You can run veg with the lights, but I do not. I was using a T5 for veg, but I am building a 200w CXB3590 5000k light. If you want to veg and flower, I would go with 3500k or 4000k for a happy median.
I also do not dim my lights. I have not found a need to as they plants have always done well under full power. True power draw from the wall is 442w with BOTH lights. They draw 221w each.
I run 10 plants in my area 2x5 area. I am not currently running as I am moving in a week, but new setup will be much better. I top them I think 3 times on both runs (HPS and LED). I personally do not feel plant count is a big deal. I can run 3 plants in my area and grow them larger, or run 10 smaller. You just have to veg longer w/ 3 plants. 10 plants cuts down on veg time.
As far as the pot size comparison, I did do multiple pot sizes in the same area, same amount of plants. The 5 gallon did do a bit better than 3 gallon, but I am not sure its worth the extra cost of soil in the end. I would definitely use 3gal over 2gal though. And use 5gal if you plan on growing less plants in your same area (or even 7gal). SOrry for the late response, not sure how I missed it @Humanrob .
I also do not dim my lights. I have not found a need to as they plants have always done well under full power. True power draw from the wall is 442w with BOTH lights. They draw 221w each.
I run 10 plants in my area 2x5 area. I am not currently running as I am moving in a week, but new setup will be much better. I top them I think 3 times on both runs (HPS and LED). I personally do not feel plant count is a big deal. I can run 3 plants in my area and grow them larger, or run 10 smaller. You just have to veg longer w/ 3 plants. 10 plants cuts down on veg time.
As far as the pot size comparison, I did do multiple pot sizes in the same area, same amount of plants. The 5 gallon did do a bit better than 3 gallon, but I am not sure its worth the extra cost of soil in the end. I would definitely use 3gal over 2gal though. And use 5gal if you plan on growing less plants in your same area (or even 7gal). SOrry for the late response, not sure how I missed it @Humanrob .