lighting question

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probdune

Active Member
I am aware of the "inverse square law" but am considering a very small grow to start (2' X 3')

My intention was to use an enhanced spectrum 400W HPS (e.g. EYE Hortilux).

Is this enough or should I go to the 600W boy :grin:?

My intention is to grow aeroponically as I do have some horticulutural background.

TIA
 
Token

Token

Well-Known Member
2 maybe 3 plants is all i would grow with just 1 400w MH, but it will work great good luck.
 
-=4:20=-Guy

-=4:20=-Guy

Well-Known Member
With that small of an area a 250W would be suffecient for 2 - 4 small plants in up to a 3x3 space. A 400W is of course better as is a 600W. Really depends on what you can afford to run. Heres a site that has an awsome selection of lights and good prices Light Bulbs, Rope Lights, Halogen & Fluorescent Light Bulbs ;ballasts to.

If you do go over 400W maby concider a 400W HPS and a some CFLs, maby even two 100W HPS's, for the mid sections if you can get tall.
 
Widow Maker

Widow Maker

Well-Known Member
2-1000 watters! :) j/k

The 600 watt is supposed to put out the most lumens per watt. But for a couple of plants it prolly isnt needed.
 
babygro

babygro

Well-Known Member
probdune said:
My intention was to use an enhanced spectrum 400W HPS (e.g. EYE Hortilux).
Click to expand...
A 400w HPS should be fine in that small area in terms of lumens but I'd suggest you also think fairly carefully about ventilation and heat build up and removal in such a small area - that's likely to be more of a concern than whether the 400w is enough lumens. You might want to consider the Envirolite cfl's in such a small space, in terms of usable lumen light they're broadly similar to a 400w hps (2x200w Enviro's) but put out far less heat.

Good luck.
 
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shortys6934

Active Member
how far away should a metal halide lightbulb 1000 watts be from the top of ur plant, n is 1 1000 watt metal halide enough for like 10 plants or should i put another metal halide on the ground facing the fronts of the plant as well????
thanks peace
 
mogie

mogie

Well-Known Member
Shorty tell me how big is the grow area? Are you going to be using reflective coating on your walls? The 1000 watter do you have exhaust planned? Is this a two stage operation veg and flowerting?
 
MajoR_TokE

MajoR_TokE

Well-Known Member
I would say 400w of HPS will be more then enough in your space, if you set it up correctly. Heat may be an problem tho, you will need some type of air extractor, Good luck!
 
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probdune

Active Member
Actually I intend on doing a ScrOG. The lighting described was only for the flowering chamber. I have plenty of ventilation. Basically I can make it whatever I want it to be. I can easily achieve 400-800cfm. I also intend on using an air cooled reflector.

I have heard lots of "rules of thumb" about lumens etc. e.g., 50 watts/sq.ft. min. I was trying to decide to use a 400 watt and bring it closer to the plants or use a 600 and pull it back slightly. I understand that the 600 is most "efficient" in lumens per watt.

I will have an additional veggetative area with a smaller (250 watt MH) as well as a small clone machine.

The Hortilux is an enhanced spectrum HPS, similar to the 430 watt Son Agro.

I have 8' of height and a total floor space of 55 sq.ft.

Thanks for all your input, it's great!
 
MajoR_TokE

MajoR_TokE

Well-Known Member
If you use a 400w and put it closer then spec it will burn the plant. If you use a 600w and pull it back slightly more then spec, the light won't be as intense. 55 square feet alot of floor space, i would say you need atleast 2 600 watters with a light mover
 
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probdune

Active Member
thanks again for the suggestions. Actually I have 55 sq. ft total to use. I do not intend to use nearly that much for a flowering chamber.

The intended use is strictly medicinal (really, my spouse suffers greatly from MS). Therefore my grow is only to support our very private and personal needs. I made an assumption that with some experience and hard gained knowlege, a 3' X 3' SOG or ScrOG should yield plenty on a 60 -90 day cycle.

I know I getting off track now and need to jump to another thread, but my intent is "give it a go" with a high yielding Indica/Sativa mix in about a 60/40 or 80/20 ratio.

I am fortunate enough to have access (and can operate/interpret mass spectra) to a nice GCMS to check the THC and CBD (as well as any other fractions that come off) content of my "produce" and adjust conditions/genetics to enhance qualities that will benefit most.

Thanks again for the chats.

cheers
 
OmegaVermelho

OmegaVermelho

Well-Known Member
Dude with 8´ and good vent i would go with 600w HPS, the dif in tield will make up for the electricity bill...happy grow
 
-=4:20=-Guy

-=4:20=-Guy

Well-Known Member
Ya I would go with at least the 600W but lean towards 2x400W or a 1000W and a light track for a room that size; 2x600W if you can afford the bill.
 
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