Hello all. I have been reading a lot of great information here and am starting to design a small grow room. I am going to try a DWC system (in part because it sounds like a fun project to put together and tinker with). I have purchased some of the parts for the system at Wal-Mart, Home Depot and the local garden store. I have plenty of clean space in my basement to set up the room. The area has 10' ceilings and no light intrusion. It is also very private.

I am going to start with only a 2-3 plant system since I will just be growing for my own use. My question is what kind of lighting should I be looking to get. I have read a lot, but I find myself more confused than ever. It seems like it might be easier to purchase a complete lighting system (I don't mind spending the extra money for good lights that work especially since I am building the rest of the system). I have looked at HTGSupply Digital Electronic Ultimate 400 watt HPS & MH Grow light system. Can anyone tell me if I am looking in the right ballpark for a small grow? Has anyone had any experience with this type of system? Any advice or alternatives.

Thanks in advance for the input.

Peace.

With that kind of space I would use a 600w HID light, more lumen output than a 400w. The more light you can give your plants the better. Hope that helps.

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No point in mentioning these bats I thought, poor bastard will see them soon enough.

Thanks chuckd420. I certainly want to have sufficient light and am willing to spend money on the lights as I understand that lights are the most important thing to a good grow. I can spend the money, but don't want to overkill on the size of the lights for a small grow.

One other question I have is size of the space. It seems like most people are trying to fit their grows into a small space. I have a very large space I can work with. It's great for elbow room while working, but I'm wondering if I should try to section off the space. My thinking is that the larger space will give me much more air circulation and allow me to keep the space from getting too hot. Is there any reason I should try to section off the space into something smaller?

The only reason I can see to section off the space into something smaller would be for stealth. If you have the room, your imagination can run wild.

Three DWC plants can get HUGE, if they're allowed to.
600 watt systems are somewhat more efficient than 400 or 1000 watt units. By that, I mean that you get more lumens per watt of power used.

Post pictures. We are pic whores.

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Charlie

Thanks Charlie.

I'm going to look into the 600 watt HPS & MH duel system to get the best light spectrum for growth and blooming.

I will post pictures of the progress starting this week, but it is going to take a bit for me to get up and running. I want to make sure I prepare properly.