CMH lights and getting similar yields and better quality. I wonder about the quality of those chinese ballast but if commercial BM growers like them they may be worth a try. I've been looking at a 315 watt CMH on eBay and been thinking about getting one and a 3ft by 3ft tent to try it out. these lights were developed for growing plants and some think they may be the next hot new grow lights
I have a 3x3 grow tent with a
Sun System 315 Watt LEC Fixture with 4,200K Lamp, 120 Volt
Where I am, the temps do get to 50 at night (now) and this light will ONLY add 5 degrees to the tent - nothing more, and usually only 3 degrees between inside and outside the tent. The GOOD part is when the summer comes, it doesn't make the tent very hot. My tent is outside (garage / shed) so running that fixture is NOT good for reducing humidity and NOT good for heating up the tent. But, it sure is good on the electrical bill and it sure is good for taking pictures in the tent/while on, and it does grow well. I'm new to it - so I've been toying the plants between 22' and 14" --- and no matter what space I put it at, the plants NEVER EVER complain.
So, I don't know what is the best distance!!?!? I've been told to use 18" for the light above that I am using. But, I've been doing 16" instead and having no issues with leaves turning over or complaining. Suggestions?