Can a 400w HPS on a light mover replace a 1000w?

Hi,

I am thinking of using a light mover to boost yields. I also got to thinking that since the light will be moving, maybe I can get away with a smaller light?

I was planning on using a 1000w HPS to cover 2-3 flowering units (stinkbud sr's, which I believe are 4' x 2' each). But if I use a single 400-600w on a 4' light rail, then I think the coverage will be the same or even greater (though the plants will have frequent dim periods as the light moves to the other side of the track)

What do you guys think?

Thanks

I'm not thinking about the 1000 anymore. nooe the decision is 2 600's vs 1 1000.

1. In terms of electricity usage are 2 600's going to significantly more expensive than the 1000?

2. Which would you prefer: 2 fixed 600's, or a lowered 1000 moving back and forth on a 4' light rail?

Delta223 said:

1. In terms of electricity usage are 2 600's going to significantly more expensive than the 1000?

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Well, yeah. The number is the amount of watts the light uses. You get charged for how many watts you use for how long. So, going from 1000 watts to 1200 watts is going to cost 20% more because you're using 20% more electricity.

2. Which would you prefer: 2 fixed 600's, or a lowered 1000 moving back and forth on a 4' light rail?

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That's a lot of light, how many plants are you growing? I've got a 4'x2' growing area and a single 400 watt light does just fine.

i use eye hortilux super hps bulbs the 400w is 55,000 the 600w is 88,000 the 1000w is 145,000. so you can see the 600w is 33,000 Lumens more then the 400 but only adds 200w to your bill .maybe a 600w on a track..lumens per watt 400w is 137.5 600w is 146.6 1000w is 145 you can see the 600w is the best $ value ..

If it were me, I'd do two fixed 600w. You get 200 more watts than a single 1000w plus better coverage without the hassle of a light mover. And like johnny said, you get more lumens per watt with the 600w vs the 1000w. Seems like a no-brainer to me.

And the electricity cost between the two is going to be pretty negligible. The two 600w still draws less than most space heaters, so I wouldn't trip on electricity costs.

can i use a 600w hps and a 400 w hps together