Whats up, Stink! I had to drop by to say thank you for sharing the knowledge and to ask you a question regarding lighting! Much props, bro! You've converted me from an organic grower to hydro from the first day I've started reading this thread. Its been a couple of months now since I started, and planning has progressed over that time. So, its time to start dropping some bones for equip and supplies.
I'll start w/ asking about your thought process when setting up your current room (flower), how did you decide on the correct lighting. I know this has been discussed throughout the forum, but I this is going to be an ideal room by the time I finish, so w/ regard to the wattage of light that you select (600 vs 1000W)? I'm anticipating setting up the 3 Aero/NFT setups. The room size is still being decided, as I have an unfinished basement I'm going to frame up and finish for appropriate sized clone/veg and flower rooms. From your experience, do you feel I would be better off utilizing 3x 600W HortiluxSHPS bulbs initially, or 2x 1000W on a mover for this setup? I've currently started reading Jorge Cervantes' 'The Bible' for general reference. Taking into consideration the pros and cons of each light, I cannot decide which would be more appropriate. I've done the math taking into consideration the inverse square law, and it seems as if the 1000W lights would be better, since you get about 33% more lumens at 2 ft, and still even more when you move the 600W to 18 in compared to the 1000W at 24". I'm going to try to stick w/ your instruction of using hybrid or indica strains as to keep the height of plants down, but I, like you, enjoy sativas more, so I would like to able to improvise once I get some additional experience using this system. So, I don't anticipate having huge plants, but I would still like the best penetration possible (1000W). In addition, more light sources means increase overlap, and overall more light when using the 600W, but only if your placement of each 14 plant system is in the ideal location, and there are only 2, not 3, ideal locations where the light overlaps when using the 3x 600W lights! Now I know why you stated that 4x 600W would be the best! I plan on adding 1 additional light in 6 mos when I can afford to do so. Anyway, ultimately, what is my determining factor here? This room will be setup as close to ideal as possible, short of being sealed, w/ A/C, I should be able to accommodate all other necessary room components and variables. Btw, electricity consumption is not an issue w/ me. I'm just trying to get an ideal room setup, while growing the nicest bud and great yields.
I wanted to ask you if you have tried lining the reservoirs w/ black plastic bags for each grow, as was suggested early on in the thread? If so, how did this work for you? And if you tried running the CO2 tubing along the tops of the 'support structure' yet? Do you think that having the CO2 directly on the plants is a positive/negative?
I need to clarify that you use only one of the recyclable timers for all of the pumps? If so, you just use a basic splitter on the timer to provide additional outlets?
Next, I just wanted to ask what kind of reflectors you use in your room? Do you have an opinion on what you think are the best reflectors?
Also, I can appreciate that you use Botanicare nutes, as that is what I currently use in soil, and I think they are underrated. Is there a reason that you don't use Hydroplex in your 'recipe'? I'm just curious?
Last, do you have a website off the top of your head that you use to buy the EZ clone sprayers? The cheapest I've found is .70 ea. I'm trying to limit costs, since I'm going to try to have a couple extra sets on hand.
Sorry bro, I know I'm killing you w/ Q's, but I figure get them all out of the way at once. Your input, as always, is much appreciated. CHeers, dak