Lighting Question

First off I have spent the past hour looking for an anwser. I normaly find what i need to know thats why i do not post much. But i cant find it. I have been growing with a 400w hid and i am upgrading. should i get 2 more 400w lights or one 1000w light? i am using a whole room that is about 8x12. Would more smaller lights be better? ore one big one? I know there might be mixed opinions but I would like as many as possible. Also i might get a light mover. I am looking to grow SOG.. Thanks and if this has already been talked about a link to that one will do and sorry

With two light you can move them easer but with the 1000 watter you get more lumens. Hmmm good question!

delstele said:

With two light you can move them easer but with the 1000 watter you get more lumens. Hmmm good question!

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if he cant keep the 1000w cool enough so its close to the plants he will lose a lot of lumens. Its said that every 12'' the light is away you actually lose half the lumens. My 400w HPS right now is about 8'' from the tops of my plants. It was at 6'' for a bit but they are starting to grow a little more dont wanna burn em.

To the OP, why not 2 600w's? HTG supply has some nice ones for $200 ($250.00 with the MH conversion bulb)

http://www.htgsupply.com/viewproduct.asp?productID=48956

I kinda regret getting a 400w, its good dont get me wrong. Just think 600w would be a better buy for smaller spaces.

I was thinking of useing the mover with the 1k or use 3 400's without a mover.

lumens are lumens think about it. Figure out how many lumens will be given off from 3 400watt light and how much is one 1000 watt? I'd be worrying about the heat either way

the best idea, is keeping your 400w mh, purchasing a 1000w hps and use them both as a full spectrum. You will have FAR better results than using other methods.
If not than get an hps, cause you can change your mind later, and still get a conversion bulb

In an 8x12 room you could have a lot more light, but will need a better filter.

cool tube them run three 400's and put them on a sun dial or track moving system...yes lummens at 12" are half listed value so with 3 lamps putting out 55,000 verses one putting out 109,000 with being able to keep them closer the 400's will work better.....unless you build some shelfs on the walls and do a stadium grow even then you'll need to suplement a few smaller lamps once things got going I'd run 3 400's on a light mover and cool tube them all hope that helps 1000 watters tend to be less eff than smaller lamps and bulb life is short digital 600's are about the best bang for you $$$ and bulb life is a lot longer which will save some money in the long run...

I wouldnt worry too much about heat, just build an intake, or add air conditioning
light movers are even better, as long as you have more hps than mh, the more light the better.
you could also look into HID floods, easy to mount in such a big area.