Do I need more lights?

[that1guy1388]

Hey everyone! So I've got a 5 x 9 Gorilla Grow Tent with 8 buckets inside and 2 900w Mars Hydro (given to me) that are new. As far as coverage on their site it says they cover 3.5x3.5ft(flowering) and 4x4ft(veg). I'm getting told two different things that I have plenty of light to that I don't have enough light and I need more. What do you guys/gals think? Any advice would be super awesome!! Thanks.

 

[ApfelStrudel]

Well the site says 3.5x3.5 for flower and you have 5x9.

How much do these lights actually pull from the wall? You want about 40-50W per square foot for flower. You got 45 square foot to cover.

 

[BigHornBuds]

You always need more lights . Even if you don’t turn them on today, tomorrow is a new day.

But ya, your not going to be making lots of weight with a couple mars’ .

 

[that1guy1388]

Thanks for the info! I did know the more lights the better I just didn't want to over/under do it. It says actual power consumption:110V:445-455w;220V:440-450W if that what you meant.

 

[ApfelStrudel]

Thanks for the info! I did know the more lights the better I just didn't want to over/under do it. It says actual power consumption:110V:445-455w;220V:440-450W if that what you meant.

That's what I ment. So you got approximately 20W per square foot to cover your whole tent. You'll want at least double the ammount to have decent yield in a full tent.

 

[that1guy1388]

That's what I ment. So you got approximately 20W per square foot to cover your whole tent. You'll want at least double the ammount to have decent yield in a full tent.

Bummer. What would you or anyone else on here recommend as for as lights and if so to how many more I should purchase? Would like to stick with LED I've done a good amount of research as far as brands and what most people use and I know how expense they can get but I'm always open to options/opinions. All this info is great thanks again!

 

[that1guy1388]

Buy you a couple QB's and put in the center to spread your "footprint" out. or 4 QB's , and put them on the ends . Will get you closer to filling the whole tent. Just a suggestion.

I've looked at GB's but I honestly don't know much about them and how they work to have given it any thought.Do you have a brand/model in mind I could look at or maybe a few? Thanks!

 

[PrometheanLeaf]

What is your budget like, that would help a lot with this sort of question.

 

[ttystikk]

Thanks for the info! I did know the more lights the better I just didn't want to over/under do it. It says actual power consumption:110V:445-455w;220V:440-450W if that what you meant.

Mars Hydro over drives their chips, leading to overheating, lower efficiency and shorter lifespan. They do this because driving fewer chips harder is cheaper. That's why such lights are held in such contempt by experienced growers. It's a good thing you got them free; that's about all they're worth.

Those two lights will adequately light about half that tent.

 

[ttystikk]

Bummer. What would you or anyone else on here recommend as for as lights and if so to how many more I should purchase? Would like to stick with LED I've done a good amount of research as far as brands and what most people use and I know how expense they can get but I'm always open to options/opinions. All this info is great thanks again!

I'd recommend HLG or Timber or the equivalent. Get a light with at least 55% efficiency and you'll only need about 35W/ft².

 

[coreywebster]

You can veg that space with those lights. But will need more light for flowering.
If your skint just work to the 7x3.5 footprint the two lights give you until you have a crop done and can afford to fully light your space.

 

[trichcrazy]

i started with one 1000 watt hps and one 315 cmh in a 9 x13 room and was not enough.
since then i bought 5 more 315's and got rid of the hps. now it really lights that room up and grows plants much faster and much fuller. gotta have the power.

 

[that1guy1388]

What is your budget like, that would help a lot with this sort of question.

I honestly don't have a budget per say but I don't wanna break that bank and go balls to the wall. So maybe a solid medium if there is such a light. Ha.

 

[that1guy1388]

I'd recommend HLG or Timber or the equivalent. Get a light with at least 55% efficiency and you'll only need about 35W/ft².

Cool thanks! So should I just get rid of the Mars and start over is that what you're saying? What are HLG's And Timber? LED, QBs, Cob?nAny recommendations on those two brands? Thanks!

 

[that1guy1388]

You can veg that space with those lights. But will need more light for flowering.
If your skint just work to the 7x3.5 footprint the two lights give you until you have a crop done and can afford to fully light your space.

I'm always open to getting new lights they were free so I didn't lose any money on them so I'm willing to pay for something thats worth it long as it doesn't break the bank though I do get LED is or can be expensive for high end. Thanks!

 

[that1guy1388]

i started with one 1000 watt hps and one 315 cmh in a 9 x13 room and was not enough.
since then i bought 5 more 315's and got rid of the hps. now it really lights that room up and grows plants much faster and much fuller. gotta have the power.

Damn thats crazy awesome! Does it get super hot?

 

[ttystikk]

Cool thanks! So should I just get rid of the Mars and start over is that what you're saying? What are HLG's And Timber? LED, QBs, Cob?nAny recommendations on those two brands? Thanks!

Talk to them and they'll tell you what's best for your needs and price range.

Use the Mars lights until you can replace them. Just be aware that you're on borrowed time due to their low reliability, and that you'll be dealing with higher energy bills due to lower efficiency and excess heat in your tent.

 

[ttystikk]

Damn thats crazy awesome! Does it get super hot?

Heat and humidity management are both required and part of the deal, no matter what light source you use.

 

[ttystikk]

I'm always open to getting new lights they were free so I didn't lose any money on them so I'm willing to pay for something thats worth it long as it doesn't break the bank though I do get LED is or can be expensive for high end. Thanks!

Yes, quality LED lights are pricey. They'll also save you energy so they'll keep your utility bills down for as long as you use them... which can be a very long time indeed, since they often have lifetime ratings of 50,000 hours or more. So you'll be getting a quality product that lasts. I'd say it's well worth the investment.

 

[that1guy1388]

Yes, quality LED lights are pricey. They'll also save you energy so they'll keep your utility bills down for as long as you use them... which can be a very long time indeed, since they often have lifetime ratings of 50,000 hours or more. So you'll be getting a quality product that lasts. I'd say it's well worth the investment.

Definitely a plus to keep power consumption down. I don't if it makes a difference but my tent is 5 x 9 like I mentioned but I went and measured from the wall to where the buckets start and end and its 5 x 6.5 give or take if this changes anything as far as lights needed.