8 x 8 is perfect of 4 x Hortilux EYE 1000w...145,000 lumens and 1600 umol. Each 1 will blast a 4 x 4 area with 62.5w sq/ft, and is powerful enough to grow any strain to max genetics. The sun has 1000w Sq/m. 10,000 lumens Sq/ft.. Lumens do matter, or scientists wouldn't use this measurement. Same for w/sq/m.
The 1000w HPS Hortilux is Blue Enhanced, 2100k, and can also be used from start to finish. I, and my cohorts have used these bulbs since they came out, which is 20+ years.
Id get the Magnum XXXL Hoods.. Low Profile. 40.25 x 31.75 x 12. 8 inch ducting.
I also suggest 2 x 32w Solacure UVA/B bulbs 4ft, for each 4 x 4 area.
But for me, these would be no competition for lighting an 8 x 8 area with anything other than a Hortilux, and wanting the most Bang, for the Buck.
I also love the 1000w Gavita, but they require more height, are more expensive, much hotter, and cover more area. 5 x 6 vs 4 x 4. 30sq/ft vs 16...... If you could cool them, and have the height... 4 1000w Gavitas will get you closer to replicating the sun as far as lighting intensity is concerned. 4 Gavitas in an 8 x 8 area at 40 inches would be closer to the intensity of the sun.
Sun is 1600 lumens per sq/ft. The Gavita is 166,000 lumens,....1666 lumens sq/f, but when you consider the Inverse Square Law, t will of course drop off a bit.
